expect?â
Frankly, sheâd never once thought of such a thing. The sexual act, what she knew of it, consisted of grunting men and passive wives who dutifully gave whatever pleasure their husbands needed so they could return quickly to more important obligations. Although sheâd teased the Duke of Newark about becoming his lover the night they met in her dressing room, sheâd never considered doing such a thing with anyone else.
âYou donât have an answer?â he asked rather brusquely.
She shook her head, blinking quickly in confusion. âNo, of course not. I meanâIâve justâIâve neverthought about it.â
He laughed out loud with genuine amazement. âYouâre telling me Iâm the only man youâve considered taking as a lover?â
That made her mad. âMy life is my singing, your grace,â she articulated, eyes flashing. âI couldnât care any less about your needs, your desires, your mistresses, nor do I care to take aâ¦variety of men to my bed. So, no. I can honestly say that I have no desire for any lover but you.â Yielding a bit, she added, âAnd only if weâre properly married.â
Something in her words or manner got to him. His features softened, his lips once again formed a hint of a smile, and he leaned his head against the back of his wooden rocker.
âWhat a priceless bargain you offer me, Charlotte.â
With grace and a sweeping of her skirts, she slowly stood, her reticule clutched at her waist, facing him with marked determination. âI do hope youâll consider my proposal with care, sir. Iâm very, very serious about it. I do not intend to take the marriage vows lightly, and will do my best to honor you with my utmost devotion.â
He grinned wryly. âAs a dutiful wife?â
For a moment Charlotte wondered if he were mocking her, then decided she didnât want to know. âYes, exactly,â she replied modestly.
After drawing a deep breath and exhaling fully, he gradually stood to meet the challenge in her gaze. But instead of simply dismissing her or bidding her good day from behind his desk, he walked swiftly around it, toward her, almost alarming her whenhe moved to her side, his expression one of pure satisfaction. She had no idea what to make of that.
âYour grace?â she murmured, concern edging her words.
He grinned devilishly. âI suppose you wonât let me kiss you again until weâre properly married?â
She stared up to his beautiful, handsome face, his knowing expression and amusement-filled eyes. âSo you agree to my proposal?â
She held her breath, hopeful, with dreams of taking the stage in Milan for the first time, the applause, the thrown roses, the cheers and accolades.
âItâsâ¦the most enticing offer of marriage Iâve received from a lady, Iâll say that much.â
Thatâs it? âIâve offered you everything I can, your grace. Itâs a perfect opportunity, for both of us. We need each other.â
His smile slowly faded, his eyes narrowed, and for a second or two she feared sheâd gone too far in practically begging.
And then, instead of kissing her as she feared heâd do, hoped heâd do, he reached out and placed his palm beneath her chin, lifting her head a little as he gently brushed his thumb across her lips.
She shivered, trying to back away, but her knees bumped up against the chair in which sheâd only just been sitting.
âYouâre quite a treasure, arenât you?â he murmured, brows furrowed as he scanned every inch of her face.
She drew in a shaky breath and he removed his thumb. âMy brother thinks Iâm merely trouble. But Iâll try to behave myself when Iâm with you, especially when weâre watched by societyâs eye in anypublic forum.â
His lips curved up wryly. âThatâs very good to know.â
She
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