Page 19 of The Billionaire's Marriage Dare

“When I meet new people, most of the time I either feel a lack of empathy or contempt. But you were different.” One corner of Christian’s lips went up as he murmured, “You had this feel about you I rarely sense in other people, a way of looking at the world.”

Jane slowly closed her eyes, feeling like she was being serenaded even though her mind told her she was being silly.

“A way of looking at yourself...”

“And whatever it was, it made me pay attention, and that rarely happens.”

Her eyes opened, and her breathing became uneven when she found Christian gazing at her intensely.

“Trust me, pet. You’re good with people.”

Her throat bobbed as she swallowed. His words painted a picture of herself that Jane didn’t recognize, but oh – was it bad that she wanted it to be true?

“You’ll be perfect in keeping everyone off my back, but you’ll also be able to keep me in line if necessary.”

“When,” Jane couldn’t resist pointing out sweetly. “Now’s the time you should use ‘when.’”

She thought she had scored with that, but then he smirked. “You’re already doing it now.”

Huh?

“Keeping me in line.”

Jane started in her seat. He was right! She mulled it over, and Jane realized something.

And she started to laugh.

“What is it?” Christian’s British accent became pronounced in his puzzlement.

“Since I’m the one keeping you in line—-” Jane’s laughter threatened to bubble past her lips once more, but she managed to keep it down, saying, “Doesn’t that make me your master and you my pet?”

Christian’s handsome face became stoic.

Don’t look smug, Jane told herself. Don’t look smug.

But then she heard Christian mutter under his breath, “Bloody hell.”

She couldn’t keep it in any longer.

Jane didn’t just laugh. She practically doubled over, gasping and clutching her stomach, laughing until there were tears in her eyes. Straightening, she told herself to take the upper road, but then she saw his jaw clenching, and Jane couldn’t help crowing, “Hashtag Am I Right!”

And that set her off again.

After a few moments, she heard him say, “Alright, that’s enough.” His voice was serious but gentle. “Time for serious talk, pet.” His hands clasped her waist—-

Jane gasped when she suddenly found herself lifted off her seat.

He deposited her on the island, right between his arms, her legs dangling off the edge.

“I’m serious, Jane. I want to marry you.”

She bit her lip. “I just think marriage seems excessive—-”

He shook his head. “There’s something you must understand. My life is my work. My passion. It’s the invisible third party in all my previous relationships—-” He stopped. “You seem surprised. Did you think I haven’t had any ex-girlfriends?”

“Umm—-”

He raised a brow. “You never thought about me in the past two weeks?”

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