Page 50 of Keeper of Secrets

“You’re still a virgin?—”

“And now I’m in danger from a madman that we watched jump out a third-story window after he knocked me out and kidnapped me.And you want to set me free?”

Those were all very valid points.His chest ached at the idea of letting her go.“Try to understand.This time, I’m doing what’s best for you.”

“What’s best for me?”Her voice rose with every word.“What’s best for me?!”

“Yes,” he answered holding up his hands.He’d been selfish, he could see that now.And this time, when he acted, he’d think of her.

Her hands went back to her hips.“Retire from that ridiculous club.That would be best for me.”

She had a point there.He nearly grinned at the way she ordered him about.

“Marry me.”

He had a hard time arguing with that.By Jove, she was glorious.“Anything else?”

“I’ve seen London.I prefer the country.”

His heart stalled as he stared at her.Did she still want to live separately?He’d made the demand.How did he go back on what he’d made her promise?

But last night when he’d held her in his arms, he’d fully understood.There was no halfway with Chloe.He was either all in or he was likely drinking himself to death.“Chloe, I can’t live apart from my wife.I know it’s not fair to say after I made the demand but?—”

“Don’t be a fool.Of course we’re not living apart.It was a ridiculous request to begin with, and besides, I need a husband who is going to keep me warm at night and safe during the day.”

He stood up, his knees against the bed and stared down at her upturned face.“You want me to move to the country with you?”

She nipped at her lip, looking vulnerable for the first time during this conversation.“We can move back and forth between London and your preferred country estate but…”

He didn’t let her finish.Hooking an arm under her ass, he dragged her up against his body, pressing her torso down the length of his.“Are you sure?I’m a lot to handle.”

She smiled, a soft, sweet smile right before she gave him a slow kiss.“I know.”

Of course she did.He’d been on full display since she’d crashed into his life.“I don’t know if I’ll make a good father.My examples were dreadful.”

“Mine was excellent.I’ll show you if you’ll let me.”

He kissed her again.The passion was there, simmering under the tender touch, but more than he wanted to devour her, this kiss was meant to show her that he loved her.“Promise?”

“Promise.”

And then she threaded her hands into his hair, opening her mouth under his for a kiss that scorched his soul.

This was his woman.And he was her man.End of story.

“Chloe.”He managed to say between long, steamy kisses where their tongues tangled and their mouths melded.

“Yes?”

“I’m going to make love to you now.”

“Yes,” she answered, one of her legs hooking around his waist.“Yes.”

And with that he laid her back down on the bed, his body coming on top of hers.He was so glad that he got to do this during the daylight.He wanted to see everything.

CHAPTERSEVENTEEN

Ryker’s weightpressed her to the mattress as their kiss went on and on.Not that she wanted it to end.She could kiss this man forever.

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