Page 93 of A Virgin for the Rakish Marquess

Diana whipped her head around, scandalized, suddenly very aware of the hundreds of guests around them.

“James!” she hissed.

He chuckled darkly, utterly unrepentant.

“You survived my brother during the engagement and the wedding ceremony. It would be a pity to lose my husband before my wedding night. You are pushing your luck,” she muttered, her cheeks scarlet red.

James hummed in agreement as he pulled her closer, pressing her against him in a way that was surely indecent.

“I have all the luck in the world, my flower.” He tilted her chin up with one finger, his lips hovering just above hers. “Because I have you.”

The dance ended, and as if conjured by their words, Stephen and Elizabeth materialized next to them.

The men were still fighting to find their balance, and Diana looked at Elizabeth, who smiled at the male need to assert power when they actually had none.

“James,” Stephen said coldly. “Do I have to say it?”

“I am sure it will be a warning that would include dismemberment.”

“I am glad we are in agreement.”

James nodded and looked down at Diana, who was still shocked to hear her overbearing brother speak to her husband like that. She was ready to give him a piece of her mind when James spoke softly.

“You don’t have to like me, but I vow…” He looked squarely into Stephen’s eyes. “I will cherish and protect her. Her happiness will be all that I will strive for. And if anyone hurts her…” Hiseyes darkened, and his voice dropped. “If anyone hurts her, I will need a hand in that dismemberment business.”

Stephen’s eyes darkened too. Did those two bond over tearing people’s limbs apart just now?

“How about we leave people’s limbs where they are meant to be?” Elizabeth cut through the tension.

Then, she pulled Diana into a tender hug that brought tears to her eyes.

“I will miss you,” she murmured.

“I think you will be occupied,” Diana said with a watery smile. “And we will be seeing each other all the time.”

“I am so happy.” Elizabeth pulled back and stroked her hair. “I am so proud you took the risk.”

“Thanks to you, I will truly live.”

They hugged, only to be interrupted by an invasion.

“I am here!” Selina announced, sweeping into the conversation like a queen claiming her throne. “I am ready for my thanks and a deep, sincere apology.”

Diana looked up. Richard was pulling James in a warm embrace, but her sister was regarding her with an open challenge.

“Thanks?” Diana narrowed her eyes at her.

“Oy, I want my dues too,” Herbert chimed in behind her.

“You are insufferable!” Diana huffed.

“I think you meant insightful,” Selina corrected. “Or is it brilliant?”

“How about perceptive?” Herbert offered.

“I would love to hear that we are simply ingenious for setting that auction up.”

“How about rash and irresponsible?” Diana retorted.

---