Page 78 of A Virgin for the Ruthless Duke

He gathered her into his arms at that moment, whispering gibberish in her ear as he sought to soothe her, patting her back until she calmed down.

“You do know you are a fool, Your Grace,” she muttered against his chest, causing him to chuckle in relief.

“Yes, but you are not my naive bluestocking anymore.”

“I still love reading,” she said in protest.

“I will endeavor to buy you all the books you want. I will even listen to you review them.”

“Promise?” she asked, stepping away to stare at him with trusting eyes.

His heart soared with love as he replied, “I promise. Does this mean you accept my proposal, My Lady?”

“Yes, of course I do, you oaf,” she said, punching his arm again.

He was so relieved and happy. He held her tighter and buried his face into her sweet-smelling hair. He never wanted to let her go. If he had his way, he would absorb her into him so that she became one with him.

They were interrupted by someone clearing their throat rather loudly, and they broke apart to see Stephen standing at the top of the stairs, his arms folded over his chest.

“I should hope that you plan to make an honest woman out of my sister, with the way you are embracing her in broad daylight. I never would have expected it of you. I always thought you were a stickler for propriety,” he said with an arched eyebrow.

“I do not think he is anymore,” Selina said, her musical laughter bringing a smile to her brother’s lips.

They had been forced to endure her gloominess over the past few days, and hearing her laugh was a welcome change. Richard obviously thought so as well because he was staring at her helplessly.

“Perhaps I no longer care what they think,” he said, staring into her eyes, his love for her shining bright.

Not when the prize is having you in my arms.

“Oy, love birds,” Hebert called, clapping his hands to remind them of his presence. “You can moon over each other later. I believe we have more pressing issues at hand.”

“Such as?” Selina asked, still making eyes at Richard.

“There is the matter of the dowry,” Stephen answered dryly, forcing them to focus their attention on him. “I also have somescores to settle with Seymour before he becomes my brother-in-law. He has to pay for his crimes,” he added firmly.

“And what crimes are those, if I might ask?” she asked.

“He should have known better than to touch his friend’s sister, especially when I had instructed him to ‘guide’ her.”

“That is ridiculous. He didn’t do anything untoward.”

“Your opinion on this matter does not count. This is a matter of honor between two gentlemen.”

“How did you know that he had anything to do with me, Stephen?” she asked, shooting Herbert a suspicious look.

“Sorry, Sister, you know how persuasive brothers can be,” Hebert said with a sheepish smile.

She did know he was a trained warrior and quite adept at wheedling out information.

“The faster we have this conversation, the faster the matter is settled, and I can return to my wife,” Stephen said, turning to head to his study.

“Do not worry, my love. I am made of sterner stuff than you know,” Richard said with a reassuring smile.

“Stay safe,” Selina said, a concerned look on her face, before pressing a kiss to his cheek.

She stood there for a while, watching him walk into the study.

Men were such contrary creatures at times, she thought with a shake of her head.

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