Page 113 of A Duke in the Rough

As wonderful as her show of affection felt, he needed to hear the words. “So you’ll marry me? Regardless of who I am?”

“No.”

His heart fell at the single word, his mind a confused mess. “But you said you wanted to be my bride.”

She cast him a coy smile—the tease. Not something he expected of his proper Honoria.

“Notregardlessof who you are, but I’ll marry youbecause ofwho you are. The man I love, have always loved. The only man I’ll ever love. You’re honest and kind. I don’t care who else you are.”

The wordhonestseared him like a branding iron, but he pushed it aside.

“What if we have to live somewhere other than this magnificent house? If I lost everything I have?”

“I don’t care about any of that. Yes, this house is wonderful. Grander than my father’s, but if Burwood dismisses you, and we are forced to live in a hovel somewhere, if I have to darn your stockings and tend sheep, I don’t care.”

He laughed, returning her kisses. “Do you even know how to darn?”

“No, but if there is a book about it, I can learn.”

He picked her up and spun her around. “I love you, woman.”

When he set her back down, he trailed a finger down her cheek. “Now, hurry back to your room before someone discovers you in here.”

Eyes filled with determination gazed back at him. “No.” To further her point, she crossed her arms over her bosom, drawing his attention to the nightrail’s gaping neckline.

“Your promise to marry me is sufficient, Honoria. I will not take your virtue before we are wed.”

But, oh, how he wanted to. Every moment Honoria remained,restraint ebbed from him. Try as he might to hold back the floodgates of his passion, Honoria’s persistence chipped away at his resolve.

She wouldn’t budge. “We should have been wed eight years ago. I’m tired of waiting. Let me prove this to you, Drake. It’s because of your honor that I want to do this. I know you won’t desert me—and I want to wipe any doubt from your mind that I will not be deterred from my promise. As you said yourself, once done, it cannot be undone. Give me this one night.”

Perhaps he should have allowed Simon to provide some informative instruction. At least if he fumbled his way through his wedding night, Honoria would already be his. “And if I disappoint you?”

“You couldn’t even if you tried. Besides, how would I know what is good or not?”

Overwhelmed by her trust in him, he pulled her into his arms. “Well, I would hope you would know because it makes you feel good. Itissupposed to be enjoyable.”

“Then let us learn together.”

“You’re absolutely certain? You can change your?—”

She answered him with a kiss.

CHAPTER 32

If Drake continued his protests, Honoria would lose her nerve. She pulled him down and sealed her mouth to his, silencing him the only way she knew how.

Taking action sent a thrill through her. She had never felt so powerful and in charge.

And it was exhilarating.

She should have pushed past her fear years ago.

Warm and soft, the press of his lips on hers was heaven on Earth. He threaded a hand through her hair, pulling her closer to him, his mouth hungry and demanding.

So different from their kiss in the orangery, but no less wonderful.

When he pulled away, she chased his lips, wanting more, but he rested his forehead against hers. The soft panting of his breath brushed against her skin.

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