Page 46 of Forbidden Lord
Her heart stilled as she nodded. What did he have to say? She was the one that had blocked the love conversation. She wasn’t sure how to bring it up again. “Sure. What’s going on, Matteo?”
He scooped eggs onto her plate and then took some for himself. He handed her the pepper only, as if he’d remembered her preferences. “Why did you say yes to marry me when I asked?”
He hadn’t known Patrice had left him, and she’d imagined herself his savior—to get him out of the church without humiliation. She hadn’t thought he’d ask her instead but when he did, she’d had a purpose.
Had she loved him, even then? That was silly. She stared at his regal chin. “Because I had no reason to say no. You were bride-less and in need. I’ve always liked you.”
“Describe ‘like.’” He reached for the croissants, adding one to both their plates. The way he’d said like made her cautious.
How to answer? If she wasn’t afraid of being in love anymore, then she needed to tell him everything. “You made my years at boarding school where my family was well off, but not rich or titled, tolerable.”
He shook his head. “That was a long time ago. I’ve turned into a man since then.”
Her cheeks flushed. “And when we were planning your… our wedding, you were still the sweet and kind guy I’d liked then. I couldn’t let you lose everything, not if I could help.”
He leaned closer and though he didn’t touch her, she felt his body heat. “Why would you help me and throw away your life like that?”
Huh? She reached for his hand. “It wasn’t throwing away my life. I found my life when I married you. I’ve been training for it since I can remember. Even as an adult, I was still practicing to be your countess.”
He didn’t pull away. He didn’t blink. “So, it was my title you wanted?”
What? Her entire body was rigid and she shook her head fast. “No… in that moment, it wasyou.”
He squeezed her hand. “Sheena, I have to warn you.”
Oh no. He wanted a divorce. She wasn’t sure what she wanted, but she wanted him with her, as they’d promised. “Warn me?”
He kissed the back of her hand. “Yes. I realized yesterday that I am knee-deep in love with you, so I need you to be prepared. I overreacted because I was jealous, but I do trust you, with everything I have.”
Wait. Wow. He loved her? She ached to tell him that she loved him too. The words were there and yet…. She wasn’t afraid, but this wasn’t something she could just blurt out. She took a breath and asked, “Prepared?”
He stared at her like he meant every word as he said, “I intend to prove to you that you can trust your heart with me. I will win your affection.”
Every part of her body trembled. It was time to tell him. Her heart beat wildly in her chest and she asked, “Win?”
He reached over and traced her face like he was mesmerizing her in this moment. “Yes, but know now that I won’t share you.”
“I don’t want to be shared.”
A small laugh escaped his throat and made his Adam’s apple bounce as he said, “Well, that’s good. It’s a start.”
“Matteo, you don’t have to do anything.” She lowered her lashes. She needed a moment to think and breathe.
Her heart whispered she already loved him. If he wasn’t going to just leave her again then she had time to listen to her heart and be sure.
How to form the words?
He kissed the tips of her fingers and let her go. “But I do. I want us to be happy.”
He finished his muffin, and then ate his eggs like everything was normal.
Sheena’s body was aware of each movement he made. She needed to listen to her heart, and not let her past stop her from having faith in love.
Chapter 18
Sheena returned to their bedroom to get her work computer. With relief, she noticed that Matteo’s clothes were now hanging in the closet.
Tears threatened to form in her eyes, but luckily he’d not see her misty-eyed gaze.
