Page 118 of The Moonstone Pirate
“No, Draco. I could not have coaxed McTavish to give up all the names.”
He laughed. “Fine, it was a mutual effort. But this is not what I was hinting at.”
“Oh, then what?”
“Imogen,” he said with a surprising wealth of feeling, “you released me from our kissing pact, but I am not willing to be released. I kissed you, and I intend to stand by my promise. This now requires a marriage proposal on my part.”
“But—”
“Hush, love.” His smile was warm enough to melt her heart. “This pirate is about to propose to you because he is aching to marry you. I know I am under no obligation. I also know you are determined to marry only for true love. Nothing less will do for you.”
She nodded.
“I hope I am that true love and the one who will make those moonstones light up all of Cornwall for you. Were my feelings not obvious from the moment we met?”
“Not in the least,” she replied with a merry laugh, uncertain how this horrible situation had suddenly turned into the mostbeautiful moment in her life. “Draco, you made it quite clear you do not believe in love at first sight.”
“I didn’t until I met you, but I am a believer now. I hadn’t seen you without your mask, and yet knew I could never let anyone else have you. You were that missing piece of my heart. As for those moonstones, why do you think I was so reluctant to kiss you under a full moon? I knew they would burst into brilliant light and give away my feelings for you.”
She wrapped her arms around his neck and smiled up at him. “We still have the room reserved for five hours. Too bad this oaf Lemuel is lying here unconscious.”
Draco grinned from ear to ear. “McTavish will drag him out soon. But it still won’t do us any good, because the door is knocked off its hinges. Alas, the wood is smashed to bits and a new door will be required. We shall have our moment of passion, Butterfly. Just not here.”
She nodded. “Where, then?”
He sighed. “I don’t know yet.”
“Oh, I see. Of course, there is still too much to sort through.”
“Yes, regarding Eldridge’s plot. But this has nothing to do with my feelings for you. Have I not been clear enough? I wanteverythingto do with you. I have never been more certain of a thing in my life.”
She closed her eyes and allowed his words to sink in.
He loved her.
She felt it not only in his words but in the protective way he held her. She had found the true and forever love she always hoped for, and it was Draco.
The Moonstone pirate of her dreams.
When she opened her eyes, he was smiling at her with a wicked glint in his eyes. “Your gown looks awfully cumbersome. I promise to help you out of it as soon as possible. But it might be a while yet, love. We have things to do first.”
“I know. I don’t mean to be so impulsive…or impatient. Being in love is quite exciting, isn’t it? Well, it is for me.”
He cast her an affectionate grin. “For me too. But you mustn’t distract me, Imogen. There are still rebels to round up and put under guard. I’ll require Constable Angel and Major Brennan’s help for that.”
“Yes, that is most important.”
“Your aunt and uncle will want details of what happened today. And there is also the matter of officially asking for your hand in marriage. That is, if you will have me. Butterfly, will you marry me?”
“Yes,” she said, laughing and sobbing at the same time. “Dear heaven, is there a doubt?”
She was about to kiss him when they were interrupted by more heavy footfalls on the steps. Draco grabbed the cloak off its peg, tossed it at her, and then drew her behind him. “Put it over you. Do not peek out from behind me. I don’t want any of those knaves to see your face.”
Imogen had just managed to tuck the hood over her head when McTavish chuckled in the doorway. “Ah, the mystery woman. I hope we shall meet under better circumstances some day, Lady Imogen.” He then turned to his men. “Help me drag the poxy lout away. If anyone asks, he’s passed out drunk.”
Lemuel began to groan and tried to lift himself to his feet.
McTavish picked up the shovel and whacked him again.
