Page 79 of Cherish and the Duke
She hoped his love for her was no passing whim. Itfelteverlasting.
But dukes were different from other people.
Even if he did hold her in his heart, what would happen next?
“What do you mean, Cherish? Are you asking what happens next in our lovemaking?”
“Well, that too. You know I enjoyed it. But I meant our future. Do you truly intend for us to stay together? Please, I would rather have the truth.”
He gave her cheek a light caress. “I gave you my solemn marriage vow, and I aim to keep it. The only way we shall not be together is if you wish us to part ways.”
She gasped. “Did I not give you this same vow? I have no desire to live apart from you. But I would not presume to make such demands on you. No matter your assurances, I cannot overlook that you were pushed into marrying me to save me from my uncle.”
“No, Cherish. Let us put this to rest once and for all. I know my reputation is not an easy one to overcome. But I was not coerced, or made to feel guilty, or ever pushed into marryingyou. I am here and will always be with you because I am in love with you.”
She sat up and stared at him, and then shook her head and blinked several times, as though fearing the dutiful husband might disappear and the cold-hearted duke he was reputed to be stepped back in his place.
He reached out his arms to take her back in them. “Do you have any idea how truly lovely you are?”
She cast him the sweetest smile. “Apparently not. You’ve caught me by surprise.”
“I know. I should have been more romantic with you. There wasn’t much time, and it turns out I’m not really very good at expressing love.”
She leaned over and kissed him. “Gawain, do you think it is possible for someone to fall in love before ever meeting the person of their dreams? I tingled the very first time Fiona mentioned your name. It was as though my heart already knew I was meant to fall in love with you. I was in a tizzy for days before you arrived, and almost fell into a swoon when I finally did meet you.”
“I kept all of Fiona’s letters about you. I’ve read every single one many times over. I would have recognized you the moment I walked in even if you weren’t standing right beside Fiona. I knew you would be beautiful, but not even her glowing description could do you justice.”
“How was I this first time…you know, our coupling?”
He cast her an irreverent smile. “Do you see me complaining?”
“Well, I did not think that you would.”
He shook his head. “Are you asking me to compare your performance to others?”
“Yes, I suppose I am,” she said with a wince. “Your reputation precedes you. Your prowess with women is legendary.”
He groaned. “Oh, bollocks. It isn’t.”
“Any lady would feel loved in your arms. But were you at all disappointed?”
“No, Cherish.” He rolled onto his side, propping himself on one elbow as he leaned slightly over her. “It was extraordinary.Youwere extraordinary. Nothing to do with experience or practiced tricks—which, by the way, I look forward to teaching you,” he said with another naughty grin. “What I loved was how genuine your pleasure was, and I know it was genuine because you are honest in your feelings.”
“I could never hide them from you. I think I was half out of control before you even touched me.”
“So was I, love. We have a very deep connection, something we each felt from the very start.”
She sighed. “Yes, it’s true. I’m sorry I am asking so many questions. It isn’t you I doubt, but myself. This is nice, you and me together. I feel so at peace beside you.”
“And you are worried we will not have this once we return to London?”
“Yes, this friendship and this intimacy.”
“Are you wondering about our sleeping arrangements?”
She nodded. “I know it’s common practice for dukes and duchesses to have their own separate quarters even if we do remain living under one roof.”
“I was never trained to be a duke and do not particularly care for this common practice of separate quarters, but what do you prefer? The choice is yours, Cherish.”
