Page 99 of My Wicked Earl
“And the whiskey?”
“I’ll share a glass with you.” Miranda leaned forward and pressed a kiss to the puckered scar that split his cheek.Gorgeous idiot. “You do not sound appealing in the least.” She wrinkled her brow. “I really have no choice in this matter?”
“No.” The large body slid closer to her, and she was enveloped by his warmth. He smelled of horse and dust. “I promise, Miranda, that I will never doubt you again, nor give you cause to doubt me.” He lifted his hand to trace the outline of her jaw. “I love you, and I promise to tell you so. Every day.”
She could clearly see the stain of ink on his forefinger. Sometimes one cannot see the truth when it is right in front of them.
“You belong to me,” she whispered.
“Always.”
His lips met hers in a slow, lingering kiss that sent Miranda’s blood racing. The kiss also brought her peace. This was where she belonged, with Colin. She’d know it since she was eight years old.
“I should have left you a note this morning. I didn’t realize you would jump to the wrong conclusion. When I asked you to forgive me last night it was for-”
“Doubting me. I know that now. What was in London?”
Colin gave her a lazy smile. “I am a foolish man, Miranda. I never thought your mother would go to such lengths. When I left Cambourne House six years ago I wrote you a letter with my intentions and left you this. I should have put it on your finger right after—
“You ruined me.”
“Yes. I left a note for your father as well, declaring my intentions.” His fingers held up a battered gold ring. “It was my grandmother’s, the only thing I have left of her. I know it isn’t a great jewel. To the Irish it means,” his forehead touched hers, “that is to say, it’s a traditional way to announce one’s betrothal.”
“I know what it means.” Miranda’s heart ached with love for him as he slid the ring on her finger. “I accept your claim on me, Colin Hartley.”
“Good. As you’ve little choice in the matter.” His lips brushed hers again. “Oh, I almost forgot,” he pulled a piece of paper from beneath his coat. “I went for this as well.”
“A special license?” Miranda wrapped her arms about his neck. “I still haven’t said yes.”
“Haven’t you been paying attention? If I have to debauch you in full view of those topiaries to make you agree, I will.” Elegant fingers slid beneath the silk of her bodice to caress the top of her breast. “One hopes that your brother will not murder me before the wedding.”
Miranda pulled his mouth to hers. “Have a care for my dress.”
26
EPILOUGE
“Colin,” Miranda giggled. “Have a care for my dress. You’ll tear the lace if you aren’t careful. I can hardly return to a ball given in our honor with my bodice torn.”
A frustrated look crossed her husband’s handsome face. “Good God, Miranda,” he kissed the side of her neck, as his hands moved possessively down her back, “I am constantly being warned about ruining your wardrobe. It’s annoying. I’ve never once so much as ripped a seam.”
Colin spun her around so that she faced the arm of the plump, overstuffed couch.
The small drawing room, barely bigger than a closet, was one that was little used at Cambourne House. A perfect spot for an assignation. Miranda could see a thin layer of dust on the side table. She’d have to inform Bevins.
Miranda could just make out the musicians tuning up after taking a break, along with the humming of dozens of voices, the sound of thetongossiping and swirling across the floor of her brother’s ballroom like a hive of vicious bees. Thank Goodness they would leave for Runshaw Park in the morning. Once estate matters were handled, Colin was taking her on a tour of Egypt.
“Your brother threw me a dirty look as I followed you down the hall,” Colin muttered as his hand ran up the length of one silk clad leg.
Miranda trembled with anticipation as she pressed herself against the arm of the couch. “Perhaps he overheard the very wicked thing you said to me.”
“Doubtful.” Colin nipped the back of her neck and whispered against her ear “Bend over, Miranda, my lovely wanton wife.”
She complied without a second thought, wondering if she’d locked the door behind them. It really wouldn’t do for someone to find them here. “I don’t think we locked the door.”
Colin’s hands moved up to the juncture between her thighs. “It appears, my love, that you’ve become absent-minded since our marriage. You’ve forgotten your undergarments.” His fingers slipped between the folds of her sex. “Very naughty, Miranda.”
She moaned softly. “I thought you’d like the surprise.”
