Page 147 of A Dangerous Lord (Regency Spies & Secrets 3)

“That is wonderful news.” Lord Evan took a step closer to her. “I was worried that yesterday’s events may have changed your opinion of me.”

“I assure you, they have not.”

Lord Evan let out a relieved sigh. “That pleases me immensely.”

“Is that so?”

He took another step closer to her, his eyes holding vulnerability. “I am not a rich man, and I know that I scarcely deserve you,” he said. “I tried to stop myself from loving you, but I failed miserably.”

“You did?”

He nodded. “Furthermore, I work in a position that requires me to keep secrets from you. Loads of secrets.”

“I understand.”

“Are you sure?” he asked. “Because I am fearful that I will lose your trust and you will grow to resent me.”

Jane took a step closer to him and reached for his hand. “I trust you, wholeheartedly.”

“Do you?” he asked, glancing down at their entwined hands. “Even when I have late nights or early morning meetings with informants?”

She nodded. “As long as you can promise that you will endeavor to return home to me every night.”

Lord Evan smiled. “That is the easiest promise I have ever had to make.”

“You will find that I am quite agreeable when I want to be.”

Raising her hand to his lips, Lord Evan said, “From the moment I met you, it has always been you.”

Tears came to Jane’s eyes. “I feel the same way.”

“I am relieved to hear that, because I don’t believe I could go on living without you,” Lord Evan replied as he kissed her knuckles. “Will you do me the grand honor of marrying me?”

“Yes,” she murmured.

Lord Evan lowered their hands and stepped closer to her. His eyes searched her face as he leaned closer. “I have been dreaming about this moment for a very long time,” he murmured, his lips now hovering over hers.

As he brushed his warm lips against hers in a series of pure, yet masterful kisses, Jane closed her eyes and melted against him. Then, he kissed her a little more deeply, and she found herself relishing in every moment, every touch. Never had she imagined a kiss to be more perfect than this. It nearly consumed her, body and soul.

He kissed her again before resting his forehead against hers. “I love you, Jane.”

“I love you, too.”

He smiled at her, making her feel as if she might burst with happiness. “Wherever I am, whatever I’m doing, my heart will always be yours.”

“Oh, Evan,” she breathed.

A jovial voice came from the doorway. “Does this mean there is to be a wedding?”

Jane nodded as she leaned back. “It does.”

Her mother clasped her hands together. “What wonderful news!” she exclaimed. “We shall post the banns at once.”

“I take it your mother is excited about our union,” Evan remarked.

Jane laughed. “She is, most definitely.”

Evan offered her a private smile. “I will do whatever it takes to ensure that you are my bride.”

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