“You’re a better man.” Rayne fingered the edge of his empty tumbler. “How did you do it? How did you change?”
“In fits and starts, I suppose.” Bromton shrugged. “Forgiveness comes easily to Katherine. Impossible for me. Takes effort. Every time.”
“Forgiveness comes easily to Julia, too.”
“Those three do believe everyone has inherent worth.” He smiled wryly. “The danger is delusions of invincibility. Perhaps they need irascible people like you, Clarissa, and me to keep them safe.”
Bromton tilted his head and smirked—self-deprecating. Rayne felt a surge of the old warmth.
Slowly, he smiled. “Delusions of invincibility.”
“Enough to make a small, incurable firebrand attempt the impossible—the redemption of a rake.”
Rayne chuckled. “Be careful how you talk about my wife.”
Bromton exhaled, smiled, and nodded. “Fair enough.”
“I will take care of her, you know.” And do his best to allow her to take care of him. “To that end, there’s a matter I’d like to discuss with you—something I think would show Julia I mean to make amends—no matter what it takes.”
“Whatever you need”—Bromton inclined his head—“consider me at your disposal.”
Rayne survived the quarter hour with Bromton, Katherine, Clarissa, and Markham by anticipating this very moment—he and Julia, in the dark of the carriage, alone. Over time, the camaraderie would return, but that first meeting had been stilted and awkward, and besides, he had some groveling to do…and a little attention to pay.
Draped across his lap, Julia snuggled into his neck. “You came for me.”
“I did.” He hefted her hips so he could get a proper hold. “Did you doubt?”
“You demanded I leave.” Her fingers teased his nape. “Then again, you’re never quite yourself after we lie together.”
“I’d use a cruder word for what we did.” He laughed softly. “But I hope we’ll do plenty of both kinds of frigging…and often.”
Julia grinned. “Just say the word.”
“What word?” He quirked a brow. “Fuck?”
He caught her shiver in a tightened embrace.
“You are terribly wanton,” he murmured against her hair. “Don’t change.”
“If I had any intention of changing, would I have picked you?”
“Now there’s something to think about.” He closed his eyes. “I—I didn’t know being confined was your deepest fear. I had no idea. I was with you during a nightmare—remember? I would not have subjected you…”
She pulled back. “You gave meevery opportunity, remember? You asked me—you demanded I tell the truth. I did. I trust you.”
“I’ll give you good reason. I swear.”
“No reason required—as long as you don’t betray my trust. Besides, I wasn’t bound to that table. I was connected—sublimelyconnected—to you.Notmy greatest fear, but everything I’ve wanted since you walked into my life.” She brushed her finger across his right brow. “You lifted this in the haughtiest of ways and said…”
“At your service.” They spoke in unison.
“I’m an arrogant ass.”
“Extravagantlyarrogant,” she cheerfully agreed. “And perfect for me, as I’m exceedingly selfish.”
“Impressively focused.”
She grinned. “We fit.”
