Skye’s eyes misted over at his heartfelt words. She had spent so many years believing herself deficient and unworthy of love. But here was this man, seeing her clearly and cherishing her fully.
“Do you really mean that?” she whispered.
“Every word,” Bradford replied, his gaze tender.
Skye allowed a spark of hope for the future to flicker within her heart.
She gazed into Bradford’s kind eyes, feeling the sincerity of his words washing over her. But a small voice of doubt still lingered in the back of her mind.
As they made their way back to the sitting room, she couldn’t stop her thoughts from swirling. Did Bradford truly accept her? Imperfections and all? Would he still care for her if she never bore him children? Did he even wish for a future with her?
The crackling fire cast a warm glow as they entered the room and settled onto the sofa. Alone now, just the two of them, Skye sensed his hesitation.
“Is something troubling you?” she asked gently, fearful that he was giving deeper thought to her inability to bear children.
Bradford ran a hand through his golden locks. “I suppose if we’re being honest, I too have my own insecurities,” he admitted.
She tilted her head, surprised. He always seemed the picture of masculine confidence.
“Go on,” she encouraged.
“I worry that my reputation precedes me,” Bradford confessed. “The drinking, the gambling, the women...” He shook his head ruefully. “Not exactly honorable behavior for a future duke.”
She listened intently, realizing they both carried the weight of their pasts.
“I want to be a better man, Skye,” he continued, his voice thick with emotion. “With you, I feel like I can leave those vices behind. That’s why your good opinion means the world to me.”
Reaching out, Skye gave his hand an understanding squeeze. The future was uncertain, but in this moment, their bond felt unbreakable.
She took a deep breath, gathering her courage. This was the moment to bare her soul.
“I confess, I have doubts,” she began, her voice trembling slightly. “Doubts that I’ll ever truly be enough.”
Bradford’s brow furrowed, but he remained silent, letting her continue.
“You could have your pick of any suitable young lady, despite your reputation,” Skye went on. “One who could give you heirs, carry on your lineage. I fear my failures in that regard will always haunt me.”
A single tear traced down her cheek. Bradford reached out, gently brushing it away. His eyes radiated tenderness and care.
“My dear, sweet Skye,” he murmured. “I promise you, your worth goes far beyond your ability to bear children.”
Skye blinked up at him, scarcely believing the compassion in his words.
“From the moment we met, I saw your kind heart, your quick mind,” Bradford continued. “You must not define yourself by one perceived shortcoming. The fault very well may have lain with the earl. Regardless, to me, you are perfect just as you are.”
Overcome with emotion, she took Bradford’s hand, desire welling up inside her, and led him wordlessly to her bedchamber.
Once inside, she drew him close, kissing him passionately. As their clothing loosened and fell away, she marveled at how perfectly their bodies fit together, like two long-separated halves finally rejoined.
His hands moved over her with reverence, awakening parts of her only he had ever reached. She arched into him, surrendering completely to the exquisite sensations.
Their lovemaking was intense yet tender, speaking volumes in sighs and gasps and murmurs of affection. All her fears, all her pain, dissolved, leaving only pure connection and bliss.
Afterward, they lay entwined, spent and peaceful. Skye lay nestled in Bradford’s arms, her head resting comfortably on his chest as she listened to the soothing rhythm of his heartbeat. His fingers lazily trailed up and down her back, sending little shivers through her body. She sighed contentedly, still floating in a haze of satiation.
Bradford pressed a kiss to the top of her head, inhaling the floral scent of her hair. He marveled at how perfectly her petite frame fit against him, like two pieces of a puzzle. After years of meaningless trysts, he finally understood the difference between desiring a woman’s body and cherishing her soul. With Skye, it was as if he was making love for the very first time.
Skye tilted her chin up to meet Bradford’s gaze, her eyes shining with a newfound sense of hope. “What are you thinking about?” she asked softly.
