James cupped her cheek, his thumb tracing her jawline. "And you, my dear, have shown me that there's more to life than vice and scandal. You have given me a purpose, a reason to be better."
Their eyes locked, the air between them crackling with unspoken emotion. Selina's heart raced as James leaned in, his lips mere inches from hers.
He hesitated for a moment, his heart pounding. He'd been with countless women before, but none had affected him like Selina. She wasn't just another conquest; she was something more, something precious.
"Selina," he murmured, his voice husky with desire. "I want you to know that this... what's developed between us... it's not just a dalliance. You have become more important to me than I ever thought possible. I meant it when I said I love you."
Her eyes widened, a mix of hope and fear dancing in their depths. "I feel the same way."
James took her hands in his, bringing them to his lips. "My darling, I have known from the moment Imet you that you were different. Tonight only confirmed what I have felt all along. You are not just any woman, Selina. You are the woman I want to spend the rest of my life with. When I saw that pistol aimed at your heart… I would have done anything to save you."
He watched as a myriad of emotions flitted across her face—surprise, joy, and then, to his dismay, doubt.
"James," she said, "What exactly do you want from me?"
"Selina," he said firmly, tilting her chin up to meet his gaze. "I know I've lived a colorful life thus far. I have given you, and everyone else, every reason to doubt me. But I swear to you, on my honor as a gentleman, that you are the only woman I want. The only woman I will ever want. You are my heart, my very soul and if you allow it, I will spend the rest of my life showing you how deep my love runs for you. Marry me."
Selina's breath caught, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "Oh, James," she sighed, emotion lacing her words. "I love you too. I have tried to fight it, to deny these feelings, but I cannot. I will marry you and treasure you always."
James felt his heart soar at her words. He pulled her close, one hand cupping her face while the other wrapped around her waist. "My darling, darling, Selina," he murmured, his lips a breath away from hers. "You have no idea how I have longed to hear those words."
Their lips met in a passionate kiss, weeks of pent-up longing and desire pouring out between them. Selina melted against him, her arms winding around his neck as she surrendered herself to the kiss.
James held her tightly, marveling at how perfectly she fit in his arms, as if she had been made for him alone—two pieces of the same puzzle just waiting to be placed together, and now that they were, he would never let go.
When they finally broke apart, both breathless and flushed, he rested his forehead against hers. "Marry me right away," he said, his blue eyes intense as they gazed into hers. "Be my wife, my partner, my everything as soon as we can have the banns read."
Selina smiled up at him. "So fast? Are you certain? Everyone knows you’re a sworn bachelor. Your?—"
He silenced her with another gentle kiss. "None of that matters to me anymore. You are all I want, allI need. I would gladly give up everything else if it meant having you. And I have no wish to wait.”
“Nor do I.”
She melted against him as their lips came back together in a kiss full of passion, promises, and emotion that threatened to bring him to his knees.
Ten
Three days later…
Selina's heart raced as she stood before the gathered guests, her hand clasped tightly in James's. The summer breeze rustled through the garden, carrying the sweet scent of roses and the promise of new beginnings. She took a deep breath, steadying herself before addressing their friends and well-wishers.
"My dear friends," she began, her voice clear and strong despite the butterflies in her stomach, "Lord Blackwood and I have an announcement to make." She paused, savoring the moment as she gazed up at James, his bruises already fading and eyes sparkling with adoration. She could scarcely believe how farthey had come in such a short time, but there was no doubt she belonged with him, and he with her.
James squeezed her hand gently, a reassuring gesture that sent warmth coursing through her. "It is with great joy that we share the news of our betrothal," he declared, his deep voice resonating with pride and affection.
A chorus of cheers erupted from the crowd. Mr. Nicolas Winters let out a boisterous whoop while Lord Rockingham raised his glass in a toast. Lady Charlotte clasped her hands to her chest, her eyes brimming with happy tears, and Beatrice's delighted laughter rang out like bells as the gathered guests applauded the happy news.
Selina's cheeks flushed with pleasure as she basked in the outpouring of support from their dearest friends.
"Our path to this moment has been far from conventional," she said, her voice softening as she recalled the trials they had faced. "James and I have weathered storms that threatened to tear us apart, but it was through those very challenges that we discovered the depth of our feelings for one another."
James nodded, his expression solemn as headded, "Indeed, we have a love that defies explanation and transcends all obstacles."
Her heart swelled at his words, and she found herself blinking back tears of joy. "James," she murmured, loud enough for their friends to hear, "you have been my rock, my confidant, and my greatest ally. I cannot imagine embarking on this new chapter of my life with anyone but you by my side."
He lifted their joined hands to his lips, pressing a tender kiss to her knuckles. "My darling Selina," he replied, his voice husky with emotion, "you have shown me what it truly means to love and be loved in return. Your strength and love have made me a better man, and I vow to spend the rest of my days proving myself worthy of your affection."
As their friends looked on, visibly moved by the couple's heartfelt exchange, Selina felt a surge of gratitude for the twists of fate that had brought them together. She thought of the countless nights spent poring over clues, the breathless moments of danger, and the gradual realization that her feelings for him ran far deeper than she had ever imagined.
