“No, I mean, of course, I’m going to marry you. But you don’t need to…” Her fingers tightened around his. “You said I was too good for you. But it’s the opposite.”
Mantis raised a finger to her lips, stopping her before she went any farther.
“A simple yes would suffice.”
“Of course.” She blinked away tears. “Yes. Would you believe that I never cry?”
“I’ve no reason to doubt such an assertion,” he answered biting back a grin.
She cared about him. He didn’t doubt that. She would be a perfect wife. And he would have her in his bed.
He clasped behind her neck and pulled her toward him. “I realize I’m not at all what you expected,” he said, his face inches from hers. “But I’m going to kiss you anyway.”
She wasn’t crying. She wasn’t upset. Mantis simply wanted to kiss his fiancée.
Her hands landed on his shoulders. Her mouth was on his. An unfamiliar possessiveness roared through him. His wife. His woman.
To have, to protect, to defend.
And to love.
By the time he released her, both of them were breathless.
“What kind of marriage will this be?” She touched her lips.
“What kind of marriage do you want it to be?” His question was a challenge. He stilled, waiting for her answer.
Because he knew exactly what he wanted.
“As real as it can be?” She captured her bottom lip with her teeth, a lip that was rosy and swollen and glistening. “I will be faithful to you. I didn’t allow you much choice—"
“We will both be faithful.” Anything else would destroy him.
With that settled, Mantis rose to stand, pulling her up to join him. “We can tell your parents that you are amenable to my offer.”
“My mother is happy already. I can tell.” Her hand was on his arm. No one had ever touched him the way she did—a casual brush seeking comfort, a soothing stroke to provide it.
“Will you allow me to drive you tomorrow?”
“I believe my father will allow that.” The girl he’d known before ventured out in her teasing answer. “Will you have dinner this evening with your family?”
“Greystone is expecting me.” Since he doubted he’d be allowed much time alone with his fiancée until after their wedding, touching base with his friends would have to fill the gaps.
“Will Lord Greystone’s cousins be there? Lady Posy and Miss Faraday?” And then her eyes widened. “I’m not—I mean—” She stared at him, looking almost horrified. “I have no right to—"
“You have every right.” He caught her mouth again, unable to help himself. And his heart leapt just a little, imagining that she might feel a fraction of the possessiveness he felt for her. “And in answer to your question, I believe so. And they will be thrilled to hear of my engagement.”
“You’ll notify the papers.”
“First thing in the morning.”
“And your parents?”
“Are number two on my list of chores.”
Sounds of footsteps approaching warned that they only had a few moments of privacy remaining. “Driving you will be my reward.”
And before her parents could join them, he stole one more kiss.
