They were cornered, and yet he felt the need to cede her some control.
“I’m willing to marry,” he answered. “As I’ve said all along. But I won’t force you into it. The choice is yours, Nia.”
She nodded. “I think we both made that choice last night.”
Normally, Nia exhibited a youthful naiveté. But by speaking those words, she showed that she understood all the ramifications of this journey.
“Perhaps it was meant to be.” Jasper shrugged, noticing that the sun was low on the horizon. And with that decided, he did not want to assume… “We’ll be in Gretna soon. Should I pay for one chamber or two?” Despite the unusual intimacy they’d shared, he could not, in fact, read her mind. She had opinions, and assuming he knew what she wanted wasn’t really fair to either of them.
Nia held his gaze and then licked her lips before speaking.
“One,” she said.
And that word turned their comfortable silence into a charged one. Because, yes, Jasper had made love to her the evening before. But tonight, he would show her that it didn’t have to be frenzied and rushed. The pleasure could certainly be drawn out for more than ten minutes.
He’d treat it as their wedding night. He’d woo her over dinner, show her all the romance she deserved. And then afterward, he’d show her the best side of romance. He’d taste every inch of her body, worshiping her as he did so. He’d use all his expertise learning what she liked. He’d help her discover new heights of pleasure she might never have imagined.
This time, he’d not lose control like a randy youth, by God.
And with that thought, his heart began to race. From anticipation, but also nerves. Because she was unlike any other woman he’d known.
These feelings were unlike anything he’d ever felt.
And marriage didn’t seem all that abhorrent to him now—not with Lady Gardenia Hathaway for his future bride.
“One it shall be, then.”
The Night Before the Big Day
“This is… lovely.” Nia gazed around the elegant private dining room, where an intricate candelabra sat in the center of the table, casting flickering lights around the room and reflecting off the window.
They’d arrived just after sunset, and after speaking with the innkeeper, Jasper had escorted Nia to their chamber, which was larger than any she’d stayed in before—featuring both a sitting area and a separate room with a large and rather luxurious canopied bed. He’d ordered a bath brought up for her, along with tea, and then said he’d make arrangements for dinner.
“I’ll leave you to rest up. What time would you like to dine?” he’d asked, rather than told. Which she took as one of the best compliments anyone had ever given her.
She’d glanced at the large clock on the mantel. “I won’t need much more than an hour,” she’d answered. “Would nine o’clock work?”
Her father would have dictated the time. As, no doubt, either Lord Rupert or Dewberry would have.
He nodded and turned for the door.
“Don’t you need to clean up as well?” she asked, only to blush at all the implications of such a question.
“I’ll make do elsewhere. This chamber is all yours.” But then he added, “For now.” He took her hand in his and raised it to his lips. “I’ll be counting the minutes.” He bowed and nothing in the world could have prevented the shiver of anticipation that shot down her spine.
“I’ll be ready.” Her voice came out little more than a whisper.
They’d been in close confines with one another for over three days, and yet she suddenly felt more nervous than she’d been before making her come-out.
Because for that, she’d cared how society would judge her, but tonight, the only person’s opinion that mattered was Jasper’s.
Four days. He’d come to mean the world to her in only four days.
“Shall we?” She’d been standing in the door when Jasper’s voice interrupted her musings. Dressed in finery fit for a ball, Jasper had collected her from their chamber looking more elegant than any man she’d ever laid eyes on. Not because of his clothing, but because of his innate grace—and that confidence that was occasionally annoying but mostly irresistible.
Because there was nothing false or boastful about it. It was simply a part of who he was.
It was Jasper who assisted her into her chair, and once he’d sat across from her, Jasper who lifted a bottle. “Wine?”
