“I am glad Leonard is behind bars at Newgate, for forging those birth registrations,” Austin broke the silence. “But I do not intend to keep him there forever.”
Deena turned sharply, temporarily distracted by him loosening his cravat.
“Leonard is a dangerous man. He blackmailed us, members of the peerage, and printed fraudulent details in the Daily Scribe. He deserves to be arrested. ”
“But…he is my brother.” Austin met her gaze steadily. “What would you do in my case?”
Shock rippled through her, but it did not last long. She exhaled slowly, as understanding settled in its place. “Then I will support whatever decision you make.”
Austin’s shoulders visibly eased, as though he had been bracing for resistance. He crossed the room in two strides and kissed her. It was a slow, reverent kiss. Deena moaned into his open, inviting mouth, and Austin groaned in response. He reluctantly pulled away, and she gazed up at him through her lashes.
“I am glad I married you,” he murmured. “You and your family taught me how to love and how to be loved.”
Her heart fluttered with emotions. She ran a hand through his soft curls, and Austin closed his eyes and smiled.
“I am excited about our future,” she said softly. “While we were in London, I continued my duties. I visited the tenants’ wives, and I feel fulfilled doing what I can to help others.”
“I am proud of you,” Austin said quietly, and Deena blushed.
“Thank you,” she whispered. “I am hopeful that our future will have some...stability.”
“So do I,” he said. “A calm, undisturbed life.”
She laughed quietly. “That sounds so far-fetched.”
He smiled wryly. “Highly implausible regarding this family.”
They laughed together, and the sound eased the last of the tension that had clung to them for weeks. Austin did not let go of her, and every touch, graze, and kiss did not go unnoticed. Deena had been craving him every passing day, and her body could not take it anymore. She needed him. All of him.
Austin began to untie her dress slowly.
“By the end of the week, you need to be packed,” he said casually as his fingers worked at her corset.
She blinked, trying to keep her balance as she felt lightheaded with his nearness. “Why?”
“We are going to Scotland.” He placed a soft kiss on her neck.
“Oh!” Her breath caught. “Scotland?”
“Yes.” He pulled away to grin at her.
Deena felt overjoyed. She threw her arms around him, kissing him clumsily with her dress half undone.
“I cannot wait!”
“Penelope and Edward have prepared a room for us, and I believe we deserve a nice, quiet time away from London.”
He was right. Deena needed to get away from the prying eyes of theton. Her heart felt ready to burst with love that her husband planned a trip for them.
Austin leaned close, his voice dropping to a husky growl. “Now, I believe that I owe you something, do I not?”
She smiled knowingly. “Yes. I do recall a certain promise of…pleasurableevents.”
His laugh was dark and low. Deena’s breath caught when Austin’s strong arms scooped her up effortlessly again. Her world tilted as he carried her across the room. The candlelight accentuated every ridge and plane of muscle through his shirt. She clung to his shoulders, fingers digging into his warm skin. Her heart pounded so hard that she thought it might escape her ribs.
This is real. He is real.And she was about to give herself to him completely.
Austin lay her down on the soft mattress with surprising gentleness. His body followed hers, but he braced himself on his forearms, so his weight did not crush her. But Deena would not have minded. She wanted to feel all of him. His hazel eyes locked onto hers, dark with desire but softened with what she now knew was love.
