Adam’s response emerged breathless. “He must have.”
His other hand joined the first, and he cupped her face in his hands. Persephone opened her eyes to look at him.
Adam met her gaze. “But did his Persephone love him in spite of his flaws, in spite of all he’d done to her?”
“Oh, Adam.” Tears fought for release, her voice quivering with emotion.
Adam pulled her to him, his arms wrapped firmly and protectively around her. “Am I too late?” he whispered against her hair. “Is there nothing I can . . . nothing to . . .”
Persephone cut across his stumbling attempts at expression. Any speech even slightly tinged with emotion would be difficult for Adam. Persephone understood that. And she didn’t need flowery speeches. The fact that he had come for her, that he was holding her so tenderly and trying so desperately to express himself, was enough. “I have been falling in love with you for weeks, Adam. I was certain you would never return those feelings.”
“What can I do, Persephone?” He tightened his hold on her. “How can I prove . . . show . . .”
She gazed up at him. “You are here.”
It was, apparently, all he needed to hear. “I have missed you,” Adam whispered in the moment before he kissed her.
Their only other kiss, discounting the one he’d not returned, had been breathtaking, leaving Persephone in awe for some time afterward. This kiss proved quite different. Where the last had been intense, this was endearing and tender. Adam held her to him as if he meant to never let her go.
Persephone touched his face softly with her fingertips, hardly daring to believe this turn. The ruts of his scars were there beneath her fingers. Adam did not pull away, did not flinch under her touch. She slipped her arms around his neck and returned his attentions kiss for kiss, embrace for embrace.
“You do that very well,” Adam breathed when they finally broke apart.
Persephone smiled.
“Mother has invited us to Town for Christmas,” Adam said.
Persephone recognized the sacrifice that suggestion entailed. She shook her head. “I want to spend Christmas at home.”
A look of disappointment flashed through Adam’s eyes, and Persephone knew on the instant he had misunderstood.
“At Falstone,” she said. “With you.”
“Thetonwould not believe that even if they heard you say it.” Adam took one of her hands in his and raised it to his lips.
“Then we shall have to convince them.”
He kissed her fingers. “I may enjoy London yet.”
“Your mother would be pleased to hear that.” She nearly sighed out loud at the comfort of leaning her head once more against his shoulder.
“I need to spend some time with my mother.” A hint of emotion touched his voice.
“So do you still think marrying me was a mistake?”
“It was never a mistake. I simply didn’t see it for the miracle that it was.”
“A miracle,” Persephone repeated with quiet awe.
“Does this mean I can come to your castle?” a voice asked from the doorway.
“Artemis,” Persephone quietly warned, stepping away.
Adam pulled her immediately back to him and addressed Artemis himself. “Our castle is in need of a good exploration,” he said. “I believe we should schedule one. Perhaps if you have no other plans for Christmas, you might do so then.”
Artemis grinned and ran to where they stood, throwing her arms around Adam’s legs. “You’re the best duke that ever lived!” she declared.
“Yes, he is.” Persephone smiled up at Adam.
