Ellie cuddled closerto the man lying next to her. The early morning brought a chill, and she didn’t want to wake him up to build a fire. Being next to him like this was too enjoyable. She never wanted to leave.
Unfortunately, she must return home today. She must try to convince her father that she and Vincent needed to marry immediately. If it took confessing what happened last night, she’d do it.
Sighing, she smiled and pressed her cheek against Vincent’s bare chest. Last night was wonderful. Magical. And she had never loved him more than she did now. He was so very loving, so very tender, and so very passionate. Choosing Vincent to be her husband was the best decision she’d ever made.
Vincent stirred in his sleep, rolling her onto her back as he lay halfway on top of her with his strong leg imprisoning hers. She chuckled. Was he dreaming about last night, too?
She kissed his neck as she rubbed her hands over his bare back. She’d come to realize last night how incredibly robust he was. He had muscles everywhere. Strange, because she never thought this way about other men she knew. Those others seemed frail compared to her brawny Vincent.
A low groan rattled from his chest as his fingers threaded through her hair, pushing the locks away from her face. Whether he was asleep or awake, at least she knew he was thinking of her and last night.
He bent his head and captured her mouth, suckling sweetly on her lips before delving his velvety, sweet tongue into her mouth. Goosebumps rose over her flesh again as warmth encased her very being.
After a few seconds, he broke the kiss and peered down into her eyes.
“That is a wonderful way to wake up in the morning.” He smiled.
“I agree. Cuddling next to you brought a smile to my face.”
He traced the tips of his fingers over her lips. “You have made me the happiest of men. Ellie, I love you, completely.”
She sighed as her heart melted, again. “And I love you, my big, strong, protector.”
His fingers trailed from her mouth, down her chin, and down her neck. Although they still needed to exchange vows in front of a minister, she felt like Vincent’s wifenow. Nothing would ever change that.
Fast footsteps sounded in the hall, growing louder as they neared the guestroom. Vincent stilled then lifted his head, glancing toward the door.
“Who is it?” she asked in a low voice.
“I think it’s Dalton, my servant.”
The door shook with the servant’s hard pounding, making Ellie jump. Vincent sat up straight and pulled the covers fully around her.
“My lord,” the man said from the other side of the door, “you have a visitor downstairs.”
“Who is it?” Vincent asked.
“It’s the duke—Miss Middleton’s father.”
Ellie trembled, but for different reasons this time, as fear shot through her. Yet she wanted her father to know, didn’t she? Of course, she had hoped she’d be dressed when she confronted him.
“Tell the duke I’ll be down momentarily.”
“Yes, my lord.”
Vincent met her gaze, and remarkably enough, he didn’t appear worried in the least. That comforted her slightly.
“Get dressed, but don’t come down just yet. I need to speak to your father alone first.”
She nodded. “All right.”
He smiled, and his eyes sparked with brightness. “Remember, my precious, we shall be married shortly.”
“Yes, I know. I pray it’s today.”
“If I have my way, it will be.” He winked before climbing out of bed.
As she watched him dress, she realized she’d never seen anything so fascinating in her life. Knowing that Vincent would beher husband, and no one else’s, made it easier to watch. Her heart filled with more love, if that were possible.
