twenty-one
ANGELINE COULDN’T BELIEVE she’d fallen asleep again.
Surely, lovers had some kind of etiquette, and falling asleep right after the act had to be frowned upon. Royston had done everything to pleasure her and take care of her, and the moment she’d found her release, she’d collapsed and slept.
She rubbed her eyes and huffed. “Bother.”
He was putting on his shirt but turned towards her with a smile. “Hello, beautiful.”
“I’m really sorry,” she whispered, shifting in the bed because she was a little sore.
“About what?” He crawled over the bed to lie next to her.
“I fell asleep again. I’m sure lovemaking has some rules of etiquette I keep breaking.”
He barked out a laugh, full and charming. “I like holding you when you sleep although…” He rummaged through the pocket of his trousers. “You fell asleep, but I… I wanted to give you this.”
He handed her a small velvet box with the golden G of Garrad’s Jewellery.
She hitched a breath, propping herself up on her elbows. “Royston.”
He opened it, revealing a lovely ring with a blue stone. “It’s a topaz. Its meaning is about happiness, love, and family. No, it’s not family but something else. I don’t remember what now. I’m too agitated. But I’m sure about the love and joy. If you prefer a diamond, I’ll buy you one. But the topaz has such a pretty colour?—”
She shut him up with a kiss. “It’s perfect.” She gave him her hand, and he grinned as he slipped the ring on her finger, his chest expanding.
He punched the air. “It’s official. We’re engaged.”
The kiss they shared was different from the others. It was slow and sweet. No more battles or struggles to dominate. No more feverish passion.
They kissed with tenderness and the hope of sharing a long, happy life. She moved her hand up his firm thigh to the falls of his trousers. From the moment she’d touched him, she wanted to touch him again and hear that low growl he made deep in his throat. The need to touch him was a combination of curiosity and need.
He sucked in a breath and stopped her hand. “It’s not a good idea.”
“I won’t do anything. Just a caress.”
“A caress is already too much.” He flashed a boyish smile. “It’s late. I have to escort my bride-to-be home.”
She wrapped her arms around his neck. “I’m already home.”
He beamed so widely, even his eyes brightened. “That’s the most beautiful thing you could ever tell me.”
She caressed his cheek. “Are you ready to dance at the next ball?”
He kissed her inner wrist. “I guess we aren’t going to dance a tango.”
“Unfortunately. But Royston…” She waited for him to stare at her. “Whatever is going to happen, I’ll be by your side. You aren’t alone now. You have a family.”
His new smile was less bright but more intense.
He kissed her hand. “Then I’m ready.”
The customary twenty-eightballs of the Season were nearly at their end. Thank bloody goodness.
Usually, there were more than that, but twenty-eight was the standard number. Royston was glad the torture of the balls and social events would soon change into more sombre and less dancing gatherings.
He’d been so busy he hadn’t had the time to plan a proper engagement party for Angeline. He absolutely didn’t want to give the announcement at someone else’s house as a passing moment of entertainment. She deserved a night for her only.
Also, her mother hadn’t given them her blessing, which posed no small problem. Not that Angeline couldn’t get married without her mother’s blessing, but he didn’t want to start his new life with Angeline with tension in the family.
