Page 70 of Gabriela and His Grace

“For what?” he asked.

Gabriela bussed his cheek. “For never belittling me. For making me feel as if I have a thought in my head worth sharing.”

“I wish I was privy to all your thoughts”—Sebastian buried his face in her sweet-smelling hair—“but then I’d have my feelings hurt.”

Leaning into his embrace, Gabriela tucked her head under his chin. “Not as often as you’d think.”

Lud, but his throat felt tight. Pushing it aside, Sebastian said, “I’m sorry that you’ve been taught such behavior is a nicety, instead of something you’re due simply by being you.”

She sighed. “I’m not just referring to your willingness to listen to my thoughts.”

He arched a brow. “What are you referring to, then?”

Gabriela raised a shoulder. “You think of everything. Ever since we left Isa and Sirius’s, you have seen to all the details of the trip. You arranged for my ticket, and when all the cabins were taken, you offered me a place in yours.”

“Yes, well”—Sebastian brushed a loose curl from her brow—“I was not about to leave you behind.”

“It’s not just that, though. You’ve also been generous”—her throat bobbed on a swallow—“in bed. With my pleasure. I’ve heard the rumors, you know. But I was sure they were exaggerations.”

“Exaggerations?” Sebastian pushed until she angled back to meet his gaze. “Did you doubt I would bring you pleasure?”

“There’s no reason to be upset,” she murmured, smoothing her palm over his cheek. “I was simply unsure if women were being complimentary because you were a thoughtful lover or because you were a duke.”

“Aah.” Considering the previous nature of their association, Sebastian could understand her thought process…even if he didn’t like it.

“And I’ve also appreciated how protective you’ve been,” she continued, her eyes darting between his.

Sebastian scoffed. “The least I can do is protect a woman in my care.”

“And I appreciate that your protection extends to pregnancy, as well.”

Growing still, Sebastian blinked down at her.

Gabriela nibbled her lip. “We didn’t discuss it. And frankly, I was so caught up in”—her cheeks turned crimson—“I didn’t even consider it. I’m thankful you did.”

“Yes, well,” he said, twirling his finger in the satin sash around her waist, trying to ignore the heat that rushed up his neck to crowd his face, “I’ve never left a woman with a child of mine, and I don’t intend to now.”

Gabriela smirked. “And I have absolutely no interest in falling pregnant—”

“But if you did, there would be no reason for worry, because I would marry you and make you my duchess.” The words were clear. Firm. Sebastian was almost proud. “You would be well cared for.”

Much to his chagrin, she snorted. “Sebastian, you should know me well enough by now to know I have no interest in your title.”

“Of course I know that.” He glared at her. “But you could have feigned interest in it. Or in my declaration. Quite rude of you, really.”

Her hazel eyes turned gentle, and Gabriela moved to straddle his lap. Sebastian planted his hands on her waist. “Have I offended your pride?”

“More times than I can count.” Unable to have her this close and not taste her, he nibbled along her jaw to whisper in her ear, “And yet I keep coming back for more.”

Gabriela dropped her head to the side, presenting the fragrant skin of her neck to him. “I never would have thought you a masochist.”

“Only for you, darling.” Sebastian sucked at the delicate spot behind her ear, heat rushing to his groin when she shuddered.

• • •

He would marry her. But only if she fell pregnant.

Gabby didn’t know how to feel about that declaration. She was elated by Sebastian’s words, stated so staunchly, his blue eyes flashing with resoluteness—but would he even entertain marriage if pregnancy weren’t a consideration? Did it matter when the idea of marrying anyone unnerved her? Hadn’t she fled England, and then Mexico, to avoid being forced into marriage? Gabby couldn’t bring herself to be hurt by the contradiction, and he didn’t give her time to consider her warring emotions, for Sebastian moved to set her on the sofa and then dropped to his knees on the floor before her.