Page 51 of A Scandal for the Beastly Earl

"I should check on Thistle," Arabella said, fleeing before the moment could become more intense.

She found the dog in the kitchen, having apparently made peace with Cookie through sheer persistence and charm. He was lying by the fire, gnawing contentedly on what looked suspiciously like an entire ham bone and apparently alone at that moment.

"You've corrupted my entire household," she told him.

He wagged his tail, unrepentant.

"Though I suppose I can scarcely speak on the matter myself," she added, thinking of how thoroughly she'd corrupted the Earl's careful isolation.

"Talking to the dog again?" Lucien's voice came from behind her.

"He's an excellent conversationalist. He never argues."

"Unlike your husband?"

"My husband doesn't argue. He makes pronouncements and expects the world to rearrange itself accordingly."

"And does it?"

"Usually, I imagine. You're rather used to getting your way."

"So are you."

"Then we're well matched."

"In some things." He moved closer, and she could feel the heat of him along her back. "In others, we're still learning."

"What others?"

"This, for instance." His hands settled on her waist, drawing her back against him. "I don't know the rules anymore, Arabella. Are we maintaining separate rooms? Are we..."

"Are we what?"

"Are we truly married now?"

She turned in his arms to face him. "What do you want?"

"You," he said simply. "I want you. In my bed, at my table, in my life. But I don't know if that's what you want."

"Last night..."

"Last night was a storm. Today is reality."

"And in reality?"

"In reality, I'm still the Beast of Blackthorn. Scarred, difficult, with a past that won't stay buried and a reputation that will always follow us."

"And I'm still the girl who fell into a lake to save a dog. Impulsive, challenging, with a criminal pet and a tendency toward chaos."

"Dived into a lake," he corrected, and she could see him fighting a smile.

"The point stands. We're both disasters in our own ways."

"So what do we do?"

"We can be disasters together."

He kissed her then, right there in the kitchen with Thistle wagging his approval. It was tender and passionate and full of promise.