Page 69 of Denying the Duke (Lords and Ladies in Love 3)

Tears sprang to his eyes, all the fear and unbearable images of his lonely future dropping from his shoulders like a cast-off shroud.

“My God, I love you so much, Patience.” Unable to say anymore, he closed his eyes and thrust deeply into her, pouring his seed, his heart, and his life, into her.

Chapter Twenty-Two

As the carriage drew up to the entrance to the Bedford townhouse, Alex adjusted his breeches, doing the best he could to hide where two buttons had popped off. Patience leaned forward as he laced up her stays and refastened her gown. She shivered as his warm lips kissed the bare skin on her shoulder.

“I must look a mess.” She tried her best to rearrange her hair into a tidy knot.

Alex nuzzled her neck. “You look beautiful. Like a woman well loved.”

Now that their lust had been spent, Patience intended to clear the air between them. She had to tell him how she felt. Saying “I love you” during the heat of passion did not signify. Telling Alex how very much she loved him when she was not naked and panting would mean so much more.

He climbed from the carriage and turned to help her down. His eyes flashing with humor, he ignored her exten

ded hand and swept her into his arms.

“Alex, put me down!” She could not help the giggle that escaped her.

“Not on your life, Your Grace.” He turned to the driver. “Please drive to Montfort’s townhouse and advise Her Grace’s lady maid, Polly, to pack all of Her Grace’s belongings and return home.”

Patience raised one eyebrow, a smirk on her face. “Did I agree to that, Your Grace?”

“You will,” he growled. Then he stopped. “Do you want to, sweetheart? It must be your decision.”

She pretended to think on it. Then, feeling sorry for the panic she saw in his eyes, she said, “Yes. That is what I want.”

Taking a deep breath, he shifted her in his arms. He strode up the stairs, sailing through the open door.

“Good evening, Your Graces,” Monroe said, amusement in his eyes.

Patience waved as they walked by. “Good evening, Monroe.”

“Welcome home.” The staid butler actually grinned.

Taking the stairs two at a time, Alex reached the corridor and made a sharp turn to his bedchamber. Using his knee, he lifted the latch and entered his bedroom. He kicked the door closed and covered her mouth with his.

Apparently, he was ready for another session of lovemaking. Not that she objected, of course.

He set her on her feet and stared into her eyes. “Welcome home, Your Grace.”

She could not help the tears that gathered in her eyes. “It is good to be home, Your Grace.”

He quickly divested her of her clothes, as well as his own, and led her to the bed, coming down partially on top of her.

This time he was slow, gentle, and tender. Whispering words of love in her ear the entire time. She had never felt so adored in her life.

They lay entwined in each other’s arms, Alex running his fingertips over her arm. She shifted and turned to look at him. “We need to talk.”

“Yes. I agree.”

She reached up and touched his lips with her fingertip. “I want to speak first.” She paused, trying to say what was in her heart.

“I love you. Not like I loved you when we were younger. That was a youthful romance. I will always treasure the memories of our time then, but we are not the same people anymore.”

He allowed her to continue when she stopped again and took a deep breath. “I know you saw horrible things in the military service. I also know you are not the same young man I fell in love with four years ago, but you are the wonderful, strong, capable man I fell in love with after you returned.

“Loverly was a horrible man. He sold secrets to the enemy, and as you pointed out, men died because of his treachery. He kidnapped me with no regard for my well-being. I have no doubt in my mind that had you not rescued me, he would have killed me. And you, too, if he could have managed it.” She touched his cheek. “I had no right to judge you, and I hope you forgive me.”