Page 58 of Captivating the Earl (Lords and Ladies in Love 5)

Additionally, she was placing her well-being into the hands of another man for the rest of her life. But faced with the choice of marriage to Hawk, or possible prison or death, the decision was a wise one. Also, they would be man and wife, and all that came with it. She blushed.

&nbs

p; Another benefit.

…

Hawk released a deep breath. At first he’d thought Lizzie would refuse his plan for them to marry the next day. Had it been necessary to hog-tie her to do it, he would have. The burden of her safety rested squarely on his shoulders, and he would not fail in his duty protect her.

The fact that he would spend the rest of his life with this woman whom he loved, and who captivated him so, along with the warmth of her body next to his every night, made it all so much more enticing. The one time he’d had Lizzie was not nearly enough to assuage his desire for her.

“You will not be sorry, even though it appears I am rushing you. We’ve been together for weeks now, and I think we rub along quite well.”

“Yes, aside from your arrogance, we do get along.”

He leaned back, his eyebrows raised. “Arrogance?”

“Surely that is not the first time you’ve heard that? You are arrogant, demanding, and overbearing.”

“Please speak freely, Lizzie. Do not feel the need to hold back.” He grinned, unable to resist vexing her. She was adorable when angered.

“I have spent the last two years running my own life. I earned a salary and did a very good job at it. I don’t wish to be married to someone who intends to control my life.”

Hawk cupped her cheeks in his hands. “I do not wish to control your life, but your safety is my business. I will keep you safe by supplying you with a home, enough food to satisfy your hunger, and free rein when it comes to choosing your wardrobe.”

When she opened her mouth to speak, he added, “Yes, I know. After a wedding in a borrowed gown.” He kissed her gently on her lips. “I will also protect you from harm. There is no argument where that is concerned.” His head descended once again, and he took her lips in a warm kiss. He nudged her mouth until she opened, then he delved in, enjoying the sweetness of her.

Lizzie slid her palms up his chest and wrapped her palms around the back of his neck. He pulled her closer until their bodies met, her soft breasts pressed against his chest. Just the mere touch of her against him was enough to ignite the fire that burned for her. He pulled his head back and leaned his forehead on hers. “I will not cause talk among the servants by bedding you tonight, but tomorrow night you will be all mine.”

“Yes.” Her raspy whispered word was alluring, seductive. “And you will be all mine.”

“And I have plans.” He grinned, then pulled back. Images in his mind of Lizzie splayed for him on his bed, naked, panting, and calling his name was sucking the very breath from his body. If he didn’t stop now he would ravish her right here in Cam’s library. He stood and held out his hand. “Come.”

One more night, then she will be mine every night after that. Mine.

…

The next morning Hawk stood in front of the vicar with Cam on one side and Lizzie on the other. Cam’s housekeeper, Mrs. Strover, comprised the second witness. The vicar droned on and on about the sanctity of marriage to the point where Hawk wanted to throttle the man.

It gave him time, however, to reflect on what he was doing. As much as he’d always kept himself far from the grasp of decent women—those who sought marriage—he’d never forgotten the duty to his title to produce heirs. Something that he thought would occur in the far-off future when he was too old to fall in love.

Despite his best intentions, Lizzie had crawled her way into his life and his heart, a situation that did not make him as uncomfortable as he would have thought at one time.

While he mulled over those thoughts, the ceremony continued, and soon ended with the vows being spoken and the vicar producing the register for them to sign. Mrs. Strover patted the corner of her eyes with the edge of her apron. What Hawk wanted more than anything was to hustle his new wife upstairs, strip her naked, and kiss every inch of her lovely body. Cam’s cook, however, had insisted on a celebratory wedding breakfast.

“I wish you both happy,” Cam said as he took Lizzie’s hand and kissed her knuckles. He slapped Hawk on the back. “Just know this wedding furor ends with you. Now that you, Bedford, and Templeton have surrendered to the parson’s noose, I will find myself another group of friends.”

“Marriage isn’t contagious, my lord.” Lizzie grinned at him as they walked to the dining room.

“Ah, but it is with my friends. First Bedford, then Templeton—whose wedding you missed, by the way, since no one could find you—and now you.” Cam shook his head. “It makes me itchy to even stand too close to you, Hawk.”

The table had been decorated with flowers and ribbons. Cam’s staff had gone to a great deal of trouble to present the bride and groom with a nice wedding breakfast, and an array of delicious-looking food had been placed on the sideboard.

They were treated to a variety of breads, warm rolls, creamed sturgeon, ham, tongue, eggs, and fruit. There was plenty of coffee and tea, along with an urn of chocolate. A several-tiered wedding cake took center place on the table.

“This is quite lovely, Lord Campbell. Thank you so much for arranging all of this.” Lizzie’s eyes shimmered as she took in the lovely arrangement.

“Ah, my Lady Hawkins, ’twas no trouble at all. I am more than happy to see another of my friends succumb to matrimony. And please, we are practically family now. I shall be honored if you would address me as Cam.”