Benedict's Challenge - Carole Mortimer Page 0,48
to be guided by you on that subject.”
Chloe’s heart was now in danger of floating out of her chest before flying away completely. “In that case, today is as good a time as any.”
Benedict’s eyes widened. “Today? But I thought—”
“I believe I have already made my feelings on these wayward thoughts of yours more than clear.” Chloe stepped close enough to him that she could feel his warmth and breathe in his heady male musk. “Ask, Benedict,” she invited huskily.
“I should have a speech prepared—”
“Not necessary.”
“So that I might tell you of my positive characteristics—and my negative ones.”
Chloe’s lips curved into a smile. “I already know all of them, the positive and the negative.”
“And love me anyway?” Benedict pressed hopefully.
“And love you anyway,” she echoed softly.
Benedict drew in a ragged breath and closed his eyes before opening them again. “I love you, Chloe. More than I knew it was possible to love anyone.” He dropped to one knee in front of her. “I will be eternally grateful if you would do me the honor of becoming my wife.”
“Yes!” Chloe moved down onto her knees before grasping his hands in hers, her face alight with her inner joy. “I have missed you so much this past week, Benedict. I love you so much. To think of never seeing you again…” She shuddered. “It was not to be borne.”
“Your aunt and uncle have already approved my suit, so if you agree, we can marry and be together always as soon as I am able to acquire a special license.”
“Yes, please. I love you, Benedict. I love you so very much.” Chloe tilted her chin and offered up her lips.
“I love you too, my darling Chloe,” Benedict murmured before he devoured her lips like a thirsty man in the desert.
Some time later, the two of them lay in each other’s arms upon the chaise. They had not made love, as the sounds of the rest of the household could be heard outside their intimate bubble, but they were as close as they could be without completing that intimacy.
“I left your uncle in no doubt yesterday as to the ardor of my feelings for you,” Benedict admitted wryly when Chloe remarked on the fact they had been left alone for so long.
She laughed. “And I have been sulking for the past week because of my ardor for you.” She looked up from where she rested her head against his shoulder. “How are Lord Soames and Jimmy?”
He gave a satisfied grin. “They are on their way to Ipswich to challenge Adrian Metford’s claim on the title.”
Her eyes widened. “Will they succeed, do you think?”
“I believe so.” He nodded. “Not without a fight, but I have confidence they will prevail.”
“And Beatrix?”
Benedict smiled. “My sister is also well and anticipating meeting you and hopefully seeing Jimmy again soon. Enough of other people.” He turned so that they were facing each other as he gathered her tightly in his arms. “I love you, Chloe, and I am the luckiest man alive that you have agreed to become my wife.”
She placed a gentle hand against his cheek. “I am the lucky one, Benedict, and I promise you we shall be very happy together. Always.”
An “always” Benedict had never believed he could have but which he would cherish, as he would cherish Chloe, forever and always.
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About the Author
Carole Mortimer is a USA Today Bestselling Author and recipient of the RWA Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award 2015, RT Career Achievement Award 2017, RT Pioneer for Romance Award 2014. She was also recognized by Queen Elizabeth II in 2012 for her ‘outstanding service to literature’. Carole has written 255 contemporary, Regency and paranormal romance novels.
She is happily married to Peter. They have 6 sons, and live on the beautiful Isle of Man. She also loves to hear from Readers!
Other books by Carole Mortimer
Regency Club Venus:
Bastian’s Surrender (Regency Club Venus 1)
Gabriel’s Torment (Regency Club Venus 2)
Benedict’s Challenge (Regency Club Venus 3)
Julius’s Passion (Regency Club Venus 4)
Dance with the Devil Series:
MATTEO (Dance with the Devil 1)
LEON (Dance with the Devil 2)
More books to come in this series
Regency Men in Love M/M (Written as C A Mortimer)
Hidden Lover (Regency Men in Love 1)
Hidden Desire (Regency Men in Love 2)
More books to come in this series.
Regency Lovers Series:
INDECENT (Regency Lovers 1)
OBSESSION (Regency Lovers 2)
CRAVING (Regency Lovers 3)
FORBIDDEN (Regency Lovers 4)
SURRENDER (Regency Lovers 5)
SCANDAL (Regency Lovers 6)
Series complete
Steele Protectors Series:
LOGAN (Steele Protectors 1)
ATTICUS (Steele Protectors 2)
BRYCE (Steele Protectors 3)
ROURKE (Steele Protectors 4)
HAYDN (Steele Protectors 5) Author’s 250th book
LUCAN (Steele Protectors 6)
Series Complete
Dragon Hearts – Contemporary paranormal
Nathaniel (Dragon Hearts 1)
Deryk (Dragon Hearts 2)
Bryn (Dragon Hearts 3)
Dylan (Dragon Hearts 4)
Grigor (Dragon Hearts 5)
Garrett (Dragon Hearts 6)
Aeran & Rhys (Dragon Hearts 7)
Dragon Reunion (Dragon Hearts 8)
Series Complete
Regency Sinners Series:
Wicked Torment (Regency Sinners 1)
Wicked Surrender (Regency Sinners 2)
Wicked Scandal (Regency Sinners 3)
Wicked Deception Regency Sinners 4)
Wicked Captive (Regency Sinners 5)
Wicked Temptation (Regency Sinners 6)
Wicked Sinner (Regency Sinners 7)
Wicked Christmas (Regency Sinners 8)
Series now complete.
Regency Unlaced Series:
The Duke’s Mistress (Book 1)
Claimed by the Marquis (Book 2)
Taken by the Earl (Book 3)
Pursued by the Viscount (Book 4)
Desired by a Lord (Book 5)
Captured by a Gentleman (Book 6)
Pleasured by a Duke (Book 7)
Seduced by a Marquis (Book 8)
Tamed by the Earl (Book 9)
Series now complete
Knight Security Series: Spin-off to ALPHA series
Resisting Alexandre (Knight Security 0.5)
Defying Asher (Knight Security 1)
Challenging Gabriel (Knight Security 2)
Capturing Caleb (Knight Security 3)
Tempting Zander (Knight Security 4)
Enticing Ian (Knight Security 5)
Seducing Ethan (Knight Security 6)
Series now complete
ALPHA Series:
Christmas Alpha (Alpha 1)
Dark Alpha (Alpha 2)
Shadow Alpha (Alpha 3) Author’s 200th Book
Midnight Alpha (Alpha 4)
Renegade Alpha (Alpha 5)
Warrior Alpha (Alpha 6)
Rogue Alpha (Alpha 7)
Savage Alpha (Alpha 8)
Series is now complete