because I miss you, Tilly. I miss my wife.” He swallowed visibly, took a step forward. “I didn’t want to wait until you returned home. I needed you to know. Immediately.”
Her heart pounded so furiously in her chest she feared it might be visible through her dress. “That you missed me?”
He shook his head.
“You don’t miss me?” she asked confused.
“No, I do. But I needed you to know that I’m in love with you. And I realized something very important.”
He loved her? Oh God, her hands were shaking, but she still stood in front of her seat, not moving toward him. “What did you realize?” She grabbed handfuls of the fabric of her skirts to give herself something to do with her hands.
“That in order to love you,”—he took a step closer—“I have to love all of you.”
“You love all of us?” one girl behind her asked, obviously confused.
Everyone chuckled and Sullivan’s gaze met Tilly’s and she thought she might burst if she didn’t get to kiss him soon.
He gave a crooked grin. “No, I’m certain you’re all lovely ladies. But I love only my wife. I meant that I can’t pick and select only some parts of you, Freckles, the parts that I like or approve of. If I am to truly love you, then I must love this part of you. Regardless of the fact that it frightens me out of my mind to have you out there confronting criminals.”
She found her way out of the row of seats and came to stand in front of him. “You love me?” she whispered.
“Madly.”
“What about your agreement with”—she glanced behind her, then looked back at him and mouthed—“Lady X?”
“None of that matters if I can’t be with you. My brother can go to the devil.”
“You don’t think he needs to be punished?” she asked.
“Of course he does, but that is the police’s duty and they are now working on that. It’s not my concern. Furthermore, if pursuing that means I lose you, then it matters not to me what happens to him. The only thing that matters to me is you.”
She eyed his face and found only earnestness in his expression. She was surprised she had not dissolved into a puddle of mush at his feet.
“I am an idiot.” He grabbed her hands and brought them both to his lips. “I was frightened and a fool. Will you forgive me?”
“I shall consider it. But you should know that if you try to send me away, or leave me again, I am rather accomplished with a blade.”
He chuckled, then stopped. “Wait, is that a threat or a jest?”
She lifted a shoulder. “Perhaps a little of both.”
“Do you think, in time, you could grow to love me, too?” he asked.
“I already do love you, you fool. I love you so much it’s ridiculous.”
He grinned broadly at her, then proceeded to kiss her as if they weren’t standing in the middle of Lady Somersby’s meeting parlor. Tilly didn’t care, though. She snaked her arms around his neck and kissed him back.
Several giggles broke out in the room behind them, and Tilly gathered her wits and pulled away.
“I love you,” he said again.
“I very much enjoy hearing you say that.”
“Then I shall say it at least once an hour for the rest of our lives.”
“I believe I shall like that.”
“Can we go home now? There is something I’d like to do to you.” His words were low and full of promise.
Her nipples tightened. “Yes. You know you’ve misbehaved.” She kept her voice low so only he could hear her. “Perhaps it’s your turn for a spanking.”
He grabbed her and tossed her over his shoulder, spun on his heel. “Sorry for the interruption. Carry on, ladies.” The women remaining in the meeting room all giggled and squealed.
Oh, how she loved this man.
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About the Author
A life-long lover of stories and adventure, it was either become a stuntwoman for the movies or live out those adventures from the safety of her PJ’s and computer. Award-winning author Robyn DeHart chose the latter and couldn’t be happier for doing so. Known for her unique plotlines and authentic characters, Robyn is a favorite among readers and reviewers. Publishers’ Weekly claims her writing to be “comical and sexy” while the Chicago Tribune dubs her “wonderfully entertaining.” Robyn is a three-time RT Bookclub Reviewers’ Choice award nominee, and her book Seduce Me won 2009 Best Historical Romantic Adventure. The same book also won the inaugural RomCon Reader’s Crown award. She is the author of the award-winning Legend Hunters series and the Ladies’ Amateur Sleuth Society series. You can find Robyn online at www.RobynDeHart.com or www.JauntyQuills.com.
Discover the Lords of Vice series…
The Scoundrel and the Lady
The Marquess and the Maiden
The Earl and the Reluctant Lady
Also by Robyn DeHart
A Little Bit Wicked
A Little Bit Sinful
A Little Bit Scandalous
No Ordinary Mistress
For Her Spy Only
Misadventures in Seduction
Undercover with the Earl
Dueling With the Duke
Eloping With The Princess
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