Page 130 of Only Rakes Need Apply
“If I marry you, Carenza, I can no longer be a rake. So what is the point of being in society if you’re not accepted there but the only person I want in my bed is you?”
“I wanted to protect you,” she whispered.
“I know.” His tone became intimate. “I knew it immediately. My anger was directed entirely at myself.” He cleared his throat. “Will you marry me?”
She stared at him. “Yes.”
“Do you love me?”
“Yes, of course I do.”
“Thank God.” He kissed her hard, and she joyfully reciprocated. “I have a special license in my pocket, your parents are at peace with the idea, and I can see no reason why we can’t be married tomorrow if the vicar is agreeable.”
“What about Allegra? She’s not returned from London yet.”
His frown returned. “Are you saying you won’t marry me if your sister isn’t present?”
Carenza sighed. Some things really weren’t worth arguing about. “I’ll marry you, regardless, but she won’t like it.”
“We’ll wait for her return to have our proper wedding breakfast, will that suffice?” He hesitated. “There is one other thing you should know about me.”
“That you are impossible?” Carenza asked.
“You already know that.” He took her hand. “I’m not a Laurent.”
She stared at him. “Your mother …”
“Had a lover.”
“She’s spent her whole life blaming you for her own indiscretion?” Carenza scowled. “I can’t wait to see her and tell her my opinion of that!”
“I doubt she’ll receive us, my darling.”
“Which is probably for the best, because she would not like the things I would have to say to her!”
He led her toward the door. “Let’s go and tell your family.”
“Wait just one moment.” She put her hand on his chest over his heart. “I have always loved you and felt safe with you. I promise that when we’re married, we’ll be best friends and lovers for the rest of our lives.”
“Good,” he said and kissed her again. “Now come along and speak to your parents.”
For once, Carenza gladly complied.
