Page 113 of Dangerous

Adam took a deep breath, trying to ease the tightening that occurred in his chest whenever this subject arose. “I am glad you know my secret, Mia. Now you understand why the girls can never marry.”

“No, Adam, I don’t understand.”

He blinked. “I beg your pardon?”

“This is not a decision you can make for them, Adam. It is one they must make for themselves.”

“But—”

“It is a terrible burden they will bear, Adam. But they are not without hope.”

Her words angered, rather than soothed. “How can you say that?”

“Veronica was ill but her brother was not; neither was her mother. The girls are not Veronica, Adam. They have a chance, a good one, of escaping the taint and living normal lives.”

Adam gaped at her, stunned speechless by the simple sense of her words.

What a fool he’d been! All these years he’d thought only of what might be—never what might not be. Adam had always believed sequestering his daughters at Exham had been the best decision for them—for their happiness. Now he realized it had only been the safest choice. Mia was correct: they had a chance and he must let them take it, no matter how much he hated and feared the thought of them being exposed to public ridicule and cruelty.

“They must be told, Adam. Catherine is old enough now to be given such a responsibility, and soon Eva will be, too. This is not your secret, Adam, it is theirs. Each of them must decide how they will manage the information and whom they will share it with. Just as you have with me.”

Her words sent fear arrowing through him. “But what will happen if they fall in love? If they wish to marry? If people know of their secret, they will be ostracized and rejected. You and I know that is a terrible existence, Mia.”

“That is true, Adam, but we both know it is an easier burden to bear when you have somebody you love to share it.”

Adam stared down at her, overwhelmed by the truth of her words and astounded by his amazing good fortune. “Is it possible you are correct, my love?”

“Of course I am.”

He chuckled. “What did I ever do to deserve you, Mia?”

She smiled, and this time there was a distinctly wicked gleam in her eyes. “I don’t know. But I think you should make an effort to show some gratitude.” Her small hand slid from beneath the covers into his lap.

Adam threw back his head and laughed. “Is that all you ever think about?”

She smiled and began unbuttoning his breeches. “Yes.”

He lowered his mouth over hers. “Me too.”

Epilogue

London, five years later

Jibril tossed the reins to the waiting groom and swung down from his horse. The front door to Exley House flew open and Eva came galloping down the stairs.

“Gabriel! You’re finally home!”

He laughed. “Are you trying to knock me down, Evil?” He gave his half sister a rough hug to go along with the nickname.

“Don’t call me that.” The muffled reply came from his now ruined cravat but lacked any real heat. He held her at arm’s length.

“What’s wrong?” he asked, his chest tensing when he saw her tear-stained face.

“Mama and Papa are insisting on this dreadful ball.”

He sighed. “Come along. Let’s talk about this somewhere other than the front steps. You know how your father is.” Jibril—or Gabriel as he was now accustomed to being called—liked his stepfather well enough, but knew what a stickler he could be.

“Make them let me go home, Gabe,” she wailed as they entered the foyer.