“If that’s what you assume, you’re insane. You run a gambling club! You destroy men’s lives for sport.”
“I repeat: I don’t ruin anybody. They’re all irresponsible wretches.”
“Fine, I stand corrected. You’re a veritable saint.”
He grinned his devil’s grin. “That’s more like it.”
“Don’t tease me, and don’t be flippant. My life is on the line over this.”
“So is mine, and you can’t deny me what I’m yearning to have.”
“And what is that?”
“You, you silly girl, so this is what I’m willing to do for you.”
“I’m on pins and needles waiting to hear.” Her tone was much too snide.
“I’m giving my business to Sybil. I’ll sign the whole enterprise over to her.”
She gasped. “You’ll. . . what?”
“I’ll give it away. It appears to be a sticking point for you, so I’ll relinquish it.”
“Why would you?”
“Can’t you guess? I swear, Caro, you are being an absolute dunce today. If that stupid club means I can’t have you as my wife, why bother with it?”
“It’s made you rich. It’s how you earn your income.”
“Yes, but I agree with you: It’s a foul profession. Sybil is much better at managing the dolts who are members. She can have it all, then I can have you.”
“If you get rid of it, you’ll be poor.”
“I was poor before I started it. It won’t kill me to be poor again. Besides, if I dispose of it, I can try my hand at something else.”
“What else?”
“I can glom onto you like the worst sort of fortune hunter and be a kept man. I’m actually looking forward to it.” He kissed the center of her palm. “Dearest Caroline, will you marry me?”
She blanched. “No.”
“That’s not the right answer. You might as well tell me you’ll have me. I won’t stop pestering you until you give me what I want.”
“You’re a committed bachelor.”
“Yes, I am, but I’m ready to change that situation.”
He had her trapped in the chair, and he overwhelmed her with his physical presence. When he was touching her, she couldn’t think straight. She pushed away and jumped to her feet, leaving him off balance so he nearly fell to the floor.
She dashed across the room to dawdle by the hearth. He was still on his knees, and he glared at her, a hint of temper showing, but it was swiftly masked. He pushed himself up and asked, “What’s wrong now?”
“I’m confused about what kind of person you are. I presumed I knew, but I really don’t, and I can’t decide what’s best.”
“I’ll decide for you then. I am best. I am precisely who you need in your life to be happy.”
“What about you?” she asked. “What do you need to be happy?”
“Haven’t you figured that out?”
“I thought it was me, but I’m so bewildered that I’m not sure of anything.”
“First off, I should clarify a paltry detail I neglected to explain previously.”
“What is it?”
“You have a new guardian.”
“Who?”
“Lord Barrett. He had himself installed when the judge removed your uncle from the trust accounts.”
“I’m barely acquainted with Lord Barrett. How could he assume any control over me?”
“You might not be acquainted with him, but he’s an honorable fellow, and he has determined that you’ll wed me. If you saunter over and ask him, I believe he’ll say he insists on it.”
“What gall for him—and you—to dicker over me like a cow at the market.”
“At least we haven’t robbed you blind.”
“Not yet anyway.”
As they’d been talking, he’d been slyly sidling closer. She should have fled the room, but she was glued to her spot and could only watch him approach—like a rabbit watching a viper.
“Fate is guiding my steps,” he said. “I can’t avoid you.”
She’d sensed Fate’s interference too, but wouldn’t admit it. She wouldn’t give him more leverage. “I wouldn’t peg you as a superstitious type.”
“Usually, I’m not, but if it’s not Fate guiding me, then it must be my father. He’s hovering constantly.”
“Why would your father be hovering?”
“I think he wanted me to find you. I think he’s been worried about you, and he wanted me to take care of you for him.”
“That’s a ludicrous idea.”
“Maybe. Or maybe not. What are the chances we would cross paths? What are the chances my father would be Captain Miles Ralston and you would be a Lost Girl? Can’t you feel how we’ve been drawn together?”
“I might feel it. Occasionally.”
“I’ve tried to stay away from you, but no matter what I do, I’m dragged back to your side. It’s my destiny to wed you, Caro. How can you imagine Fate—and my father’s ghost—will permit me to escape your steady pull?”
She been gradually retreating, and finally, she bumped into the stones of the fireplace. He realized she could go no farther, and he swooped in and wrapped her in his arms, his blue eyes filled with anguish.
“Don’t turn me away, Caro,” he said. “If you won’t be mine, if you won’t have me, what will become of me?”
“Would you really give up your gambling club?”
“Yes, yes, yes! A thousand times yes. I would give up the world for you.”
With that, he swept her into a torrid kiss that was wild and debauched. The passion they generated was like an explosion, like a detonation that could incinerate the whole kingdom. It was fiery and raw, and she shouldn’t have participated, but the sorry fact was that she’d never been able to resist him, and she couldn’t now.
He continued on, wearing her down until her limbs were rubbery, as if her bones had melted. If he hadn’t been holding her up, she might have sunk to the floor in a stunned heap.
The information he’d shared had left her dazed and perplexed, so on the spur of the moment, she shouldn’t agree to wed. She should ponder and debate in a rational way. Yet how could she not agree?
She always conveniently forgot that she’d lain with him, so it was possible she was increasing with his child. They’d sinned and marriage was the sole remedy that would save
