Page 38 of Stolen Princess's Secret

Dogged chivalry. Not that there was anything wrong with it, but it wasn’t love, and it was love she craved, almost as much as safety.

‘Actually, there are many other ways to approach impending parenthood.’ Probably best not to say impending doom. ‘You’ve had a shock, I understand that, but what if I don’t want to marry you?’

‘I think you’ll choose to do so anyway.’ Was that the voice of reason? She hated it. ‘Our child will be legitimate and loved and I will protect you both with all that I am. Any political opponents that seek to undermine you will suffer for their sins because I’m a vengeful man and my aristocratic veneer is thin.’

Well, when he put it that way...

‘You’re quite a forceful guy when you decide you want something.’

He smiled tightly. ‘I have no idea why you sound so surprised.’

‘I like it.’

‘How fortunate for us all.’

She fiddled with the delicate ring on her finger, a diamond and pearl Art Deco concoction from the royal collection. She had a few vague memories of her mother wearing it, and it served to keep her tethered to her duties as the Princess Royal of a nation. The thought of wearing Tomas’s wedding ring alongside it gave her pause, because she knew she would treasure his ring more.

‘Do you even like me?’ She hadn’t meant to voice the question. She’d meant to keep those doubts locked in her subconscious, hidden from scrutiny. Clearly, her heart had other ideas. ‘I mean, it’s a starting point, right? Liking each other.’

‘Correct.’

‘I’d take my wedding vows seriously,’ she said next. ‘I’d give it my all.’

‘As would I.’

‘I’d take no other lovers.’

‘Fewer bodies for me to bury.’

‘I can’t quite tell if you’re being serious or not.’

He smiled at that, wide and wicked. What a weapon. It made her feel all jelly, not that he needed to know that.

‘Still can’t tell,’ she informed him loftily.

‘I’d probably just feed them to the birds. No grave-digging at all.’

‘The fact that you’ve even thought about feeding people to the birds is giving me pause.’

‘So it should.’ He’d relaxed his grip on the steering wheel and his upper body looked less stiff. ‘I’m joking. But I’m also a proud, possessive man and I don’t share. If I’m going to surrender to my emotions, I aim to do it properly. I’m calling it the Claudia effect.’

And, oh, how she adored this accessible new side of him.

‘So, it’s a proper marriage you’re suggesting. None of this in-name-only business.’

‘Definitely not.’

‘What happens when I have to do my brother’s bidding and be a princess for the people?’

‘Do you want to do your brother’s bidding and be a princess for the people? Because, to my way of thinking, you give them too much unfettered access. With a child on the way, I’d expect you to pick your battles carefully and create more time for personal home-building.’

‘At your manor.’

‘Our manor. Correct.’

She was beginning to feel very hopeful about this unexpected kidnapping with marriage attached.

‘I hear make-up sex is really intense. We should try it.’

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