Page 72 of Not the Duke's Virgin

Simon’s eyes narrowed. “I’m afraid you have lost me, Lady Victoria. Have I not aided your sister in achieving the life she desires? Is that not what you wished as well? I thought this was the best way to restore your family’s reputation.”

Victoria wrung her hands. “Of course, and I cannot express how deeply grateful I am. But… if this was intended as a gesture of care for me, as I suspect… then you must stop. Please.”

Simon stared at her intently. “Why?”

Victoria met his gaze helplessly. “Because I am trying to move past… this… whatever lies between us. Your kindness only makes that more difficult. It gives me hope that perhaps you feel… more… and I cannot afford to indulge in such fanciful notions when my future is so uncertain. Surely you understand?”

Comprehension dawned in Simon’s eyes, followed swiftly by a glint of humor. He rose and moved to stand before her.

“I confess, I am rather confused by your objections. If my actions give you hope, is that not a good thing? What future could be so dire as to negate that?”

Victoria kept her eyes locked on her lap. “You know very well the mess my life has become. I am pondering what to do about it. False hope serves no purpose.”

She heard the rustle of Simon’s coat as he crouched down before her. A gentle hand cupped her chin and tilted her face up to meet his knowing gaze.

“Who said anything about false hope?” he murmured, before pressing his lips to hers.

Victoria’s mind went blissfully blank, every coherent thought fleeing beneath the onslaught of sensation. His lips moved against hers, firm and questing, and she could not help but kiss him back ardently. For endless moments they remained thus entwined, the world reduced to just the two of them.

Finally, sanity reasserted itself, and Victoria pulled back, breaking the kiss. She searched Simon’s face bewilderedly. “Why did you do that?”

Simon gazed back at her, desire and affection mingling in his expression. “Is it not obvious? Because I have wanted to, for quite some time now.”

Victoria shook her head in confusion. “But… I don’t understand. This is impossible.”

Simon lifted her hand to his lips and pressed a kiss to her knuckles. “On the contrary. I would say it is very much possible.”

A sinking feeling overcame Victoria. She stood up abruptly and backed away from him. “Please… do not toy with me this way. Not if you don’t truly mean it.”

Hurt flashed across Simon’s face. He moved toward her, but she held up a hand. “No! I cannot bear false platitudes or pretty lies. If you feel nothing beyond idle attraction, then end this charade now, I beg of you.”

Simon halted, holding her gaze intently. “You think my regard so trifling?” At her conflicted expression, he sighed. “Very well. Let me speak plainly.”

He moved close and took both her hands in his. “I love you, Victoria. I cannot pinpoint when or how it happened, only that it did. You captivated me from that first lively exchange on the terrace. Your wit, your intellect, your devotion to your family—I find you utterly enchanting.”

Victoria stared searchingly into his eyes but found only earnest conviction in their dark depths.

Simon pressed on. “I know we did not start under the best of circumstances, but the more I learn of you, the more certain I become that you are the woman I wish to spend the rest of my life with.”

He stroked his fingers over her knuckles tenderly. “You once accused me of being cold and unfeeling. Perhaps I was, but you have awakened something in me I thought long buried. My actions for Aurora were as much for myself as for you, because I cannot bear to see you suffer, not when I have the power to remedy it.”

Victoria gazed up at him, scarcely daring to believe his words. “Do you truly mean what you say?” she whispered.

Simon clasped her hand over his heart. “With every fiber of my being. I love you, Lady Victoria Hatcher, and it would be my greatest honor if you would consent to be my wife.”

Overwhelming joy suffused Victoria, leaving her nearly giddy. To think that this man who once disdained her company now professed his love and desire for her hand! It was like something from a fairytale.

She flung her arms about his neck. “Oh, Simon! I can scarcely believe it, but I love you too, with all my heart!”

His arms came around her as his lips claimed hers once more. Victoria melted into his embrace, running her fingers through his hair as the kiss deepened. At length they parted just far enough to catch their breath, foreheads touching.

Simon caressed her cheek reverently. “I vow to spend every day proving myself worthy of you. Will you consent to be mine?”

“Yes!” Victoria breathed. “There is nothing I desire more.”

Pure elation lit up Simon’s face. He lifted her off her feet and spun her in an enthusiastic circle as she laughed joyously.

“I ought to inform your father…” he mused.

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