Page 141 of Every Rake Has A Silver Lining

“Don’t let it go to your head, you buffoon. It’s already the size of France.”

Simon threw his head back and bellowed a laugh. “Not China or Russia?”

“No. BecauseI’mfeeling magnanimous.”

He tugged her closer to his side, which, to be honest, made his arm hurt more. “Well, then I should get you home and take advantage before you return to your normal self. We need to make good on that promise for a child.” He lowered his head and savored her lips.

“Simon! Simon!” Voices pulled him from the haze of love enveloping him. It couldn’t be Charlotte; not while his tongue tangled with hers.

His wife gave him a gentle push, and he broke the kiss. “Your family is coming.”

For once, Simon wasn’t thrilled to see his boisterous, gregarious family.

Georgie barreled into him first.

“Oomph!” Simon staggered back, exaggerating the force of Georgie’s impact. He grabbed his arm. “Careful, I’m an injured man.”

The rest of his sisters followed, each fawning over him in their own way until his mother pushed them all aside and smothered him with kisses. “What’s this about Samuel and Albie Mooney?” She pulled back. “And what happened to your arm?”

Before he answered, his carriage pulled around. “All in good time, Mother. At the moment, I need to take my wife home and then collapse myself. Tomorrow, I promise to have a lengthy and enthralling account of the events. If Dr. Rutledge comes looking for me, tell him I’ll be at the cottage.”

He kissed his mother on the forehead. “Don’t worry.”

Amid shouts from his family, Simon ushered Charlotte into the carriage.

His wanton, adorable wife—wholovedhim—scowled. “That was rather rude.”

He waggled his brows. “I take my cues from the best.”

Rather than bristle, Charlotte laughed. “Touché. Georgie said you were skilled at fencing.”

“You’re not offended?”

Charlotte shook her head, a few strands of dark hair tumbling loose from the intricate arrangement. “Not in the least. I know you meant it in the best possible way—because youloveme.” She narrowed her eyes. “Youdolove me? You weren’t bamming me?”

“I’ve never been more serious. I was going to tell you before everything went to hell around us. But when your brother arrived, I wondered if I could make you happier by letting you go.”

She gently tugged his coat free from his shoulders. “And I made my decision to stay before Samuel restrained me, to tell you I love you.”

The wonder of her words washed over him. “You’re incredibly brave.”

“I detest bullies.”

“Not that, although you put the fear of God into Hester. However, you don’t have anything to worry about, even if you didn’t threaten her.”

She canted her head, exposing that long neck he wanted to kiss. “Then what?”

“It took great courage to confess your love and make yourself vulnerable.”

Speechless, she blinked, her lips gaping seductively.

God, he wanted nothing more than to make love to her on the spot. If only his arm didn’t hurt like bloody hell. “And to show Samuel compassion.” He shook his head, still in disbelief. There was so much about his wife he didn’t know and couldn’t wait to discover.

“Both Samuel and my brother will receive punishment—byseeing how happy we are.” After tugging the coat from his arms and placing it aside, she kissed him.

Catching his breath, he rested his forehead against hers. “Not that I’m complaining, but are you planning on undressing me in the carriage? I’m loath to admit it, but I’m not in the best form for ravishing at the moment.”

Her laugh, full-throated and seductive, heated his blood. “I want to examine your injury. How trustworthy is this Dr. Rutledge? Should we send to London for Ashton?”

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