Page 41 of Good Duke Gone Rogue

“The fire will not go out.”

“You can’t be sure of that.”

“I’m entirely sure.”

“How do you know?”

“Because it hasn’t gone out for over a decade.”

“What do you mean?”

“I’ve always felt this way for you, Detta. I’ve always loved you. It’s always been you. I’ve never wanted someone the way I burn for you. Do you know what it takes to put fire out? You have todouse it with water. You have to stomp on it. You have to poke and prod it with a stick until every last ember dissipates. Do you think I will do that to you? To us? Even if the fire burns low, there will be embers that can be rekindled. Trust me when I tell you that there will always be fire between us. Nothing has ever changed that, and nothing ever will.”

He shook his head and pulled her close. “The thing I can’t figure out though, is, besides the fire, why do you want me?”

“Reggie,” she cupped his face, “you call out the best in people. I’ve seen it in me and Jacob. And tonight, more than ever, I saw you call it out of yourself. What kind of man would lay down his life for another? You are that man.” More tears were trickling down her cheeks. “You make me cry more than I’ve ever cried in my life, and I’m happy for it. I want to feel alive.” She held up her scarred palm. “I want to get burned. Not for the pain of it, but for the living. I want to live my life, and that means inevitable pain. But I’d rather have some pain and overwhelming love, than pain with no love. I want to be reckless sometimes. I want a full life with you. I love you.”

“God, how I’ve longed to hear you say those three little words, Detta. I love you more than my soul can bear. I want to live recklessly in love with you. Say you’ll marry me?” He was down on one knee, his hands holding hers.

“Yes! I will marry you.”

“I’m the happiest I’ve ever been,” the words were muted in her hair as he held her close. He pulled back, probably to ensure his next words were clearer, “Now, please tell me you’ll marry tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow? I don’t know how you’ll pull that one off.”

“Trust me. Don’t underestimate what a determined man can do.”

“I don’t think I have ever underestimated you, Reggie. You have never had to impress me. I’ve seen you for the kind, fun-loving boy you were, and now I see you for the self-sacrificing man you are.”

“You are the most incredible woman I’ve ever known.”

After a few kisses, she interrupted. “Wait. Are you sure you want to marry that soon?”

“Of course, I do.”

“Reggie…” she drawled out. “Are you absolutely sure? I recall a vow that if you had to attend one more wedding you would be forced to light something on fire. You’re not going to light something on fire if I marry you this season, will you?”

“Oh, my love, I will light something on fire. And that something will be you. And I will light you again, and again, and again. And I’m just talking about tonight. Do you think you can handle that much fire?”

“I await your fire making skills.” She stood and began unbuttoning her dress. Reggie clamored to his feet. Not willing to be late to this event, he pulled his shirt over his head. Standing half-bared to her, she saw him suck in a breath. “Help me,” she whispered softly, gesturing for him to pull her dress down.

When she was down to her chemise, he dropped to his knees. “I’ve already said yes, you know.”

“I know,” he smiled wickedly. “But a man can never hear his woman say yes too many times.”

She felt the hem of her chemise sliding up her thighs, and he was ducking his head toward her center. She knew what he was about to do, and her body was already responding. A silken wetness told her so.

“God, now that I know your taste, I can’t get enough. Open for me, Detta.”

She bent her knees, holding her chemise with one hand, she plunged the other into his soft hair. And then the licking began. She could feel his warm wetness between her lips. Her bud was blossoming at his loving touch. This was the man who caredabout her and believed in her. He was willing to sacrifice for her. All he wanted was to see her happy.

A moan met his next move, as his tongue swept her from top to bottom. He sucked on her bud and groaned his pleasure. She couldn’t help arching herself more into his mouth.

“Yes, Reggie,” she hissed.

He took a quick break to say, “Mmm…that’s what I’ve been waiting to hear.”

Her hand, unwittingly, was forcing his head closer. He chuckled but then licked her again. His tongue flicked across her most sensitive spot.

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