Page 103 of A Rescue by the Rakish Duke
“Words are easy, and you are gifted with them, it seems. How do I know they are real?”
Damian sank to one knee in front of her, his hands on her knee as he looked up at her. “Because I will spend every day for the rest of my life proving it to you, my love. I am willing to wait for you, Gwendoline. Just don’t give up on us, please.”
“You don’t have to kneel,” she protested, her breath hitching. “Please don’t do that.”
“I will kneel in the middle of Grosvenor Square if that is what it takes, Gwen,” he said gravely. “I love you. I am so sorry that I didn’t tell you earlier. I let you tell me how much you care about me without confessing the truth that has been festering inside me.”
“You’re an impossible man,” she huffed.
But her voice was softer, and she didn’t turn away from him. Instead, she remained seated while he knelt before her.
“And you’re an extraordinary woman,” he replied. “I don’t deserve you, but I will give my all and my life trying to.”
Gwendoline’s eyes searched his own. They welled with tears—tears that Damian didn’t want to see because they proved that the person who had hurt her the most was not Montrose, but himself.
“I-I love you, too, Damian. But if you push me away again, if you give me another reason to leave, I will?—”
“I won’t,” he interrupted. “I swear it.”
“Rise then, and kiss me,” she commanded, her eyes twinkling with mischief.
Damian was glad to be of service. He was hungry for her kisses. It felt like years since he had last felt her lips on his own—felt their softness and warmth.
He poured his love, regret, and hope into their kiss. Words could not fully express them. So, he used what he knew—his mouth, his tongue, his devotion. When they finally pulled apart, he rested his forehead against hers. Their breaths mingled and exchanged stories.
“I am willing to kiss you elsewhere, savor you, adore you.”
She giggled at that—a little nervously, he thought. They had not made love in a long time. They had been too occupied with their battles.
“You know you’re insufferable,” she teased, breaking the last bit of tension between them.
“You will love me for it,” he said, kneeling back on the floor and lifting the hem of her nightdress. “You will love this.”
“I know,” she whimpered as his tongue trailed up her thigh to that spot that ached for him.
Damian knew that he must prove his love and devotion to her for the rest of his life, and tonight was the beginning. He knew it as he swiped the tip of his tongue over that bundle of nerves at the apex of her sex. Hard on his tongue and so sweet, it prompted him to suck on it like a fruit until she was screaming his name.
Epilogue
THREE MONTHS LATER
Three months. So many things could happen during such a short time, but it could also mean that not a lot had happened. Damian still had to prove his love every day, not that Gwendoline needed any more persuading.
Somehow, they had found peace. It was now easier for them to attend gatherings without any danger or drama. There were no more whispers about how she married the duke or cruel comments about her future.
Instead, the couple would receive friendly smiles and nods of approval. They were heroes, after all. They had Lord Montrose arrested. Crime was not completely eradicated, but London was rid of one notorious gang of thieves and smugglers.
“Your Grace.” A dowager countess approached Gwendoline with a smile. “You’ve genuinely come into your own. It’s been a delight to see you blossom.”
“Thank you. I hope you’re enjoying the evening.”
Damian could only watch his wife with pride at each of these events. They both used to hide from these public gatherings for various reasons. Now, they reveled in them. They had earned their place, and not without a lot of challenges.
As the orchestra started a lively waltz—a J. Lewis favorite—a gentleman approached Damian to whisper in his ear. After that brief exchange, Damian quickly sought his wife to pass on the news.
“What is it?” she asked, her brow furrowed.
It was now a rare expression for her. Often, she would have a ready smile for everyone.
