Page 75 of The Miracle of Love
After their meal had been cleared and they were getting ready for bed, Deklan spoke up. “Grace, you need to tell me what is bothering you.”
“It isn’t important.”
“Obviously, it is.” He had been unlacing her gown, but he stopped after only partially completing the task and turned her to face him. “You have been fretting all day.”
“Not fretting exactly.”
“Then what is it, love?” He gave a little grunt when she frowned. “You did not mind when I called you that before. Why the change? Because you think I am using the endearment too casually?”
“Aren’t you?”
He tipped her chin up so that she met his gaze. “Is this what your frown is about? You think I am going to leave you as I did Genevieve and not think of you again once this assignment is over?”
“Is this not what you do?”
“I may have been guilty of it in the past.” He released her chin with a mirthless laugh. “You and she are nothing alike.”
“She was atondiamond and I am the daughter of a thief.”
“The beautiful, sweet, kind, intelligent, compassionate daughter of a thief.”
Grace could not help but laugh. “Well, the latter part of that statement is true.”
“All of it is true.” He began to pace like the jungle cat he was at heart. “I am not perfect. In truth, I can be incredibly insufferable at times. Perhaps most times,” he said, tossing her an endearingly wry grin.
He really was not insufferable, just so comfortable being on his own and doing whatever he liked without answering to anyone.
“I reject authority and do stupid things like having a massive snake tattoo inked on my arse.”
She laughed despite her quiet turmoil that was perhaps not so quiet since he knew she was overset. “I would sneak a closer look but it would require me to stare at you when your trousers are down.”
“Dear heaven, we can’t have that,” he teased.
“The glimpse I had of it was fascinating, the way it wrapped around your thigh and seemed to move as though it were alive. As I learn more about you, I begin to understand why the tattoo is obviously such ayouthing to do. There is no one like you, Deklan. I am going to miss you very much when this stolen crown crisis is over.”
“This assignment will end, but it does not mean we must.” He drew her into his arms and took a deep breath. “Well, here goes. Keep in mind I am inept when it comes to feelings. I hide them. I hate talking about them. But here goes…the only way I am leaving you is if you decide you do not want me. It is your choice.”
“Mine?”
“Yes, I am yours if you will have me.”
Her eyes widened in surprise.
Have him for what?
For a husband?
Was it possible? Could she believe his words?
“Are suggesting you love me?” Or was he saying this to ensure her cooperation? But for what? The crown was safely on its way back to London.
She regarded him dumbfounded.
Well, he had not said he loved her.
“Bollocks.” He released her. “You don’t believe me, do you?”
“I…” She sank onto the bed with a groan. “I’m not even sure what you are talking about. We’ve known each other less than a week. How can I trust you to commit yourself to me when you are so entrenched in your leopard ways?”
