Page 30 of Only a Lyon Will Do
Higgins and the constable took Oliver under his arms and began to drag him to the door. “I’ll send someone over in the morning to get a full statement from everyone.”
Cassandra began ushering everyone out the door, but Patience rushed over to her friend and gave her a hug. “I can’t thank you enough for saving us.”
“You’d do the same for me,” Cassandra said softly before giving Patience a wink. “I think I’ll leave the two of you alone, now.”
The door closed and Patience went to blow out the candles before going back to Asher’s bed. Instead of sitting in the chair, she went to lay down beside him.
“Patience… this is not a good idea,” Asher protested even though his arm still went around her as she laid her head on his chest.
“I’m never leaving you again so you might as well get used to me sleeping beside you,” Patience replied resting her hand over his heart.
“Sleeping isn’t exactly what I have in mind with you this close, my dearest,” Asher murmured before leaning forward and placing a kiss on the top of her head.
She playfully swatted him. “You’re injured and need to mend.”
“I’m notthatinjured, my love,” he said and when she leaned back to peer into his face, there was a truly wicked grin spreadacross his mouth. Her heart flipped in her chest at the evidence of his desire for her.
She continued to stare into the face of the man who had won her heart the first time she laid eyes on him. “Then you missed,” she said pointing to her lips and giving him her own knowing grin.
She waited for his lips to press against her own, but he took her chin instead. “We’ll marry as soon as we can make all the arrangements without offending half theton,” he said as he ran a finger down her cheek.
“I don’t give a fig about what Society thinks and you know it,” she retorted softly.
“Then we’ll marry as soon as we can without angering my mother and your parents. I would hate to be the cause of another family rift between you and your family,” Asher said bringing her close to his side. “You did reassure your father that you were here nursing a patient and nothing was happening between us, didn’t you? I’d hate for him to dislike your soon-to-be second husband.”
“Yes, I managed to talk him around, though he did not like the idea of me not being under his roof during your recovery. To pacify him, you had better ask my father for permission to marry me, Asher. I don’t think he could stand us running off like I did with my first marriage.”
“I will do so as soon as you allow me out of this bed.”
“Then that might take a while because now that I’m here, I don’t plan on letting you out anytime soon,” she teased causing a chuckle to leave him.
“Then youwillmarry me, Patience?” he asked.
“Yes, I’ll marry you, Asher. You are the only man that will do to make my life complete, and I love you,” she answered with a confidence she had never felt before.
“As I love you, my dearest lady. I will love you today and for all of eternity,” Asher said as he turned and took possession of her mouth.
Asher was true to his word about showering her with his love. Today was only the beginning of their days together and Patience would be thankful to the Widow of Whitehall who had made this all possible. Patience had found love with a reformed rogue and she couldn’t ask for anything more in life than to have Asher by her side. Her life was complete.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Six Months Later…
Asher stood inthe ballroom of his townhouse with Saxton, Wickes, and Lucius. With the exception of Blackthorn, the men watched their wives talking together across the room. Three wicked widows who were all now happily married with their so-called “tarnished” pasts put behind them.
Now if only Lucius would find a lady of his choosing to also marry, their foursome of friends would all be enjoying marital bliss. But their last friend didn’t seem to be in any hurry to marry. In fact, Asher had learned he had a new mistress. Hopefully, Lucius would settle down soon.
As if he read Asher’s mind, Lucius spoke up. “I think I will leave you to continue your wedding celebration, Ash,” Lucius drawled. “If I stay here any longer, one of these single ladies might try to sink their claws in me again.”
Saxton chuckled. “Not interested in Lady Maribel or Lady Juliet?”
A groan left Lucius. “Good heavens, no! I’d rather be drunk and left in a gutter than marry either of them. They want a title and care not of the man behind it.”
Wickes placed his hand on Lucius’s shoulder. “The right woman will come along one day.”
Lucius shook off his hand. “I’ll leave you three to your wives. I’m glad for your happiness, but I have no desire to take part in married life for myself. My mistress will tend to my needs just fine.”
Asher gave his friend a knowing nod. He had felt the same way until he stumbled into Patience at the Lyon’s Den. His whole life had changed that night and he was thankful for Mrs. Dove-Lyon’s intervention that kept him from throwing away his best chance at happiness. They watched Lucius leave the room and when Patience stepped away from her friends, she made her way toward Asher.
