Page 25 of Celestes Forever Marquess
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Celeste opened the door and gasped when she discovered Caleb standing there. He didn’t give her a chance to say anything but stormed past her. Annoyance sizzled in her. “Caleb, you can’t just walk in here.”
“Fitzsimmons is a fucking cat.”
She flushed. Who had told him? Celeste shook her head. “I don’t know what you mean.”
His mouth twisted in a sardonic smirk. “I was sitting in Devons office, and I mentioned Fitzsimmons. To my surprise, he introduced me to a cat named Heathcliff Fitzsimmons, the Second.”
Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath. When she opened them, she found Caleb studying her. Finally, he said, “Why lie to me? Why deny these feelings between us simply because I’m a lord?”
“You have spent enough time in London society to understand that a marquess openly wooing me won’t be acceptable.”
“I can and I will,” he bit out.
She poured herself a drink and frowned at him. “I’m the bastard of a peer. Do you think that is what your family wants for you?”
“They want me to find love,” he said harshly.
Her eyes widened. “You don’t understand Caleb.”
He stepped closer to her, and her heart pounded.
“I understand that for the last three months I’ve been unable to forget you. That of all the women I’ve met in London, you are the only one who seems to matter.”
“I can’t,” she whispered. “I won’t be controlled by a lord. I made a promise to myself long ago.”
Caleb brushed a kiss across her lips, and warmth shot through her. She craved this man’s touch even more than she realized. Celeste leaned into him; her resolve weakening.
“I’m not asking that of you. No one could control you, Celeste. I’m asking you to be my partner in life. To let me be yours.”
Her eyes became watery. “Caleb, there will be so much gossip.”
His lips touched hers again gently. “I don’t care. Let them talk. They can say the uncivilized Marquess of Haven chose love. I would happily carry that scandal on my shoulders for the rest of my life.”
“Let me tell you everything, and then you can decide.”
Caleb shook his head. “There is nothing you can reveal that will change my mind. Share your story whenever you're ready. I don’t need it now. All I want is you.”
There were so many things Celeste needed to tell him. But the fact that he didn’t demand the details from her madeher realize that Caleb wasn’t like other lords. She should have realized that before now. Not once had he mentioned his title or her lack of one.
The only thing he’d asked of her was to let him in. Celeste’s resolve to keep him at arm’s length was quickly crumbling. He slid his hands down her back, pulling her against him. “Celeste, let me woo you, let me love you, and, by god, please let me make you my wife.”
Tears ran down her cheeks, but fear still sat in her stomach. “Caleb, be reasonable.”
He smiled softly at her as he wiped away her tears. “Unfortunately, Celeste, I’m awful at being practical. It is a Monteith flaw. I’m sure you are shocked.”
She rolled her eyes and squeezed his hand that had previously wiped away her tears. “Not at all.”
He scattered light kisses across her hand. “Let me be your partner for life, Celeste. I promise you won’t regret it.”
Nodding, she said softly, “I don’t think I can refuse you any longer. I’ve tried so hard, and it has only made me miserable.”
Delight flashed in his eyes, and then his mouth was on hers. Celeste grasped his face as his tongue parted her lips. The kiss became more intense, and she moaned. How had she resisted going to this man for so long? She’d missed him.
They broke from the kiss, both breathing heavily. Celeste began to unbutton Caleb’s shirt as he pushed his jacket off. Her body thrummed with want for him. He quickly undid the buttons of her gown. The fabric fell around her, and he swooped her up in his arms before placing her on the bed. He removed his shoes and pants as he perused her. She was still in her corset, chemise, and drawers. Her breasts pushed out of the top of her corset, and Caleb groaned. Teasing him, she stretched, and one nipple peeked out at him.
Celeste whispered, “Touch me, Caleb.”
