Not a coarse, arrogant victory. She hadn’t stolen anything from anyone, and felt no need to crow about what she had won. What exactly that was, well–it was still a mystery. But it was becoming clearer, looking at Edward as he sat next to her on the chaise longue.
Love. That was another word she had never considered before, and certainly not in relation to a gentleman. She had been loved by her parents, was loved by her friends–that was meant to be enough for women like her. But from the way Edward was looking at her now, his face too drawn and sharp with tension to reveal anything but honesty, love was something to which would have to give every ounce of her attention.
‘I’m sorry.’ She said the words in an awkward rush, gripping the book. She would have preferred not to look at him, but she couldn’t tear her eyes away from his face. ‘I don’t–don’t know how to keep the game afloat. To keep saying pretty things.’
‘The things I’ve said to you here aren’t pretty in the slightest. They’re true.’
‘They’re pretty to me. Beautiful. But—but I don’t know what to say.’
‘Do you not wish to say yes, Jane?’
‘Yes, but–’
‘But what?’
‘But… but you can’t know what you are doing.’
‘I know. I know exactly what I’m doing when it comes to love.’ Edward’s voice shook. ‘And if you think, Jane, I hope to God that you’ll know too. I know that I love you.’
‘How can you know that?’
‘I know. Trust my knowledge.’ Edward moved closer. ‘And trust yours. What do you know, Jane?’
She couldn’t say it if she wasn’t touching him. A burst of irrationality, yes—but how good it felt as she put the book down, moving to rest her head against his shoulder. Edward’s soft gasp was a reward beyond price; his arms moved around her, welcoming her, the heat of his body as comforting as a warm bath after a long day.
‘I love you.’ She murmured the words, breathing him in. ‘I love you.’
‘And I love you, Jane.’ Edward’s kiss sent happiness spiralling through her. ‘More than you can ever know.’
Jane smiled, closing her eyes. Being here, being with him—it felt like acceptance, satisfaction, fulfilment.
Home. It felt like home.
He felt like home.
THE END
KEEP EXPLORING
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Sinful in Scarlet: The Brothers Duke, Book One
To read every single novella I wrote in the previous two years, pick up my Complete Collection!
Felicia Greene: The Complete Collection
For the easiest, best way to read all of my novellas so far, read Private Passions and Wicked Whispers. These bumper collections contain all of my erotic romances, each one managing to be both very steamy, and extremely sweet. My popular collections span my interests, from Regency England to fairy-tale retellings to - yes - gargoyles - and now, for the first time, they are all together and available for you to download!
Private Passions: The Complete Steamy Romance Collection
Wicked Whispers: The Steamy Romance Collection
If you want Regency romance, check out my newest collection - Dukes and Devilry and Bad Dukes Club. Lose yourself in this deliciously sensual slice of Regency escapism - with tortured dukes, teasing heroines and attraction that defies all decorum, this bumper collection is worthy of a weekend. Pour a glass of wine, light a candle, and let yourself go…
Dukes and Devilry: The Blooming Regency Collection
Bad Dukes Club: The Complete Bad Dukes Collection
Glowing in Gold: The Brothers Duke: Book Five Page 8