by Dawn Brower
“Wouldn’t you rather sit down?” Dom gestured toward a chair. “Or maybe have a drink. I did mention it was a long story.”
James waved his hand. “I don’t want a bloody drink. This is a huge mess. The servants all know she was missing. Rosanna is completely and utterly ruined. She’ll never make a good match.”
“Is that all you’re concerned about?” Dom wanted to punch his friend. Shouldn’t it be more important that Rosanna was safe and whole? “Don’t you want to know what she’s been through? She was abducted from her home and had to fight for her life. And you’re worried she’s ruined?”
“As soon as I realized you went after her, I knew she’d be fine.” James studied him. “You’re not going to stand there and lecture me, are you? We both understand how the ton works. No gentleman will touch her once word of this reaches the ears of the biggest gossipmongers. Yes, I care that Rosanna went through hell, but unfortunately it didn’t end with her rescue. This is the beginning.”
It was Dom’s turn to pace. He was aware of it all. James was correct, and there was no disputing it. “You’re right, of course.”
“Good, so then we’re agreed.”
Dom turned to face him. “On her being ruined, yes.” He wasn’t sure what James wasn’t saying. There was an odd look in his eyes. He was staring at Dom as if he’d expected him to agree to more than that.
“That’s not what I meant, but that is true as well.” He held his hand over his chest. “I’m referring to her marriage.”
Dom was confused. What marriage? “You may need to elaborate.”
“I handled everything. With you handling her rescue, I saw to her future.” He tapped at his jacket. “I went to see the archbishop and secured a special license. Rosanna can be married immediately.”
Dom’s heart froze in his chest. Who did James plan to marry her off to? He had to stop it. There wasn’t a chance in hell he’d allow her to marry anyone other than him. James could take that idea and shove it someplace unpleasant. Rosanna was his. “What did you say?” Dom glared at his friend.
“The vicar on your estate agreed to perform the ceremony. All we need to do is send for him.” James rested his hand on Dom’s shoulder. “It’s not what either of us wanted for her, but it’s the only solution. I trust you to take care of her as you’ve always done. The ton will know you spent time alone with her, without the benefit of a chaperone. There isn’t any other choice. The two of you must marry.”
“No,” Rosanna said as she stepped into the room. Both Dom and James turned to meet her gaze. Dom’s heart fell at her firm denial. Why had she said no? Did she not want him? Had their time together meant nothing to her? “I will not force him to marry me. I’d rather be a shunned spinster for the rest of my life.”
With those words, she spun on her heels and left the room. Well, hell... It looked like he’d have to talk her into marrying him. It was a good thing he’d already anticipated the possibility. She wasn’t saying no because she didn’t want him—it was because she did. Rosanna didn’t understand how much he needed her. She thought he didn’t want marriage. That was on him. He’d made her believe that.
“Don’t worry,” he said to James “I’ll convince her it’s for the best. Give me some time alone with her, and let the vicar know to expect us.”
It was time to convince Rosanna the wisdom of becoming his wife. He rather looked forward to the endeavor. He expected it might involve a bit of seduction—and he did adore kissing her.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Rosanna couldn’t believe what she’d overheard. When would she learn she’d not always like the things she eavesdropped on? James was demanding Dom marry her. She didn’t want to force him to do anything. If he didn’t desire to be with her—she’d rather be alone. James didn’t understand why Dom refused to marry. He had a stressful position at the war office. A wife would be a distraction he couldn’t afford to have. It was enough to have him for a brief time. She’d hold that inside of her on the lonely nights she spent as a spinster. Besides, Dom had not once said he loved her.
She rushed out of Seabrook Manor and headed toward the gardens. It had been a while since she’d visited Dom’s estate. A house party she’d attended once was the last time she’d had the privilege. It almost seemed like a lifetime ago now. His family had liked to host parties on the estate that lasted for an entire fortnight. She’d come with her parents. It was the end of the summer, and before they’d died. Normally, at the tender age of three and ten, she’d not have been allowed to attend, but oh how she’d begged.
Seabrook was Dom’s home, and she’d wanted to see it. They’d acquiesced since it was a country party at the end of the summer. Dom had been there for a day, but it had been enough. It was in the gardens where she’d spied on him. He’d been kissing a beautiful widow under a rose-covered arch. Jealousy had overtaken her and the little sound she’d made caught his attention. He’d escorted the lady away from the garden and came back to find her sitting on a bench, staring at the stars. Their conversation that night lingered in her memory.
“What are you doing out here so late, Lady Rosanna?”
“I couldn’t sleep,” she replied. “I thought to walk in the gardens for a while. The warm night has made me restless. I apologize for—interrupting.”
“It’s not a place for a young lady to be alone.” His smile charmed her even when she wanted to slap it away. “Let me escort you back inside. I won’t be able to rest until I’m assured you’re safe in your room.”
Rosanna had never been able to refuse him anything. That night had been no different. She vowed to do everything she could to win his heart one day. That girl had been a fool. She’d wanted to scream at him that he deserved better, that he should wait for her. It’d been a foolish girl’s dream. One she never had completely let go of, and probably never would.
She reached the arch and admired the roses in full bloom spread across the sides and twining over the top. It was a beautiful spot and had a decidedly romantic appearance. It was easy to see how a woman could become lost in a man’s arm beneath it.
“You’re more beautiful than any of them,” Dom said quietly.
Rosanna turned to face him. She’d not wanted to speak to him. No doubt he would agree with James and insist they marry. “It’s lovely you think so, but there really is no comparison.”
“Should I quote the Bard?” Dom moved closer. ‘“What’s in a name? That which we call a rose, By any other name would smell as sweet.’” He picked up her hand and kissed it lightly. “But you’re more than that, aren’t you? You are softer than the lightest of petals, more beautiful than each blossom and more tempting than the most delicious nectar.” Dom leaned down and kissed her cheeks. “There’s nothing more a man could want.”
“It’s not enough,” Rosanna pulled away. “I won’t marry you. It’s not fair to you. I remember when you told me you’d never marry. Who am I to force you to do something you never wanted?” Especially with me... Those were the words she left out.
“I’m not allowed to change my mind?” He raised an eyebrow. “What I said before...” His voice trailed off. “It was fear. I’ve had a lot of time to think about it. There’s nothing I want more than to spend the rest of my life with you.”
“No,” Rosanna took another step back. “I don’t believe you. James doesn’t have the right to force you to do anything. Tell him you refuse.”
Dom sighed. “I can’t do that.”
Rosanna’s mouth fell open in shock. He was being absurd. This must have to do with his unfailing loyalty to James. No other person could’ve convinced him to marry her. “Then I will.”
“You won’t,” he disagreed. “It’s what we both want. You’re being too obtuse to see it. It’s always been there between us. We belong together.”
She’d always believed so, but had a hard time with the idea Dom did too. “I’m not convinced.” She shook her head. “No. You’re better off without the shackles of marriage. You
have a job to do. The comte expounded on your career as a spy for the crown. I understand why you don’t want the responsibility of a wife and family, so it’s better if we go our separate ways.”
It hurt deep inside to say those words aloud. She’d not be the albatross holding Dom at bay. She loved him enough to let him go. In time, the pain would ease, at least she hoped it would.
Dom chuckled. “Soon we’re going to have a long talk about exactly what happened in that room, but you don’t need to worry about my career with the war office. This was my last assignment. Once I turn in the traitor, I’ll be free to live life as I chose.” He stepped forward and pulled her into his arms. “And I plan on loving you for the rest of my life. It’s all I ever wanted.”
Rosanna stared up at him in confusion. Had he said he loved her? She had to be hearing things. Wishful thinking creeping into her subconscious... Besides, there was one other thing he’d said that had captured her attention. “But you haven’t captured the traitor.”
“I will soon enough,” he replied. “You need to give me his name, and it will be accomplished in record time.”
She scrunched up her nose. “You’re so sure of yourself. I’m not sure I like this side of you.” It was a lie, of course. She adored every part of him. “But you’re right. The man who abducted me is the one you seek.”
“So, we’re agreed it is a matter of formality. After we’re married, I can tie up those loose ends, and then we can begin the rest of our lives together.”
Rosanna didn’t want to dare hope. This was all she’d ever wanted. What if she said yes and he came to regret taking her as a wife? She wasn’t sure she wanted to risk it all on the whim of his conscience.
“I’ll tell you all you need to know to capture the man. He deserves the punishment he’ll receive. Bivens, the stable master at Weston, abducted me.”
“He’ll be dealt with swiftly and with much prejudice. The king frowns on traitorous acts.” He smiled. “Now that is settled. We can discuss our upcoming wedding. The vicar is waiting for us. Say the word and we’ll go find him.”
“I still believe marriage isn’t something we need to rush into.” Rosanna frowned. “Go capture your traitor, and once that’s done maybe I’ll consider your offer.”
She wanted Dom to wait as long as possible before he leapt into a union almost unbreakable with her. She’d not have him marry her out of some sense of duty. If he still wanted her after he finished his mission, then she’d consent to it. He mentioned loving her, and he might, but Rosanna thought it was more likely he referred to the act of love, not the emotion.
“Not good enough.” Dom gazed into her eyes. “What do I have to do to convince you this is what I want? Marriage between us will happen.”
“Maybe,” she said with a shrug. “Maybe not. I don’t accept it as inevitable, and I’m not sure you can do anything to make me believe you want to marry me.”
Dom shook his head. “I had hoped you would be more reasonable, but I should’ve known better. When have you ever done anything the easy way?”
He pulled her into his arms and pressed his lips to hers. The kiss was hot, demanding, and oh so persuasive. Dom was trying to coax her around to his way of thinking with actions instead of words. A part of her wanted to sink into him and soak up every ounce of passion he was bestowing on her. What woman could resist such temptation? Rosanna certainly couldn’t. Dom had always been her greatest weakness. Would it be so bad to marry him? Without love it might damn near be unbearable. Maybe, in time, he’d grow to love her...
She pulled back and wrenched herself from his arms. When he held her close she couldn’t think straight and she’d been about to acquiesce to his demands. It was time to lay it all out and tell him what laid inside her heart. Maybe if he understood the depth of her feelings he’d let her go.
“Dom, I can’t marry you,” she said a little breathlessly. “I refuse to marry a man who doesn’t love me. I don’t care what James is demanding. A marriage based on little will be miserable. Your sense of duty is making you offer for me. I won’t do that to the two of us. We have nothing but undeniable passion between us. That’s not enough to sustain a union as solid as marriage.”
Dom frowned. “Apparently we have more to discuss than I realized. I thought I’d been obvious, but it’s clear you need words to go along with actions.” He fell to his knees before her. “My dearest Rosanna, you’re my heart, my reason for living, and the love of my life. Words are not enough, and I hope as the years go by I can show you how much you mean to me. There is no other woman I’d want to spend the rest of my life with. Please marry me, I’m begging you, because if you continue to say no you’ll break my heart. Something, I promise, I’ll never recover from.”
Rosanna stared down at him with befuddlement. He loved her? Could she believe it? Maybe it was time to let go of her uncertainty and take a leap of faith. She’d fallen in love with him for a reason. She could trust he meant what he said, and if he claimed to love her, she owed him the chance to prove it. Her heart nearly burst inside of her. This was more than she’d ever dreamed of. He’d not have said the words if he didn’t mean them. Dom cared too much to ever lie to her. Perhaps he’d said some hurtful things to her in the past, but now she understood where they’d come from. It was time to let all of that go and tell him how much he meant to her. It was only fair to return the sentiment.
“Oh, Dom,” she said.
“Don’t say no,” he begged. “I couldn’t take it again.”
Tears fell down her cheeks. She was overcome with a happiness she never thought she’d have. Now it was all in front of her. All she had to do was say yes and it would be hers forever. “I love you too much to do that. I was saying no because I didn’t think you truly wanted me.”
“Now that you’ve both settled that,” James said with mild amusement. “The vicar is waiting to perform the ceremony.”
Rosanna glanced away from Dom and met her brother’s eyes. “How long have you been eavesdropping.”
“Long enough to realize there’s a lot I don’t know about, and I’m not sure I want to. Otherwise, I might have to murder my best friend. Although, I’m more inclined to see you married first. At least then your reputation would remain intact.” He shrugged. “Besides, you can’t admonish me for doing something you do on a regular basis. Eavesdropping must come naturally to our family.”
Rosanna laughed and said, “You could be right. Did you mention the vicar is waiting?”
James nodded. “He’s right over there.” Her brother pointed to a gentleman sitting on a bench at the other end of the garden. “Would you like me to fetch him?”
“By all means,” Dom said. “No time like the present for a wedding.” His smile lit up his face as he gazed down at Rosanna. “Are you ready?”
“More than ever...”
It was then she realized how blessed she was. Words were wonderful things, and she was glad Dom expressed how much he loved her. But she had something far greater from him. There were things words couldn’t express. He told her how much he loved her with all the little things. The lighthearted grin on his face told her how much he needed her, his gaze spoke volumes and not only would he never leave her, but he’d always be there for her. It was an undeniable truth she couldn’t deny. But the most important thing he said without words was in his touch, and in the way he kissed her.
She believed, without a doubt, Dom would always be there for her and he’d love her for the rest of her life. Yes, in every way possible, Dom told her how much he loved her without saying one word. It amazed her how blind she’d been not to see it for so long. Now that her eyes were opened, it glared brightly in front of her.
So, as the sun set in the sky, they exchanged their vows to love, honor, and cherish each other for the rest of their days. But as Dom stared down her, love shining clearly in his gray eyes—he said it best without uttering a word.
And she loved him too...
EPILOGUE
; “You were supposed to wait to marry until after your assignment was completed,” Branterberry said.
Dom sat back in his chair and studied the duke. He’d not expected to see him again, and most definitely not at Seabrook. As far as he was concerned, his mission had been completed. As far as reporting—he’d done that more efficiently in writing.
The duke continued speaking, not giving Dom a chance to interrupt. “But I understand some things require expediency. The traitor is locked up in Newgate, awaiting his trial. I expect a prompt guilty verdict. For abducting your wife alone he’ll pay a high price.”
Dom nodded. “Good. To what do I owe the honor of this visit?”
Branterberry took a seat near Dom’s desk. “This is a little different than our usual meetings. I’m rather used to being on the other side of the desk.”
The duke did have a point. One that made Dom’s lips quirk upward. He rather enjoyed being on the opposite side. He was free of his obligations and could build a life with the woman he loved. There wasn’t a thing more he could ask for... Well, perhaps children, but in due time they would probably be blessed with those. They did rather enjoy making love, and a baby generally resulted from that particular activity.
“I’d offer to switch spots, but it is my study.” Dom shrugged. “And I’m not really inclined to give up my own seat.”
“It matters not.” The duke waved a hand. “I’ll be leaving shortly. I brought you something that you might find interesting.”
Dom froze. Branterberry had better not be bringing him a new assignment. He was done, and there wasn’t a chance in hell he’d ever work as a spy again. But he had to ask because the duke didn’t do anything without reason. “What is it?”
“There was a girl in your report. A Genevieve, or Eve, as your wife calls her.” The duke handed him a parchment. “She’d been held captive by the comte. We went to rescue the gal, but they’d already moved her. I have my people investigating...” He sighed. “That’s everything they’ve been able to uncover. If, at some point in the future, we’re able to help we will, but it isn’t a priority of the crown. I thought you might want to do something about it.”