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While she had been bandaging up Eduardo, Juan Carlos had set out a bowl of water and a plate of leftover cheese bits for when they let the cat out later.
“At least she won’t starve tonight,” he said.
Outside the wind was howling again, even pushing through the flue of the fireplace. The flames scattered momentarily in the hearth, blazing wildly before returning to a normal easy burn again. “No, she won’t starve and the kittens will thrive. Thanks to you.”
He kept his eyes on the fire, not commenting, refusing to take any credit for the deed. It didn’t matter. He couldn’t hide his intentions from her.
“They’re the cutest little things,” she said, her voice squeaking. She couldn’t help it. Babies in all forms brought her voice to a higher pitch. Who in the world didn’t love furry new kittens? “I’m glad they’re here.”
She had a view of his profile, so sharp and defined. Firelight played across his face and when he turned to her, his expression softened. “Me, too.”
“Why didn’t you tell me your plan to rescue her?” It was what all his watch-glancing had been about. It made sense to her now and she was incredibly relieved to learn the reason for his impatience. “Was it a surprise?”
He nodded. “I didn’t want you to be disappointed if Eduardo couldn’t bring her back.”
And there it was. On his face. Concern. Caring. Almost love.
Something shifted inside her. It wasn’t a blunt move, but something that had been tilting and leaning gradually, like dominoes toppling in super slow motion. She could feel each one fall, until every shred of her defenses was being taken down by this good, kind, sexy man.
“It’s late,” he said.
No, it wasn’t.
“We should unlatch the cage now and leave her, so she can eat.”
“Okay,” Portia said, sorely disappointed. She knew that meant saying good night to Juan Carlos and parting ways at the top of the stairs once again.
He sighed as he rose to his feet and strode to the fireplace to take up a metal poker. He slashed at the logs, until only simmering embers heated the brick floor inside.
Portia carefully unlatched the hook on the cage and flipped it away. The wire door swung open but the cat stayed put. “Here you go, Duchess. You’re free now.”
“Duchess?” Juan Carlos turned to her.
“She needs a name.” She shrugged. “It seems fitting somehow.”
He smiled, but his eyes remained hooded. “Duchess it is. What’s one more royal around here, anyway? Well, I’ll say good-night now. We have an early call tomorrow.”
They did. They were going even farther out on the grounds in the Jeep.
“Are you coming up?” he asked. He had almost reached the hallway door.
She rose to her feet and stared at him from across the room. Words wouldn’t come. Her heart was thumping, drowning out everything else in her world.
“Portia?”
“What if...?” A swallow stole her next words.
He waited, his face in the shadows so she couldn’t see his expression.
“What if I said I was a w-wimpy princess, after all?”
He paused. “Would you rather not go out in the Jeep tomorrow?”
“No.” She shook her head, her hair falling like a sheet around her shoulders. “Juan Carlos, it means I don’t want you to go to bed...”
He stepped out of the shadows, his eyes dark, intense. Waiting.
She froze. Oh, God, she was breaking every rule she’d ever committed to.
“Say it.”
The force of his command sent thrills careening through her body.
“Say it, Portia.”
He wouldn’t break his vow to her. She had to do it. He’d told her as much just the other day. His honor meant that much to him and he wouldn’t have it any other way.
“Without me.” She nodded, convincing herself. “I don’t want you to go to bed without—”
And suddenly, he was there in front her, gazing into her eyes, cupping her head in his hands and brushing his lips over hers. Once. Twice. His hungry mouth devoured her over and over again. His arms wrapped around her, his hand brushing away her hair tenderly, his body trembling as he took her in kiss after kiss.
She was lost in the goodness of him, the thrill of his hands finally on her. The scent of his skin. The power of his body. Tears spilled down her cheeks at the clarity of this moment. She was his. He was hers. It was so easy, so simple. How had she managed to keep this amazing man at bay? How had she not realized earlier how perfect they would be for each other?
