She blanched. “Sometimes that takesdays.”
“Days?!”
On second thought, being locked in a wine cellar was not so great a thing. Therehadto be a way out.
She sighed. “I suppose we’ll have to marry now.”
“That all depends on who finds us.” He gave her an apologetic shrug. “I have a reputation. No one will believe I didn’t compromise you.”
“Youdidcompromise me.”
“See? Unless I find a way out of here, it’ll be up to fate.”
She took another drink of wine, finishing the bottle. Then she murmured, “Or we could get married anyway.”
“I beg your pardon?” He gaped at her. “Could you repeat that?”
She hid her head in her hands. “You know what, nevermind—”
He recovered and grinned. “Now, now, let’s not dismiss it outright.”He swiveled a chair to face her and sat down. Leaning forward with his elbows on his knees, he asked, “Why do you want to marry me?”
Jasmine lowered her hands and met his eyes. “I’ve been thinking about what you said earlier, and I think you’re right.”
“Those arewonderfulwords,” Matthew teased. “What am I right about? The list might be long, but do take your time and go in depth. We’ll be here a while.”
She rolled her eyes but offered a relaxed smile. She turned in her chair until her knees rested against his. As she leaned indangerouslyclose, the scent of lilies filled his nose. Drawn in, he almost closed the gap between her mouth and his. Instead, he tried to focus on her words.
“About the benefits of being married. Women are provided security from a marriage, and a man, heirs. And seeing as you’re looking for someone attractive, and you’re less than objectionable yourself—”
Matthew held up a finger.
“The next time you propose to a man, make sure not to call him ‘less than objectionable.’ Itchafes.”
“Hear me out.” She huffed. “I was thinking of every man that’s ever called upon me, and none were like you. You would care for me, and protect me.”
“Of course I would,” he assured her. “Nothing would harm you.”
She tucked her hair behind her ear and gave him a soft smile. “You wouldn’t try to cage me. You wouldn’t force me to do anything I didn’t want.”
Matthew pushed down the pang of guilt that tore through him. “As my wife, you’ll have the freedom to do as you wish.”
“And, it’s not only beneficial to me,” she continued, as if negotiating a contract. “I already get along with your family. I’m sure I could provide you with at least one heir.”
At least.
“You’d be damning yourself to my life,” he mumbled.
“Iwantyour life,” Jasmine said. His heart soared, and he reached for her hands. She gave a sheepish smile. “It could be a marriage of convenience, if you’d like?”
“You want… a marriage of convenience?” His voice came out hollow. He dropped her hands and faced the table. “You’re not in love with me.”
“But I still care for you.” Words meant to soothe him stabbed his heart. “And I know you care for me.”
“It’s not the same,” he said. “You shouldromanticallylove the person you marry.”
Jasmine spoke to her lap. “I don’t think I’m capable of romantic love. I would have found it by now, surely.”
“You don’t find love in supervised sitting rooms.” He sighed and sat back in his chair.
