The heat of his mouth against her skin sent frissons of desire skittering down her spine. She quickly snatched her hand away. She didn’t want to be reminded of the passion they’d shared.
The duke cleared his throat. “Well, I’ll leave the two of you alone. I know you have a lot to discuss.”
Before Natalia could protest, her father withdrew and left her to face Dylan by herself.
Dylan shifted restlessly and gestured toward a small sofa. “Would you like to sit down?”
She nodded, perched on the far edge, and then glanced at him from beneath the veil of her lashes as he sat down beside her. Although the length of the sofa separated them, he seemed far too close. His unique scent washed over her. She fought the urge to lean closer and simply breathe him in.
He stared at her for a long moment then sighed. “What must I do to make this up to you? What can I say that will prove I never meant to hurt you?”
Nothing. There’s nothing you can say that will make this right.All the excuses in the world couldn’t make her trust him again.
“Just tell me one thing, and please, tell me the truth.” Natalia gathered all her courage and forced herself to meet his pleading gaze. “Did you follow me out into the garden with the intention of compromising me? Did you arrange for us to get caught, just so you could win my dowry?”
A frown pulled at the corners of his beautiful lips. “I swear I never intended to try to win you for myself. You know I promised my brother I’d step aside that very evening.”
“Then why did you agree to meet me? Why didn’t you keep your promise?” Angry tears stung her eyes, and she struggled to control them, determined not to let him see her cry.
He clenched his fists at his sides and looked away. Perhaps he didn’t want to face her while he told her yet another lie.
“Because you chose me, Natalia.Me, not him.” The raw sincerity in his voice almost convinced her. “You were the first person in my life who seemed to like me better than Michael.”
“Ididlike you better than Michael.” Her voice trembled with longing as she thought of the easy friendship they’d lost. “I liked you better than anyone I’ve ever met.”
“Does that mean you don’t like me now?” He shook his head. “I don’t believe that. I think you still care for me. At least a little.”
Their conversation had barely begun, and she’d already betrayed herself. She wanted to wipe that confident look off his face but couldn’t bring herself to say the hurtful words that would accomplish it.
“Oh, Dylan.” She buried her face in her hands, unable to look at him. “I thought you were different than the rest. I thought you cared about me, not the money. Don’t you know how badly it hurt to find out you’d gambled on my affections?”
“I’m not sorry about that bet. If Jonathan hadn’t goaded me into pursuing you, I’d never have gotten to know you. And I did get to know you, Natalia. I like you for a hundred reasons that have nothing to do with your blasted dowry.”
She wanted to trust him, but if she opened herself up to him, he’d inevitably hurt her yet again. So, she said nothing. She merely lifted her head and stared at him, wishing he could be the man she’d once thought he was.
Dylan could see he’d failed Natalia miserably. Despite everything he’d said, she still believed his kiss had been mercenary. “We both know why I’m here. If you don’t want to marry me, then go ahead and say so. If you really wish you’d never met me, I’ll walk out that door, and you’ll never have to see me again.”
He held his breath and stared deep into her exotic green eyes, feeling as though he’d been waiting his entire life for this moment. He needed this. He needed her. “Please, Natalia. I want to marry you.” He realized he was begging and made an effort not to sound so needy. “I owe you that much, at least. For all the hurt I’ve caused.”
He knew he’d said the wrong thing as soon as the words left his mouth. “So, you’re only doing this to save my reputation?” Natalia shook her head. “You still can’t tell me the truth, can you?”
Dylan bowed his head, unable to meet her knowing gaze. “I want to marry you. God, I want it so much.”
“You should let me go. We’re no good for each other.” But as she spoke, she leaned forward and touched his cheek with her fingertips.
Her actions gave him a faint spark of hope. How could she say such a thing, yet touch him so sweetly? He met her gaze and willed her to hear the truth behind his words. “You are wrong, love. You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”
Natalia stared into Dylan sooty gray eyes and knew she’d lost the battle. Unfortunately, Dylan was motivated by guilt and greed—she by sheer desperation. How could a marriage built on such a shaky foundation do anything but crumble? He would break her heart again. But the alternative—Prince Nikolai—was unthinkable.
“All right,” she whispered. “I’ll marry you, Dylan.”
Her only comfort lay in the knowledge that she wasn’t making the biggest mistake of her life.
She’d done that when she kissed him.
* * *
When Dylan and Natalia emerged from the reception room a few moments later, Clayton was waiting for them in the hallway. He’d probably heard their entire conversation, given his close proximity to the door.
