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For the first time in his life, Richard felt like he may find his purpose. This wonderful, extraordinary woman who was brave enough to break all the rules made him see that. He would make her proud, he decided. He would find a way to make a difference, to matter.

But for now, he was content to stay lost in her arms, breaking all the rules with her.

Breathing hard, she pulled away and stood, and he was left with empty, cold air around him.

“We can’t do this, Richard,” she said, her hands covering her mouth.

Richard… He liked hearing his Christian name on her lips more than he wished to admit.

“Whyever not?” He brushed his knuckles against her skin. “My betrothed. You wanted to break all the rules, didn’t you? I’m exactly the right man to do that with.”

Her face was flushed, her chest rising and falling rapidly. She was just as affected as he was. She bit her lip, her fingers lightly touching his cheek, a sparkle in her eyes that he had not seen before.

“I…” she started, her voice wavering slightly. He shushed her gently, placing his fingers against her lips. He didn’t want her to speak, not now. He didn’t want her to say anything that might spoil this moment.

“Jane…” he said, his voice quiet, almost a whisper.

She looked at him, her eyes wide and filled with an emotion he couldn’t decipher. He lowered his hand from her lips, intertwining their fingers again. He gave her hand a gentle squeeze, the intimate touch sending another wave of warmth flooding through him.

A part of him was worried about what would happen next, about what he might be starting. But another part, a larger part, was excited about the possibilities, about the future he could build with Jane, about the difference he could make with her by his side.

“Lie here,” he told her as he moved over to give her space, his voice hoarse. He didn’t want her to leave, to go back to the world outside, where their classes and stations would come into play again. Here, in her room, it was just Jane and him.

She nodded, a small smile playing at the corners of her lips, and she climbed up onto the bed and stretched next to him. He liked her there, liked her scent, the outline of her body under her simple gray dress. Heavens, she belonged in the finest of fabrics and the best fashions, although he would take her in any shape or form.

He reached out, wrapped an arm around her, and pulled her closer. She rested her head on his chest, her hand splayed out on his bare skin, the touch searing him through the bandages. He looked down at her head. The weight of it, her scent in his nostrils, did something soothing and wonderful in his chest.

They lay quietly for a while, and he just enjoyed the feel of her against him, warm and light. His cut ached and felt hot, but he’d take so many more cuts like that just for another night where he could hold her.

It must have been the effect of the potion he took and the brandy she drank—soon, she began breathing evenly against him, and he was pulled down into the lulling warmth of sleep.

13

Ten days until the wedding…

Richard slowly opened his eyes and saw the first orange hints of dawn filtering through unfamiliar curtains. He couldn’t remember how he got there, and it took a few moments for him to adjust to the strange surroundings. As he shifted to his side, he felt a gentle weight on his shoulder. He looked up and saw Jane’s peaceful face snuggled against him. He almost didn’t recognize her without her spectacles. She looked so vulnerable, so sweet…so beautiful.

He didn’t mind the spectacles, but he thought they hid some of her natural beauty, which was a pity. Perhaps there was a model that would better suit her face. He’d need to take her to a good optician who may design something more flattering for her.

Her warm form tempted him to stay. But the thought of someone coming into her room filled him with dread. He didn’t want to be responsible for ruining her reputation. It was imperative to get home as soon as possible.

The house was quiet. Very quiet. The servants must still be asleep. Activities in Elysium must be slowing down if not over. So Blackmore would either be asleep or busy at Elysium.

And Jane slept, too.

An idea struck him.

He’d never have a better chance.

Very, very gently, he rolled Jane over onto her other side and freed his arm. Trying not to make a sound, he stood up, put on his blood-caked shirt, then his waistcoat and his overcoat, without bothering to button them. He was still in his boots.

He looked at her, considering waking her up and asking for her help. But if last night had shown him anything, it was that Miss Jane Grant was far too dangerous for his heart. He’d never expected to be so affected by her. Avoiding heartache was the whole reason he sought meaningless encounters. It was easy to feel physical warmth and connection without falling in love.

Jane, with her glasses and her plain clothes, her open heart and her sharp mind, made him dream of something more. Made him feel special.

All that meant pain and heartache. He wouldn’t survive a repetition of what had happened with Lady Charity.

If he could get into Blackmore’s study and find the information about Spencer by himself, he would release her from this engagement she did not want. And he would release himself from it, go back to his life, and forget all about her.