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Chapter Twenty
Ravencroft and Noelhad fallen asleep and awakened wrapped in each other’s arms the following morning. Neither of them spoke but stared deeply into each other’s eyes.
Gregory’s hand stroked along Noel’s shoulder and down her arm. “Will you forgive me?”
“There is nothing to forgive, my love. I understand why you spoke with Reese. It is I who needs to explain my reaction with Kincaid.”
Gregory kissed the top of her head. “No, you do not. I was a jealous fool who overreacted, and I understand the terror you endured. The evening of our escape held a familiarity I had experienced before. However, it was one you had never suffered from. I owe Kincaid my gratitude for offering you his friendship.”
Noel rolled over and propped her hands on his chest. “Will your jealousy continue to be an issue between us?”
Gregory quirked his eyebrow. “I don’t know. Are you going to provoke me by mentioning another gentleman’s name?”
Noel smiled. “Maybe . . .”
He rolled her over, kissing her slowly. “I do not deserve you.”
Noel brushed his hair off his forehead. “Something you have mentioned before and will spend a lifetime trying to achieve.”
He chuckled. “As I also said before, you’re the devil’s temptress sent to wreak havoc on my life.”
“And you wouldn’t have it any other way,” Noel responded.
“No. I would not.” He rolled back over, drawing her into his embrace.
“Will you make me a promise?” Noel asked.
Gregory squeezed her. “Anything.”
“Whenever your emotions overwhelm you, will you speak with me first? Instead of putting up walls between us. I understand your doubts, but I do not want any secrets between us. Our secrets have created doubt with one another. I want honesty in every aspect of our marriage.”
Gregory sighed. Noel spoke about a lifetime together, and he had yet to tell her he loved her. Her acceptance of waiting for him to declare his love only made him admire her more. She gave him her heart freely, and it made granting her promise so simple.
“I promise. Over the years, I learned to not trust a soul, except for Dracott. But throughout the week, you taught me how to allow myself to trust someone as special as you,” Gregory said.
He wanted to make a grand gesture when he professed his love. He wished to ask for her hand in marriage and to spend a lifetime creating a family while they rebuilt his home. But then he realized Noel didn’t need a grand gesture. She only wanted him to profess his utter devotion.
He rolled her back over and saw how happy his promise made her. Stars glistened in her eyes. He smiled down at her, his heart bursting, ready to profess his love. “Noel . . .”
The door to his bedroom flew open before he could say anything. He covered Noel with his body, protecting her from the intruder. His house sat empty of servants. Did Lady L return to strike her revenge?
“Get dressed. They captured Noel again.” Dracott threw the clothes off the floor at him.
Ravencroft released his breath and relaxed against Noel, keeping her hidden from his brother. “Get out. I will be downstairs after a bit.”
