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“Whether I’m leg-shackled or not is hardly of relevance,” he said. “Whatisrelevant is finding a solution to your problem, and quickly.”
She winced and tried to arch her back again. “Thank you for that entirely unnecessary reminder. Believe me, I am acutely aware of the moment of reckoning hurtling my way.”
“Again, what can I do to help?”
“Aside from causing Lord Cringlewood to meet with an unfortunate accident?”
Royal clenched a fist against his thigh. “I wish you would tell me what he did to you.”
“Why, so you can kill him with a clear conscience?” she asked with more grim humor.
“Ainsley—”
She waved a hand. “It doesn’t matter anymore.”
“It matters a hell of a lot. The man’s the father of your child, and you’re moving mountains to keep that information away from him. Any sane person would want to know why.”
She threw him a warning glance. “Any sane person should mind his own business.”
“Too bad I’m more than a bit demented, then.”
“No, you’re just incredibly annoying.”
“I work very hard at it, so I’m glad you noticed.”
She huffed out a laugh but seemed to be considering how much to tell him. Royal forced himself to be patient, not one of his virtues.
“The Marquess of Cringlewood is not a good man,” she finally said. “By the time I came to that conclusion, it was too late. But I simply cannot marry him.”
“Not even to give your child the rightful privileges and protections of a father?” he cautiously probed.
“Not even then.” She met his gaze, steadfast and determined. “And believe me when I say I have fully considered the consequences of my actions.”
He did believe her. Though Ainsley was imperious, she was not impetuous. “And you’re obviously convinced your parents would not support you in this decision.”
Her laugh was bitter. “My father would drag me to the altar and perform the marriage himself, if need be. This is the only way, Royal. I’ve thought it through very carefully.”
He shoved an exasperated hand back through his hair. “Not carefully enough, if you ask me. What the hell are you going to do once the baby is born?”
“Again, that is none of your business.”
It was as he thought. She didn’t have a plan for that part yet.
Here goes nothing.
“Then I suppose you’d better marry me, after all,” he said firmly.
She all but rolled off the chaise.
After Royal hauled her back into position, she glared at him. “Youmuststop asking me to marry you.”
“Why?”
“You couldn’t possibly wish to marry me under these circumstances, and you know it. You’re just being noble and self-sacrif icing.”
“It wouldn’t be much of a sacrifice.” He was encouraged that she hadn’t refused him outright.
“If you’re after my money, you can give it up. My father would disown me if I married you.”
