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And that was the thought that sent him barreling over the edge of his desire in an orgasm unlike anything he’d ever experienced before.
It didn’t just come from his body, it seemed to pull from within his soul.
Emily looked up at him, her large brown eyes holding his even as her swollen lips parted. He cupped her cheek with his other hand, bending down to kiss her as he made another promise.
He’d be the man she deserved.
Despite his debts, his past, and his family. Today was the beginning of the rest of his life with Emily.
His one true love.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Emily took a breath of crisp night air, enjoying the view of Nick and Aubrey’s garden. Dinner would be served shortly, and she was all dressed and ready, waiting for everyone else.
She knew that Jacob had spent the afternoon sleeping, attempting to recover from all the travel, and she and Aubrey had decided that a late dinner would be better. He needed time to sleep and to heal.
And she needed a bit of quiet to adjust to the fact that she’d agreed to marry Jacob.
She was beyond excited but a bit nervous too. He’d told her some wonderful words and she’d appreciated every one of them. But none of them had been a declaration of love.
Admiration, yes. Loyalty, certainly. Commitment. And each had filled her heart a bit more. But he’d not told her he loved her, and she had to wonder if she was in love alone.
Her gut twisted as she slid onto a bench near the garden wall. He’d used his rakish charm to convince her to wed. He’d not had to try very hard…
But what charms did she have to garner his love?
She tapped her chin. He seemed to really like her touch. But was that normal? He’d mentioned her warmth, and having met his mother, Emily could see how that might really draw Jacob to her.
But perhaps she could help him too. With his debts or with his reputation? She tapped her chin. All he’d done for her definitely made their bond stronger.
He’d been standing between her and the danger that swirled just beyond these walls, and that fact, in addition to the attraction, had sealed her feelings toward him. Hadn’t he spent the last several days ensuring her safety?
He’d told her that he’d learned several facts that he still needed to share, but she’d sent him to bed for the afternoon. He needed to rest and she’d be safe until his nap was done.
She smiled into the growing darkness, relaxing into the knowledge that they’d marry. She’d find a way to win his heart.
A rustle nearby made her stand, and she squinted into the dim light, a figure appearing near the door. She gasped and spun, ready to sprint to the house when a voice stopped her. “Emily.”
It was familiar and she stilled, trying to place the deep timber. “Lord Tinderwell?”
“It’s me,” he replied.
“What are you doing here?” she asked, her stomach twisting, though nothing seemed to make sense. Had he arrived earlier and Aubrey had sent him out? Did she know that Emily was out here?
Would she send a man who wasn’t Jacob outside?
“I’ve come to see you.”
“Why?”
“Because,” he was moving closer, slowly, confidently. “You had a great loss, and you need support now. And you and I, we nearly wed.”
She shook her head. That wasn’t true. “I’m sorry, my lord, but you needn’t have bothered. While I appreciated your courtship I am—”
“You’re not marrying Robinson,” Tinderwell rumbled as he stopped just in front of her. Quick as a snake, he reached out and gripped her arm, his fingers squeezing the flesh. “You were always meant to be mine.”
The danger that had been stirring in her stomach began to beat with a wild need to flee. She tried to pull away. “Let me go, Lord Tinderwell.”
