Everton nodded, and with that slow movement of his head, something seemed to settle in him. He laced his fingers in hers. “Then why did you come?”

Diana had laid all of her cards on the table earlier, in the study, but if he needed reassurance, she would not withhold it from him. “Because I couldn’t stay away. I wanted to be with you. I wanted to see you so badly.”

Everton’s eyebrows came together, his free hand reaching up to cover his mouth as he took in a shaky breath. His striking green eyes shone in the few candles dotting the corridor, a brightness that came only with unshed tears. “Despite all of them.”

Diana leaned into him. “Honestly, I never gave any of them a second thought. I was only thinking of you.”

“Diana.” Her name was like a prayer on his lips.

His gaze went to her lips, then back to her eyes. They blazed so brightly she could almost feel heat emanating from them. He released her shoulder and reached for his smallest finger on his left hand. “This was a ring that was worn out of duty, and foolishly I have continued to wear it because I thought I should.” With one slow but smooth movement, he removed the small gold band. “I’m done loving because I should. No one wants to be loved that way. Give me one moment.”

Lord Bryant returned to his desk and placed the ring on a pile of dried petals. For three breaths, he leaned forward without moving, then turned around.

She waited for him in the corridor, heart pounding. His steps quickened with every footfall, until he reached her and grabbed her by the waist. He spun her in a quick circle, and then set her back down but didn’t release her. “I love you, Diana Barton, goddess of light and hope. I know I shouldn’t, but frankly, I’m done dictating my feelings based on what should be done.”

Diana lifted her chin, stood up on her toes, and wrapped her arms around his neck. Her cheek rubbed against the roughness of his, and her lips found his ear. “Does that mean you will kiss me?”

Everton groaned. “I’ve spent too many years as a scoundrel to turn down that offer.”

She leaned back so she could see him. A small, devilish part of her wanted to goad him—to tell him his first kiss had been acceptable but that she expected more from him now. But in all honesty, that first kiss hadn’t needed improvement, and she didn’t dare speak for fear that he would change his mind. Still, the look in his eye was anything but wavering. Something had changed. It was as if he had finally decided to live again, and even though she hadn’t thought it possible, he became even more beautiful.

“Is that smile for me?” Everton asked, wonder taming the earlier fire of his eyes.

“Am I smiling?” She couldn’t stop herself.

“Your face is lit up like a gas lamp. Luminous, just like your name. I promise I won’t make that light go out.”