“Unless?” she whispered.

“Unless you don’t want to stay,” he said softly. “Unless you want to return to London with your family. Do you want that?”

Chapter 14

Jasper held his breath as his question made its impact on his new bride. If Thomasina left, in some ways it would be easier. Her questions about Anne only caused him guilt. He had directly lied to her more than once. Every time, it felt like a weight in his chest, though he had his reasons. Protecting her was paramount. But he hated to see her utter terror about her sister’s safety. Terror he could not assuage, for she was right about the facts of the situation.

But the idea of not having her here with him…it was physically painful. He wanted her at his side. He wanted to be at her side, just in case. Just in case the worst happened. She would need someone then. He knew what it was like not to have anyone in that horrible moment.

She moved toward him, her hands shaking at her sides. “Whatever the past, Jasper, whatever the future, I am your wife now. I’m not leaving here until you do.”

He stared at her, taken in and taken aback by her enormous strength. And by the support and connection she offered so effortlessly. She was suggesting she would be his partner. He hadn’t had one of those in…ever.

He’d never had a partner, not truly.

She drew in a long breath and reached for him. Her fingers threaded into his own and she lifted his hand to her chest as she gazed up at him. “I would share your troubles, my lord. If you let me.”

In that moment he wanted just that. To share his troubles. To take hers. And if he did that, everything would change. Nothing could ever be the same after that. Would it be worth it? To dive headlong from this cliff and hope he would find wings before he dashed himself on dangerous rocks below?

“Or ease them, at least,” she whispered, and lifted up on her tiptoes.

He bent his head and met her halfway, their lips touching. He cupped her chin, tilting her face slightly to grant better access. She opened then, sighing into his mouth as he claimed her with his tongue.

He knew what would happen next. It was obvious what would happen next, right here in his study, on his desk. But before he could have her in such a wanton, wicked way, there was a knock on the door.

He blinked as he pulled away from her and stared toward the entrance. For a moment, his mind could not completely register what he should do next. Right now crossing to the door and locking it seemed the best course.

But she didn’t allow that. With a smile up at him, she backed away, smoothing her skirts.

“Come in,” she called out, with an almost wicked tone.

The door opened and Reynolds stepped inside. Jasper jolted, for he had been expecting his man after the letter he received the prior night—and another very early that morning, but he’d somehow forgotten.