“I do not mind so much. Really. If I will not be a bother, I prefer to stay in your apartments,” Celia quickly interrupted.

“Of course, it is of no bother. I will have my items moved into one of the guest rooms so that you are undisturbed.” Gabriel looked stoic enough to break in half, his body rigid as an oak.

Celia’s head tilted. “Why would you move to a guest room, Gabriel? I do not mind sharing the suite with you. And if you do not mind my presence, I’d much rather you be there with me. Unless, of course, it is not the thing for husbands and wives to share a room.” Celia bit the tip of her fingernail in thought. “I know the Earl and Lady Ivy share his chambers. As do Lord Bentley and Lady Sara.”

Gabriel’s eyes glowed as he stared down at her. “I don’t give a tinker’s damn what everyone else does, Celia. If you wish to share my rooms, I would be more than pleased to see you in my bed every morning when I wake. Even more so if you are naked and ready for me.”

Celia blushed, glancing around to determine if anyone else had overheard that scandalous statement. Really, Gabriel had the most disconcerting habit of stating his thoughts aloud for anyone to overhear.

“Does that shock you, ma petite dragee?” Gabriel asked, pulling her closer until she felt the heat of his body. It came off him in waves. The man was always so warm. “I will serenade you with love songs every morning and press a thousand kisses to your lips and your pretty breasts. Would you like that?”

Celia could think of nothing she wanted more. She melted with his words, wondering how the argument from the night before could be forgotten so easily. Not that she would dare complain, but such swings from hot to cold were enough to make her head swim. It definitely made her wonder if she would ever resist this strange attraction.

Gabriel watched her closely, his eyes flaring with molten appreciation when she swayed against him in a show of submission.

“I would like that very much, my lord.”

“Then it is settled. You have free rein when it comes to renovating our new home. Except for my study and the master suite, you may do as wish. In fact, I heartily hope you do so. I’ve no patience for such things.”

Celia smiled. Gabriel was a man of action. Of course, he would not enjoy involving himself in the minute details of fabric choices and wall colors. And while she enjoyed time spent outdoors and quiet times reading her books, she found the prospect of redecorating Rosenthorne Park to be an unexpected surprise. Gabriel’s trust in placing such a daunting task in her hands made her stomach flip with excitement and a desire to make him proud of her efforts.

“I shall do my very best, Gabriel,” she said, then added teasingly, “Although I will not hear of your complaints when I’ve wallpapered every parlor with images of books and the formal dining room has horses of Greek mythology galloping across its walls.”