Celia’s own destiny seemed carried along on the wave of sparkling lights. This moment would decide her fate. The premonition swamped her, leaving her shaking with excitement and dread.

“You wanted me when I was nobody. And now that I am to be titled, you reject my offer. I wonder why that is.” There was obvious puzzlement in his voice.

Celia knew he would stop at nothing in solving this mystery.

She did not protest when Gabriel’s arm slid around her waist. She did not attempt freeing herself as the fireflies lit up the darkness and Gabriel’s hand cradled her jaw. When his lips crashed down on hers in a searing claim of her soul, she had no defense.

“Be mine, Celia.” The command was growled against her mouth.

She could not tell him the truth. That as an untitled commoner, she’d thought he might be perfect husband material. He probably would not have expected much from her as a wife. Would not have any recourse when her dark secret cast a shadow over their relationship. Gabriel’s eventual disappointment would have been countered by his elevated status as the husband of an earl’s daughter. He would have accepted her as she was, and he would have been left with no recourse.

But Gabriel’s potential elevation as a marquess was disastrous. The title would never allow consideration of anyone less than perfect as his bride.

Gabriel’s hand anchored her chin until Celia met his heated gaze.

“Do not force me to make this decision for you, Celia. Because I will and I won’t regret it. Not for a single goddamn second. And neither will you, I promise you that.”

As the light of the fireflies receded and the darkness encroached once more, Celia shook her head in denial.

“You don’t want me as a bride, Gabriel. Not now.”

The rejection lit something wild and desperate inside Gabriel. Before she could react, he drew her tighter against his body, caging her with heat and desire. His mouth covered hers, swallowing anything she might have said. He devoured her, his tongue thrusting against hers in a silent demand that she return his kiss.

There could be no retreat, not with the rose bushes and the darkness surrounding her. Celia could not help herself anyway when he kissed her like this.

She was always drowning in him. Always fighting to reach the surface when he took her in his arms. It was inescapable when she truly had no desire to escape. The haven his arms created felt right. Like paradise. Like home and safety. It was all an illusion, but she craved it just the same.

Her arms came up, not to push Gabriel away but to clutch at his broad shoulders. It was like embracing a huge oak tree. His body was solid and warm and so much larger than hers. Celia was cocooned by warmth. Safe. Wanted. Desired.

When the kiss deepened, she gasped and met him full measure. And why she surrendered was a mystery she did not think could ever be unraveled.