“Ethan...” She opened her mouth to speak.

Ethan's hand came to settle on her chin, halting her flow of words. He tipped her chin up until her eyes were coming to rest on him once more. “You are the most stubborn woman I have ever met, Lady Gretchen Williams,” his eyes twinkled, warming her heart. She decided then, that she made the best decision of her life by marrying him, and that she loved her new name and title. “But it's one of the many reasons I fell in love with you —that, and the fact that you'll do anything for Elizabeth.” Fresh tears sprang to her eyes as she listened to him talk. “By allowing Juliet's continued presence here, I am not saying I trust her,” his gaze remained fixed on her. “I am saying I love you.” He leaned forward until his face was only inches away from hers. “Raging furious...” He whispered against her lips. “But crazy in love with you, my freckled princess.” He teased, his arms coming full circle around her waist as he pulled her into his arms and captured her lips.

Gretchen felt her heart thump loudly in her chest as she felt the warmth of his kisses on her lips. Wrapping her arms around his neck and leaning back slightly so she could stare into his eyes, she felt her tears make their way down her face.

“I love you too, Ethan,” she whispered. “With all my heart, I love you.”

Moaning softly, he pulled her into his arms, her legs wrapping themselves around his waist as his hands explored her back. She buried her fingers in his hair, evoking a low groan from his lips as he turned and carried her back into the room, her back coming to settle on the soft surface of the bed.

Leaning down over her, his lips trailed her neck, setting her skin on fire. He clutched her waist with one hand, his fingers creeping up her dress and burying themselves in the flesh of her thigh. She hitched a breath, her fingers curling around his shirt as she leaned further into him.

Desiring to feel his skin as well, her hands found the buttons of his shirt and undid them hurriedly, her fingers exploring his warm skin as he captured her lips once more and didn't let go.

Chapter Thirty Three

“You don't have to leave on my account.”

Gretchen paused in her tracks. Turning around, she found Juliet watching her with a look on her face that she couldn't quite read.

For three days, Gretchen had managed to avoid Ethan's ex-wife. The only time she got to see Juliet was in the dining room and Gretchen was more than that she didn't have to have a conversation with the woman who almost ruined her life.