Debra Mullins (24 page)

“You will not! I—”

“Henrietta,” the admiral said quietly, stopping her midbreath. “Leave Anna alone.”

“But…”

“She was right about Anthony, and we didn’t listen.” He took his wife’s hand and squeezed it. “Any fool could see she was miserable with Haverford. Roman Devereaux is clearly a good soldier and fully capable of taking care of our daughter.”

“But I wanted so much for her.” Her mother’s voice broke, and she looked at Anna. “Do you really love him?”

“I do,” Anna said, lifting her chin with pride.

Henrietta sniffled. Well,” she acquiesced after a moment, “at least he is related to an earl.”

Sunlight beamed in through the window, blinding him as he opened his eyes. With a groan, Rome tried to turn over, but a stabbing pain in his shoulder stopped him cold.

It all came back to him. The Black Rose Society. The swordfight. Marc. Emberly.

“You’re awake.” A soft, feminine hand brushed the hair from his forehead. “The surgeon said you were out of danger, but I didn’t dare believe him while you slept so deeply.”

He blinked, certain he was dreaming as the face of his beloved slowly came into focus. “Anna? What are you doing here?”

“Waiting for you to wake.” She bent and kissed his forehead. “You scared me,” she whispered.

“How did you get in here? Does Marc know?”

“He’s the one who told me to stay by your side.”

“I don’t understand.”

“I’m no longer engaged to him.”

“But…” He glanced at her bare finger. “Your ring?”

“I gave it back to him. He’s proposed to Charlotte.”

“Charlotte!” His mind stumbled, and his heart seized with hope. Did that mean…? Impossible! “Marc would never go back on a promise.”

“I’m afraid I’m the one who broke the promise. I told him I was in love with another man.” She leaned close and nuzzled her cheek near his. “So,
my love, it seems I am a jilt. What do you think about that?”

Her playful whisper unleashed the joy he could no longer contain. He curled his good arm around her, holding her close, amazed at the change of circumstance. “I think you should marry me straightaway to avoid the scandal.”

She laughed. “I’m glad you offered, since I told my parents I intended to accept if you proposed.”

The bedroom door clicked open, and someone cleared a throat loudly. Anna straightened, and Rome’s arm slid back onto the bed. “Yes, Bliss?”

Without a word, the maid entered the room and made herself comfortable on a chair. Her unflinching dark gaze never left the two of them.

Anna sighed. “I believe my mother has sent Bliss to chaperone us.”

“A good idea. I wouldn’t want any rumors of a hasty wedding to plague our future.” He smiled at her, but his eyelids were already growing heavy. “How is Vin?” he managed to ask.

Anna sighed. “Not too well. She is devastated, of course. Your mother is with her.”

He nodded, then reached for her hand, playing with her fingers. “And Marc? He really understands?”

“Yes. He’s very happy with Charlotte. They talk about sheep all day long.”

He gave a sleepy chuckle. “I thought it was he for a moment, you know.”

“What?”

“I thought Marc might be the leader.” He yawned, then tilted his head to better see her. He could barely keep his eyes open. “I broke into his room for a sword, and he wasn’t in bed.”

“He was with my parents and me, checking on everyone else.”

“Huh. Typical.” He closed his eyes just for a moment.

“Rome?”

“Hmmm?”

“Are you going back to sleep?”

“Mmm-hmm.” He felt her fingers slipping away from his and tightened his grip. “No. Stay.”

“You want me to stay with you?”

“Mm-hmm. Forever.”

“All right, my love.” She stroked her fingers through his hair again, her other hand curled softly in his. “I’ll stay forever.”

He closed his eyes in utter contentment.

All his dreams had finally come true.

I have wanted to be a writer ever since I was a girl, when I used to write stories about my favorite television show, starring my friends as supporting characters. Over the years, I dreamed of someday being published so I could share my stories with the world. Now that dream has come true.

I love to hear from readers. Check out my website at
www.debramullins.com.

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