"But I didn't."

"No, thank God," he said, closing his eyes on a heartfelt prayer. When he opened them again, his gaze shone with an expression that made her breath catch on a heady rush.

"I should have read you better and realized what you might try," he said. "I should have done the same with Philipa Stockton too. If only I'd been more careful. If only I'd realized the extremes to which she might go." He pressed her free palm to his cheek. "Don't ever put yourself in danger like that again."

"It was never my intention to do so. But I had to know where you'd gone and what you were doing. I had to know why you'd lied. I saw you ride out that evening when you told me you'd been downstairs in the library, reading. You weren't."

He had the grace to wince. "I'm sorry, Claire. I couldn't-"

"Tell me. Yes, I know. However, in future, if you insist on doing more favors for the government, I want to know that's where you are. You don't have to give me all the details, but enough so I won't worry. Frankly, I don't care if Prinny himself swears you to secrecy, I want your word that you'll never lie to me again."

"You have it, Claire. On my honor."

Relief poured through her, knowing that Edward's honor was his bond.

"So you're staying then?" he asked. "As I recall, you mentioned something about going home to your mother."

"I was upset-"

"Not that I would let you leave, mind, because I wouldn't," he continued, "but I want to make sure these things are straightened out between us." Lowering her hand to his thigh, he stroked the sensitive skin along the inside of her wrist.

A curious lethargy stole over her.

"And you're right about secrets," he said. "I don't want any between us ever again. Only the truth."

"Only truth," she pledged.

He met her gaze with an open earnestness that made her throat swell. "You asked me a question back in the coach," he said. "Do you remember?"

She gave a shaky nod, her heart suddenly pounding in swift, hard beats.

"Good, because the answer is yes." Leaning closer, he smoothed a strand of hair away from her face. "Yes, I love you, so very dearly. When I thought I might lose you, I realized exactly how much. You're my life and my heart, Claire Byron, and I cannot do without you. I don't think I could bear it if you were ever to go away."

"Oh, Edward, I love you so much. I never thought, I couldn't let my dream that you...that you would..." A tear slid over her cheek.

He brushed it away. "Love you too? Well, I do. I'm only sorry I didn't tell you sooner and that I was too stubborn to admit the truth, even to myself. Remember when I said that we seemed fated for each other?"

Gazing at his features, handsome even in his weariness, she nodded.

"On the day your father laid you in my arms when we were children, you became mine. I should have known then what a prize he'd given me. You're my love, and I shall cherish you all the rest of my days."

Bending, he pressed his mouth to hers, slowly, softly and with such sweet tenderness that she didn't know how to contain her joy. Letting her eyelids slide closed, she gave herself over to the rapture, kissing him back with a gentle fervor, a devotion and adoration so wide it knew no bounds.

"You know, Lady Stockton was right," he murmured against her lips.

"A-About what?"

"Me. I am utterly besotted with you and I don't mind who sees."

Laughing, she reached to pull him back down, but a sharp pain jabbed her shoulder. "Ow," she cried.

"Claire." His face turned white. "Have I hurt you? Are you all right?"

"I'm fine, just trying to do too much, too soon."

"I should never have kissed you."

"Of course you should. And you will, again. Just don't let me move my arms when you do it." She grimaced. "Ow, that really hurts."

"The doctor left some laudanum. I'll get you a draught."

"No," she said, stopping him before he could leave the bed. "I don't want any."

He frowned. "But you're in pain. You need to take something."

"I'll muddle through without it. I think it's for the best."

"Why? Surely you don't want to hurt?"

"No, but I don't want to harm the baby either."

He stared, his dark brows knitted in confusion. "Baby? But-"

"I've been trying to find the right time to tell you, but you've been away so often at your meetings that it just never seemed right."

His jaw went slack. "But you can't be..."

She raised an amused brow.

"Well, of course you can, but you shouldn't be. It's too soon."

"Apparently not. Or at least I don't think so, since I'm late now for a second month in a row. I believe you must have managed the deed almost immediately, maybe even that very first night."

"Good Lord."

"Are you happy?" she asked, giving him a suddenly uncertain look.

Then he smiled and her worries fell away.

"Of course I'm happy!" He grinned. "How can I not be happy that you're with child. It's only that I thought I'd have you all to myself for a while more."

Careful not to jar her shoulder, she reached up with her good hand and stroked his cheek. "There'll be plenty of time together. We have our whole lives ahead of us, after all."

Gently, he kissed her again. "Our whole, very long lives. I can't wait to spend each one of those days with you."

"Nor I. I love you."

"I love you more." Suddenly a yawn caught him, renewed exhaustion spreading across his face again.

"You're tired," she said. "You should get some rest."

"You should as well. Close your eyes, I'll be here."

"Where?"

"In the chair."

"Don't be silly. Come, lie down with me."

"But I might jostle you."

She shook her head, secure that she'd find no safer rest than held inside his arms. "Sleep with me, love. I need you."

And with that, he stretched out at her side, wrapping her in a gentle, caring embrace.

Smiling with contentment, she forgot her pain, happy in the one place she would always most long to be. Threading her fingers through his, she watched him sleep. Slowly, she dozed off too, knowing he would be with her when she awakened-today, tomorrow and forever.

About the Author.

TRACY ANNE WARREN grew up in a small central Ohio town. After working for a number of years in finance, she quit her day job to pursue her first love-writing romance novels. Warren lives in Maryland with a trio of exuberant young Siamese rescue cats and windows full of gorgeous orchids and African violets. When she's not writing, she enjoys reading, watching movies, and dreaming up the characters for her next book. Visit her website at www.tracyannewarren.com.

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By Tracy Anne Warren.

AT THE DUKE'S PLEASURE.

SEDUCED BY HIS TOUCH.

TEMPTED BY HIS KISS.

Coming Soon.

WICKED DELIGHTS OF A BRIDAL BED.

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