Earl of Sussex (Wicked Lords of London 0.50)

He felt her still, tense really. “I thought we were travelling on land to Norfolk.”

He squeezed her closer. He’d meant to tell her this before they’d been intimate. He didn’t want any confusion on the matter. “I want to stop in London first.”

She tried to pull away but he held her. She pushed harder but he refused to let go and then she began slapping at his chest and his face, but still he held on.

He did nothing to protect himself, his face would recover from any damage she did, but he had to keep her by his side or else, something deep in his chest feared he would lose her forever.

Finally, her onslaught slowed. His hand relaxed slightly around her back and that was when she slumped against him. “Will you return to your town house?” He heard her breath catch on the words as though she were trying not to cry.

“I thought we might return to our town house for the short time we were in London.” He dared to remove one of his hands from her back to cup her face so that he might lift it and look her in the eyes.

“Don’t try to placate me. Just tell me you won’t leave me destitute, whatever you intend.” A tear slid down her cheek.

“Destitute?” He’d laugh if it didn’t seem so serious. “I intend to fill your belly with my child and then stuff your mouth with anything you wish to eat and wrap your body in whatever you’d like to wear and then build you the home you’ve always dreamed of living in.”

Her eyes blinked several times before she choked out. “You’re not finished with me?”

“Finished?” How could she even think that? “Tabbie, we’ve barely begun.”

“Then why are we going to London? That is the place for you to be a rake.”

And then he understood. All those times she’d tensed when they had discussed London. “We can live anywhere in the world you wish, including London. I’ll never be that man again. The geography is irrelevant. I need more than just physical pleasure, my moon goddess. I need your love.” He kissed her long and hard. “And I thought you needed your family. It was my intention that we try to make amends with them before we settle in the country.”

Two more tears slipped down her cheeks before she buried her face again. “I’m such a fool. An impulsive, silly fool.”

He shushed her tears, “You’ve every right to be suspicious of me. It will take time but I’ll prove my devotion to you.”

“Did I hurt you?” She choked again as her head came up.

“No love, though if any woman could, it would be you.” He snuggled her closer. “Get some rest.”

Chapter 9

Three days had passed since their wedding and Luke now sat in the parlor awaiting an audience with the Duke of Waverly.

His father-in-law was keeping him waiting.

Tabbie had left to speak with the duchess. They had discussed it and Tabbie was sure her mother was the answer if her father refused to accept the marriage. He grinned. It was yet another of their schemes.

Merciful heaven, he loved that woman. She was glorious as she came up with a tactical plan. And he was glad they had come back to London, even if her father refused to acknowledge the marriage. She needed to see that they could thrive here. Not for his sake but for hers. He knew she would want to continue her work helping women and children, and London was the best place for her to do it. He didn’t hold quite the same say as her father did, but he’d be able use his seat on the parliament to further her agenda.

Nothing would make him happier.

Other than her. She made him gloriously happy.

The butler finally appeared. “His Grace will see you now.”

Standing, he walked confidently into the library, which seemed to be the duke’s preferred place to work.

The other man stood from his desk but gave no other acknowledgement that Luke had entered.

Luke knew some groveling was going to be in order. “Your Grace.”

“Sussex,” the man barely mumbled.

Luke looked around. “May I ask you a question?”

The man gave a tiny nod.