But he wasn’t finished. “And our match could be mutually beneficial.”
“How so?” she asked as his lips brushed hers once more. Which wasn’t entirely fair. How was she to make a wise decision with him touching her like this?
“I require an heir. You would like to do charity work. If you might agree to helping me fulfill my ducal obligations, I’ll aid you in your societal ones.”
“How many?” She pulled away then wanting to see his face. His words made complete sense but her heart wanted something more. She had been content not to marry, but here in his arms it sounded better and better. Though not if it was only an arrangement of convenience for him. Somehow that seemed worse than being a fallen spinster.
“Orphanages? As many as you desire.” He searched her face, still holding her close. His words did ease her sudden fears. At least, if she agreed to this, she’d still be able to help society. Because part of her wanted to say yes. Desperately wanted to say yes.
“Children,” she corrected. His offer was so sterile, despite their current seating arrangement, that she felt the need to clarify. What if, after one child, they became a business partnership? The idea filled her with absolute dread.
But there was nothing sterile about his gaze as he answered her. It was hot and wanton and it made her fears ease considerably. “Also as many as you desire. Though I must insist on two at least.”
Before she could answer, a banging noise erupted from the foyer. It startled Tricia so that she nearly jumped from his lap. But he held her tight. “Someone is knocking on the door.”
“At this hour?” she asked incredulously. She wondered whom it might be but it didn’t take long before she had her answer.
“Open up, Landon,” Luke’s voice called clearly through the door. “I know she is in there.”
“Oh no,” Tricia gasped. Apparently today she couldn’t get away with anything.
“Oh yes,” Ryker winked at her. Then he called out, “Let him in.”
Chapter Eight
Ryker waited for Luke to enter. As Tricia tried once again to climb off his lap, he held her firm. She hadn’t answered yet. But she’d marry him, he was certain of it.
And not just because he was used to getting his way. Sussex would force the issue, and if he didn’t, someone else in her family would. If they didn’t, he would force it himself. He needed her, loved her and all her sweet troublesome ways. He’d liked his life orderly, but now, he couldn’t go back. All the warmth she brought was too tempting indeed. It was like air, or water. There was no living without it.
His butler showed Luke in and for the first time since Ryker had met him, he did not have that devil-may-care look on his face. Quite to the contrary, he looked rather serious and spitting mad.
“What the bloody hell are you doing here at this time of night?” Luke’s voice was a good deal louder than he’d expected. He was sure half the servants had heard it.
“Quiet,” Ryker replied casually. “We don’t want to tarnish her reputation in front of her future staff.”
Luke tried to say several words but none came out as his eyes grew rounder and more wild with every second. “You…she…what the devil…it’s…bloody hell,” he finally spit out. “Did you ask her then?”
“I did,” Ryker answered. “But you rather rudely interrupted before she had the opportunity to answer.”
Luke gave them an incredulous glare. “Answer the man, Tricia. Let’s have this business done then.”
Tricia frowned slightly. “I object to this being referred to as business. Is your marriage a business?”
Ryker cleared his throat. While his reasons had been sound, perhaps a list of benefits hadn’t been the best choice in a proposal. While she had been speaking to Luke, he couldn’t help but notice she still hadn’t answered. “It isn’t business, love.” His hand reached up to caress her cheek. “I only mentioned the orphanages and my support of them so that you knew I didn’t expect you to give up your other dreams. It would be my pleasure if you would agree to be my wife.”
He watched her eyes go from wary to glowing, the curve of her cheek as she grinned at him touchably soft. He longed to kiss her again. Even more so when she answered. “In that case, I accept.”
“Good,” Luke interrupted running his hands through his hair. “I’ve only just realized that I hope the baby Clarissa carries is not a girl.”
Tricia pressed her lips together and Ryker knew she was trying not to giggle. “You don’t mean that. Doesn’t a little Tabbie
sound wonderful?”
“Your sister is a menace,” Luke grunted. “I love her, but there is no denying that woman anything. I thought you were more sensible but…” He gestured to her perched on Ryker’s lap.
“How did your secret meeting go?” she asked, clearly ignoring her brother-in-law’s comment.
Luke glared at her again. “How did you know about that? And you’re changing the subject.”