Princess Charming (Legendary Lovers 1)

His statement puzzled her. “What do you mean?”

“My plan is simple. You return immediately to London as my betrothed, under my protection.”

Maura felt a strange flutter in her heart at Ash’s suggestion of a betrothal. “You are not actually proposing marriage, are you?” she asked warily.

His half smile was wry. “No, love. Neither of us is ready for that drastic a step. I am only proposing the pretense of a betrothal.”

“Even that seems rather drastic. I see no need for us to pretend an engagement.”

“There is every need. For one thing, a betrothal will help mitigate the gossip if it gets out that you shared my intimate company for the past two days. But more to the point, if we’re betrothed, I can keep you safe. Deering will have to deal with me directly, and he will think twice before taking me on, I assure you.”

“Perhaps, but you needn’t go to such lengths as a sham betrothal.”

“But I wish to, sweetheart. I can handle Deering far better than you can, by mere virtue of my rank a

nd fortune if nothing else. You know I am right.”

It was frustrating but true, Maura admitted reluctantly. Being affianced to the Marquis of Beaufort could indeed offer her significant protection.

She glanced down at the signet ring on her finger as she stood debating. The trouble was, a betrothal would expose her to another, more seductive danger. Namely, Ash himself.

When she remained silent, he pushed away from the table and began walking slowly toward her. “I realize you have difficulty swallowing your stubborn pride, vixen, but I am already up to my neck in your affairs. And you should know by now that I won’t give up. You might as well concede gracefully.”

That was also true, Maura acknowledged as he slid his arms around her waist and drew her close. He was determined to take on her battles for her, despite her objections.

“Your practiced charm will not sway me, Ash,” Maura declared, making one last effort to hold her own with him.

“No?” He gazed down at her, giving her the full effect of his lazy smile. A smile that sent a sweet, treacherous stab of longing straight through her body to her heart. “Shall we put it to the test? I calculate that we have at least two or three hours until my coach arrives. I have until then to convince you.”

Before she could reply, Ash lowered his head for an unhurried kiss, reminding her of the passion they had shared last evening.

He was using his ruthless charm to seduce her into accepting a betrothal, Maura knew. And he was completely succeeding. His mouth was hot and open on hers, compelling her response, and in only a heartbeat she felt herself melting.

She had to be stronger than this, Maura thought dazedly, even as he sent hot shivers through her body. With supreme effort, she pressed her hands against his chest and made him break off his bewitching kiss.

“We need to discuss this further,” she said breathlessly. “I cannot possibly think when you are rushing me this way.”

“Very well, but if we are to have a long conversation, we should make ourselves comfortable.”

Taking her elbow, Ash guided Maura to the bed and drew her down to sit beside him with their backs against the pillows. Then he slid his arms around her.

“I like holding you,” he explained when she started to argue. “Now, what do you wish to discuss?”

“To begin with, your notion of needing to protect me from Deering,” Maura said. “Surely I will be safe enough on my farm.”

“I am not taking that risk. And you won’t be returning to your farm just yet. You will travel with me to London today instead.”

Her puzzlement resumed. “Why must I travel to London at all? Especially when I should be home helping Gandy with the spring foals.”

“Two reasons,” Ash said. “First, to dispel any suspicions of your being a horse thief by showing yourself in public. If there are rumors connecting you to Emperor’s disappearance, you can refute them and laugh them off.”

His suggestion made sense, but dispelling rumors was not a high priority for Maura. “What is the second reason?”

“You will have to face Deering if you want to restore your father’s honor.”

She went very still. “I don’t understand.”

“You blame Deering for your father’s death, isn’t that so? He accused Noah Collyer of cheating and deliberately ruined his reputation.”