Princess Charming (Legendary Lovers 1)

“Yes.”

“Well, I should think you would want to prove your father’s innocence.”

Maura felt her heart give a painful leap. Her most heartfelt desire—one she never would let herself consciously acknowledge—was to clear her father’s name and restore honor to his reputation.

“I would give anything to prove his innocence,” she said in a shaken voice. “It is my greatest wish. But I don’t believe there is any chance of it.”

“There is if I help you.”

Maura stared at him, her mind awhirl. “You are actually serious.”

“Utterly serious. This is your chance to change your father’s legacy, Maura.”

She was already weak with relief, knowing her stallion would be safe for now, but she hadn’t dared let herself hope for more.

“I never dreamed it could actually happen,” she murmured almost to herself.

“It is no dream. I intend to make Deering pay for what he did to your father.”

“But how?”

“One step at a time, love. Once I make clear to Deering that your horse is safely in my possession and that we are affianced, we can determine what comes next. In any event, our betrothal will provide the perfect excuse for me to confront Deering on your behalf. Don’t fret,” Ash added when he saw her frown. “Our engagement is only temporary. You can cry off as soon as we declare victory over him.”

Maura bit her lower lip in doubt, and yet … If there was even the remotest chance of erasing the black stain on her father’s reputation, she had to take it.

At her continued silence, Ash prodded her. “If you don’t return to London with me, you will be letting Deering win. You don’t want him to win, do you?”

“No, of course not.”

“Then you need my help.”

She did need him, Maura admitted. And in truth, it would be an enormous relief not to be alone in her fight against Deering any longer.

“Thank you,” she murmured gratefully, gazing up into Ash’s green eyes.

His expression softened. “You shouldn’t thank me just yet. You need only agree to a betrothal.”

“Then I agree.” She drew the signet ring off her finger. “But I had best return this. It is so loose I fear I will lose it.”

He took the ring and slid it onto his finger, then turned her face up to his. “Now give me a kiss to seal our bargain.”

Maura complied willingly—and instantly felt her senses start swimming again. When Ash’s caressing mouth moved to the side of her neck, trailing light kisses along her skin, she arched to give him better access and threaded her hands in his hair to draw him closer.

When he pressed her down among the pillows, however, she managed a half-hearted protest. “Ash … I have already agreed to your plan. I don’t need any more persuading.”

“I know.”

“Then what are you doing?”

“Kissing you. What better way to while away the time until my carriage arrives?”

Agreeing fully, Maura closed her eyes in surrender as he nibbled tenderly at her throat, until his next comment came:

“This could be our last chance for lovemaking for some time. Once we return to London, there may be little opportunity.”

Indeed, it might, Maura thought with regret. She wanted this time together with Ash. Perhaps too much.

Recalling her resolve to maintain her defenses, Maura found the strength to untangle herself from his embrace and sit up. “This is extremely unwise, lying in bed with you, kissing you.”