To Romance a Charming Rogue (Courtship Wars)

He smiled. “I never had any other choice, Elle. You made me feel again, whether I wanted to or not… joy, hope, passion, love.”

The knowledge burned inside him with searing power. After the many numb years, he had opened his heart again. Because of Eleanor he felt whole again.

“You fill the emptiness in my heart,” he said softly. “I know that now. Without you, Elle, I was simply existing. I don't want to live like that, merely surviving day to day.”

“Oh, Damon…” she breathed.

He cupped her cheek. “I am sorry it took me so long to recognize my feelings for you. I'm sorry to have let you think I betrayed you. I lost something precious when I lost your trust, but I hope to earn it back someday.”

Her lower lip quivered. “I feared you wanted Lydia for your mistress again,” she repeated.

“I don't want Lydia, Elle-not in the slightest. She doesn't make my heart pound as you do. She doesn't make me look forward to each new day. She doesn't provoke and challenge me and kindle a jealous rage in me when she merely looks at another man. She doesn't intrigue me or constantly make me guess what unconventional thing she will say or do next. She doesn't own my heart the way you do, my lovely Eleanor.”

The sheer relief in her beautiful face humbled him.

“You are every man's dream,” Damon murmured. “You are my dream. You have been since the moment you shoved me in this fountain. How could I not want you?”

She smiled, truly smiled, the kind of smile that made his heart turn over. And some of her lively spirit reappeared in her tone when she quizzed him. “Did you honestly think I would allow you to return to Lydia without a fight, Damon? I am warning you, you will keep a mistress over my dead body-and yours, too.”

“You needn't worry on that score. I will never look at another woman again. I am too afraid of losing you.”

Eleanor gazed back at him solemnly. “You wi

ll never lose me, Damon. I love you too much. I have since the moment I met you. Even my aunt noticed. Do you know what she just told me? That I glow when I am with you.”

It was true that she was glowing, Damon thought, gazing at her beautiful face. What he saw there tightened his chest with emotion.

When he started to speak, however, Eleanor pressed a hand against his lips. “But, Damon… if we are to have a true marriage, you cannot keep secrets from me and hide your feelings. You have to trust me and tell me what is troubling you.”

“I will.”

“I will always be there with you when you have nightmares.”

“I am glad.”

Her expression turned somber. “No one can ever replace your brother in your heart, but I would love to be your dearest friend as well as your wife.”

“You already are, Elle.”

“Good.”

“Then you will forgive me?” Damon asked quietly.

Another moment passed before her mouth took on a teasing tilt. “I first have to decide if you have groveled properly enough.”

His own mouth curved. “You won't make this easy, will you?”

“Certainly not. I have endured two years of pent-up fury and frustration. You have a great deal to atone for, my lord husband.”

“Amazingly enough, I am looking forward to the prospect. I will even throw myself into the water behind us if it will help get me back into your good graces.”

The laughter that tumbled from her lips made him crave to kiss her. He wanted to hear that sparkling laugh every day of his life. He ached to see Eleanor smile, to touch her, to hold her in his arms. To wake with her beside him. To love her for the rest of their days. She was warmth and laughter, and she was his. Damon could scarcely believe his good fortune.

His features gentling with tenderness, he rose and held out his hand to her. “Come with me, Elle.”

She didn't hesitate to oblige, yet she was curious what he intended.

“Where are we going?” she asked as he led her along the graveled path toward the south end of Rosemont's beautifully landscaped gardens.