He slumped back onto the flimsy bed and stared blindly ahead. “Have I done so much damage?”
Her stupid, stubborn heart wanted to reassure him. But hard experience had taught her that every step in his direction meant another step deeper into pain. “No, I have.”
He didn’t look at her. “I know I acted the complete ass about Harry, but, hell, Pen, I’ve acted the complete ass before and you’ve forgiven me.”
She reminded herself that she did the right thing. “Don’t you see, Cam? While we’re together, there will be another scandal and another. Every time, you’ll lash out.”
He turned to her, stricken. “I promise I won’t.”
“That’s not a promise you can keep,” she said sadly, twining her hands together.
He straightened. “I won’t give up.”
She sighed, wishing this was over and she could go somewhere dark and silent to grieve. “The whole world knows that we’re an unsuitable match. London’s perfect gentleman and harum-scarum Penelope Thorne.”
He stumbled upright and this time when he advanced, he didn’t stop. “I don’t give a rat’s arse what the world says.”
Shock paralyzed her. “Of course you do.”
“No, my sweet, misguided wife, I don’t.” He placed his hands on either side of her head, caging her against the wall.
Her voice shook. “You’ve devoted your life to proving that a Rothermere can be a man of principle.”
“Rather I’ve wasted my life,” he said bitterly.
Bewildered, she stared at him. “You’ll rise above this scandal. Especially if I’m in Italy and you go back to being society’s ideal.”
“If you run away to Italy, I’ll follow.”
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“Why would you do that?” She’d been afraid that if she touched him, her resolve might weaken. Now she pushed at his chest. Even a blow to her head couldn’t addle her like Cam’s nearness. “For heaven’s sake, stop looming.”
Desperation tightened his features. “Will you listen to me?”
She almost wished he’d retained his imperturbability. She still had no idea why her decision to leave touched not just his pride, but some deeper level. “Cam, if I stay with you, it will only sully the family reputation.”
To her relief, he lowered his arms. He remained too close for comfort, but she didn’t feel quite so surrounded. “Pen, I’ve come to realize that no man of character lives by someone else’s leave. I’m not responsible for my parents’ behavior. It’s time to say I’m Camden Rothermere, take me or leave me.”
Now that she observed him more closely, he did look different, as though he’d sloughed off a demon or two. Despite everything, she smiled. If he broke free of the old scandals, she could only rejoice. “Cam, if that’s true, I’m happy for you.”
“A man of character also stands up and says this is the woman I’ve chosen.”
Regret bit deep. “You didn’t choose me.”
To her surprise, he smiled. “Now who’s a fool? Of course I chose you. I think we were meant to end up together from the day we were born.”
“You only married me to prevent scandal,” she said miserably.
“I don’t care about scandal.” His voice lowered to a deep rumble that vibrated in her bones. “I care about you.”
She stiffened. “It’s not enough, Cam.”
“I’ll convince you that it is.”
“I’ll be in Italy.”
His gaze was unwavering. “If I have to go to the ends of the earth, I’ll court you as no woman has ever been courted. I’m going to win your love.”