Marquess of Malice (Lords of Scandal 2)

“Cordelia,” he cried, holding her close. “I love you so much.”

“I love you, too,” she returned, her body spasming around him. He couldn’t take another moment and his seed filled her. She was truly his now.

And she would be forever. No one would take her away from him, and he knew deep in his heart she’d never abandon him.

He collapsed on the bed, drawing her close. “We need to move up the wedding.”

“I beg your pardon,” she asked, already snuggling deeply into his side.

“I can’t wait a month to be with you again. We need to marry now.” He pulled her tighter to his body.

She let out a sleepy giggle. “Finally something involving men that I am good at.”

He turned her face. “As far as I am concerned, you’ve been good at all of it from the first moment you fell into my arms.”

She nuzzled his side. “Well, since you’ve put it that way, we’ll have to move up the wedding. Considering that I was kidnapped yesterday, I’m sure my mother will agree.”

“Good God, do I owe the Countess of Abernath a debt of gratitude?”

She lifted her head. “I don’t know about that but you are definitely getting softer.”

He leaned down and kissed her forehead. “It’s all your fault. By the time you’re done I’m going to be helping you write romances while collecting children and puppies in my spare time.”

“I’ve never heard anything sexier in my life.” Then she let out a sigh. “How can I be so tired after sleeping all day?”

“Rest love,” he answered. “Tomorrow, we’ll begin the rest of our lives.”

Epilogue

Cordelia stood at the back of her family’s church, staring at her groom who beamed back at her, extending his arm.

She’d considered not wearing her glasses but he’d gifted her with a new pair. They truly fit her face better, and now she could see his expression. Soft and happy, it spoke of all the feelings she too felt. She wouldn’t have wanted to miss that for all the world.

She barely touched the floor as she floated toward him. It had only been two days since they’d returned from the inn, but she’d began another life that day. In this one, she was Cordelia the writer and wife and maker of passionate romance.

In fact, Chad had spent the last two days convincing her to send her earlier stories to a publisher. They would be under an assumed name, of course. Sharing them filled her with excitement for the first time in her life. Chad had said something had shifted in him. The same was true for her. She grew more confident with each passing day. She had her soon-to-be husband to thank for that.

Someone clapped to her left and she looked over to see Harry sitting next to her mother. The boy beamed back.

With a tiny wave she finished her march down the aisle and placed her hand in Chad’s.

The ceremony filled her with joy and light and as her hands clasped her husband’s, the bond between them swelled. As long as she lived, she’d remember this day.

“Chad,” she said, leaning close. “This is better than any book I’ve ever read.”

“I agree.” He squeezed her hands. “But I’ve every confidence you’ll write a better one.”

That made her heart swell in her chest and she could barely breathe as they exchanged their vows.

Finally, the service ended and Chad leaned over, sealing their union with a kiss. The room burst into applause and Cordelia looked out over their family and friends and nearly yelled in surprise.

At the very back of the room sat Emily and Jack. “They’re home.”

“Bloody hell, they are.” Then Chad cleared his throat. “Apologies, Father.”

The priest nodded and Cordelia and Chad started down the aisle, making their way through the doors and into the waiting carriage. They would return to her parents’ home for the wedding breakfast.

“I’m so glad my sister made it for my wedding after all.” Cordelia gave her husband’s hand a pat.