He leaned down and softly kissed the top of her head. “We do. I must confess that it’s one of the many reasons I accepted your proposal.”
She winced, he felt the tightening of her facial muscles. “I still can’t believe I did that.”
Squeezing her tighter for a moment, he loosened his grip and leaned back to look down into those beautiful blue eyes. “I’m glad you did.”
“Really?” she asked, her eyes crinkling at the corners.
How did he explain, without sounding weak, that it might have taken him weeks to draw the conclusions she’d forced? That grief had held him in its grip and he’d only just started to rise from its ashes. “Really.” He bent down and kissed her nose again. It was an adorable nose and he rather enjoyed giving it small kisses. “Now tell me. How did the night go with Anne?”
Mary frowned. “You were right. That is her struggle. I have to find a way to break her cycle of fear. Not sure what it is yet but I do know that until then, there is little point in fighting her feelings. She’s frightened and what she needs is support and to slowly build her own self value.”
His hand came to cup her cheek. “Thank you.” He fought the urge to kiss her again. Somehow, her work with Anne only made him want her that much more. “You’ve no idea what this means to me.”
She gave a nod, looking up at him. “If we’re successful, I will someday.”
His hand slipped from her face. That was true. And it made him cold to think about. Was it wrong to hope that she never actually became pregnant? “True.” Gently he moved her back, slipping away from the window to cross from the desk. “I’ll go see your uncle today to ask for your hand.”
“I’m sure he’ll consent,” she answered. “They’ve been on me for years to join society again.”
He quirked a brow. “You’ve been in my house for a day. He’s likely to think I’m a terrible ogre who hurt you in some fashion.”
Her eyebrows rose up as her lips pressed together. “Perhaps Anne and I should make the trip with you. Not only will they see that I am absolutely fine but then Anne can see Grace’s studio.” She picked up her tea. “Besides, you need only tell my uncle that I asked you and he’ll understand. He’s aware of Chase women’s tendencies.” She frowned, her features growing tight.
“I’d love it if you both came with and thank you for the advice.” He rubbed his chin as he considered her. This was not the first time she’d lamented her Chase heritage. “We’ll leave in two hours if that’s amenable to you?”
“Of course,” she answered, setting down her cup. “I’ll go up and begin getting Anne ready.”
“Excellent.” He watched as she headed for the door and then left, the sway of her hips dancing before his eyes long after she’d disappeared. It was very possible that he’d just entered a bargain with the devil. Because while Mary was an angel, what she did to his body was sin at its finest and he didn’t know how he was going to find the strength to resist.
The contract they’d entered required control, the very thing, when it came to her, he did not have.
Chapter Nine
Mary held the wood rail in the carriage, determined not to watch Sin’s every move. His thighs flexed as he shifted his legs, his breeches making every muscle’s delightful ripple known to her.
An ache throbbed between her legs and held in her breath, trying to calm her racing h
eart.
“Are we going to see your cousin who’s a painter?” Anne asked, reaching for Mary’s hand.
“I don’t think so,” she answered and the girl made a loud groan. She gently squeezed the child’s hand. “Patience,” she softly whispered. “If you’re good we can go into her studio and try out some of her paints on canvas.”
Anne let out a gasp of delight and Sin chuckled appreciatively. The sound of his deep baritone trilled up and down her spine.
“Papa, are you going to paint with us too?” Anne bounced on her seat.
Sin shook his head. “No, my sweet. I’m going to speak with Mary’s uncle.”
Anne stopped bouncing to cock her head. “Why do you need to speak with him?”
Sin gave her a wink. “Be a good girl like Mary said and we’ll discuss it this evening.”
The rest of the ride passed in lovely chatter with Mary sneaking glances at Sin as her blood heated.
When they finally arrived, she wished she could be like Anne and rocket out of the carriage. Energy and heat flowed through her and Mary desperately needed some fresh air to cool her skin.
Sin helped her from the carriage, his hand lingering on hers before he tucked it into his elbow and then they made their way up the steps.