Baron of Blasphemy (Lords of Scandal 12)

“I’m so tired,” she murmured. “Odd since I slept this afternoon.”

“It’s been a long day,” he answered.

“Will you stay with me?” she asked, her head lifting again.

“Of course.” He stroked her hair as he settled her against his body. “I’ll always be here.”

“You won’t leave me?”

“Never.”

* * *

Abigail woke in the dead of night, the only light in the room the glowing embers in the fire. She was tucked securely against Chad’s body.

Her chest ached as she looked at his relaxed face. He’d been nothing but supportive today. But hearing her father justify his selfish actions had cut her deep inside. She’d been accused of being selfish a great deal and it made her wonder…was she like her father?

She wanted love but did she deserve it?

Did Chad not love her because she wasn’t worthy of the emotion? Her insides ached.

Chad was devoted. There was no question.

But he used words like duty, not feelings and emotions.

She’d said she’d only marry for love, but the truth was, she’d always wanted to prove she was worthy of inspiring the emotion.

Her stomach twisted. And now she didn’t want any man’s love, she wanted this man’s heart but…

She was trying, attempting to give to him without asking for herself. She rolled away as more tears burned in her eyes.

She wanted to be like her sisters, like her mother, not like their patriarch. Obsessed with his business and ignoring the people who loved him most.

But as she turned, her cheek hit something hard.

Lifting up, she looked down at a small box, resting on the pillow. Where had that come from?

Picking it up, she cracked open the lid and gasped as a sparkling emerald reflected the dim light in the room.

Her hand trembled as she pulled the ring from the box and then slipped it onto her finger.

And then she noticed the note.

A folded sheet, that she nearly missed because it blended into the pillowcase.

She grabbed the note and crossed to the fire, its light just enough to read Chad’s bold scrawl.

More tears filled her eyes as she scanned the words, but these were tears of joy. She crouched down, swiping at the drops of water on her cheeks and then covering her mouth with her hand as she read the words again.

“I didn’t have a family that showed any sort of affection.”

Her head snapped up as she realized Chad was awake. He was propped on one elbow, staring at her. “I had to tell you I loved you in a note because I didn’t know how to say the words out loud.”

She stood, her hands dropping to her sides. “You just did.”

He gave her a half smile, one side of his mouth curling up. “I suppose I did.”

“Did you mean what you said? That I’ve taught you how to love?”