Hunting the Hero (The Wild Randalls 4)

“Some, but they’re not enough in my opinion to make me accept them. Mrs. Lamb mentioned you planned to leave this morning, before I returned.”

Her gaze dropped from his. Her hands twisted in her lap. “I planned to be very far away before you discovered I’d gone.”

He stood back. “What do I tell my daughters?”

“What do you usually tell them when you misplace a governess?”

He took a deep breath to keep his frustration in check. “No matter what I say, you will never believe you’re more than that to me.”

“I cannot be more. Society expects—”

“Society’s expectations can go to hell. I want you.”

“Really?” Her brow rose. “And what if my services came at a price?”

“I’d pay any sum you named and more.”

“I’m certain that is not true. For instance, I doubt you’d do what my brothers would expect should they learn our affair was to continue.”

“Are you afraid they’d suggest we marry?”

“I’m not afraid of that.”

“Neither am I.” He leaned closer. “In fact, I had intended offering for you before I even learned your real name.”

“And you’ve come to your senses now? I’m not surprised.”

“No, I decided that since I was your present to yourself when we first met, and you clearly enjoy making decisions for me, that you should ask for my hand in marriage. You do like to be in charge. Why stop now, hmm?”

“That’s ridiculous. Gentlemen of the ton do not ask a whore to marry them.”

“I would never use such a vulgar term for so tempting a wench as you.” He grinned at her stubborn expression. “Since that isn’t the case here, I feel it only fitting that you should do the honors.”

“You’ll be waiting a long time.”

“Then I will wait.” There. He’d thrown out the challenge. It was up to Rosemary now to be brave and accept there was far more between them than mere lust.

She rounded on him. “Have you taken leave of your senses? Why would you want me to be your wife?”

“The question is why I shouldn’t. I know enough about you not to have made the decision lightly. I would have spoken of the subject before, but I thought I had ample time to convince you when we returned from Romsey. At the moment, I’m sure you’re planning to disappear the moment my back is turned.”

Rose didn’t deny it.

He leaned over the bed, getting close enough that she pressed back against the headboard. “Why don’t you explain to me why you are an imperfect candidate to be my wife and perhaps I will reconsider.”

Marriage or not, he really wanted to be the one she confided in about her past. “Convince me I’m wrong about you.”

Rosemary licked her lips. “You were not my first.”

“I’m not a fool.”

“Not even my fifteenth, truth be told.”

No surprises there. “How many? Do you know the number?”

“I ceased counting at seventy-four.”

“Hmm, a goodly sum.” He glanced at Rosemary. “Tell me about the first.”