Chapter 16

He held her. He hadn’t touched her in two days and now he did. Oscar wanted the dancing to last all night. But if he danced more than one dance in a row with her, the gossips would go even more into histrionics. Iagan had kept him abreast of what was being said.

Not all of it was flattering to Beatrice.

Some said she’d trapped him. As if she’d caused the carriage accident herself. Just a gold-digging little money-grabber, after a wealthy husband to set herself up for life.

If anyone had been trapped, it had been her. By societal pressure.

Of course, the woman behind that nastiness was the one he had met recently on his trip to Coleson Hollow in the first place. Apparently, she had taken his rejection of her daughter a bit too personally.

Which…he had told her that twenty was far too young for a man of his thirty-two, only to be captured not even a week later by a girl no more than twenty. That lady was a bit put out by that. She would just have to get over it.

“You’re very quiet tonight.” He kept her at a respectful distance, but he wanted to pull her closer. After they were married, he would dance with her every opportunity he could. Her head fit so neatly, right near his shoulder. Near his heart.

She was so light in his hold. Dancing with her felt perfect. Yes, there would be a ballroom in their home, even if it was a smaller one. Just for the two of them…

“I am merely thinking, Dr. Collins.”

“Dangerous thing to do. Letting yourself get lost in your thoughts. What are you thinking about, Beatrice?” He wanted to know what she was thinking. What she thought about the things being said. What she expected from him. He wanted to know everything…

“Just…Dr. Duvall…why such a broken soul…He scares me.”

“You’re safe now. He won’t be bothering you again, darling. I will make sure of it.”

“I am not your darling, Oscar Collins,” she said. But her hands were tight on his arms as he held her. As they turned. As he held her just a little too close for propriety.

“I think you are. We are going to talk tonight, Beatrice Maeve. I can promise you that.” He had the deed to the land he had purchased in his pocket. It wasn’t fully completed, but he and the gentleman who owned the land had come to an agreement. It was just a matter of time. There was a spot of land near a stream that would be a perfect place to build the home he wanted for her. Oscar was already planning to start the drawings, once he knew what she would want.

He wanted to build her a home she could be proud of. One she would never have to leave, to lose, again.

“I do not like being afraid; it makes me remember things I would rather forget.”

“You don’t have to be afraid anymore. Of anything. Including me.”

Beatrice finally looked at him. “I’m not afraid of you.”

He had figured her out. They danced, until they were at the veranda doors once more. It took little maneuvering to get her outside, where he wanted her. They could still hear the music, could still dance. But now…now it was just them. “Liar. You are afraid. Maybe not of me. But I know he scared you. No more. I’m here to protect you.”

She stiffened. “I never asked for you to protect me.”

“No. You didn’t. But you have me, Beatrice. Whether you want me or not. And I am not going anywhere—forever. So if you would like for me to kiss you tonight, you can ask away. I am ready.”

“Just what are you saying? You are the most confusing man I have ever known.”

“I’ve been around the world, Beatrice. I’ve had women throw themselves at me for my money and my family name. None of them mattered. None of them came close to what you’ve done to me without even trying.” He paused, his thumb brushing against her cheek, his eyes locked on hers. “You’ve changed everything. And I’m not letting you escape me now. You’ll just have to deal with that.”

Oscar didn’t wait for her to ask. He leaned down and kissed her.

It wasn’t gentle or hesitant; it was fierce and unapologetic. This was his woman. He wanted her. And he had never been a patient man.

Her lips softened against his immediately, her hands tightened on his arms. She was pressed against him now. She lifted up on her toes and pressed even closer.

It wasn’t enough.

He tilted her head slightly, angling the kiss deeper. He wanted more.

Oscar reminded himself he had to be a patient man. To not rush her. To not scare her away.

When they finally broke apart, both of them were breathless. Beatrice stared at him, her cheeks flushed, her lips swollen. She looked perfect—perfect for him.

“I am never letting you go.” Never had he said more important words than those.

“You can not mean this,” she whispered. “You barely ken me at all. I do not think it works this way.”

Oscar cupped her cheek, his thumb brushing against her skin. “I mean every word. And it can work however we wish it to, darling. Nothing, no one, is telling us one way about or the other. It is all up to us.”

Her breath hitched. She looked up at him with those gray eyes that could captivate a man completely. He couldn’t do it. He could not wait much longer. The woman was destroying him. “You have until Christmas morning. To decide when you’ll marry me.”

“ When I marry you? And if I say no?” she asked. “Then what, Dr. Collins? Are you taking charge of me again?”

“Of course I am. You’d best get accustomed to it. I’ll just carry you off anyway. Because you’re mine, Beatrice. Now, tomorrow, and forever. I don’t think I can breathe without you. Not for too much longer. Do not make me suffer much longer. I am a weak man.”

“That you are not. And you…confuse me, that is certain.” She just looked up at him, all soft-gray eyes and sweetness. “But…will…you kiss me again? Just a wee bit?”