Chapter Forty-Four

CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR

Later That Day, The Duke of Grovemont’s Town House

G emma was propped up in her bed, a smile on her face. She’d taken a long, hot bath, and Anna had braided her hair. She’d also taken a much-needed nap and was wearing a fresh night rail. Lucian sat at the foot of her bed, bandaging her sore foot. He’d insisted on doing it himself.

“I should have killed that bastard,” Lucian grumbled as he applied the balm the maids had given him to her bruised skin.

“No, he’s not worth it,” Gemma replied. “He’s going to gaol.”

“Gaol is too good for him.”

Gemma winced as Lucian rubbed the balm into her foot. “How did you know he had me?”

Lucian spent the next several minutes tending to her foot while explaining what had happened. He began with how Griffin had arrived on his doorstep last night.

“I’m only sorry I didn’t figure it out myself,” he finished, shaking his head.

“You couldn’t have known. I sent the letter to Griffin.”

Lucian stood and moved closer to her. Then he sat next to her, leaned forward, and pressed his forehead to hers. He cupped her shoulders in his hands. “I’m sorry, Gemma. I’m sorry for everything. That morning, when we argued, I didn’t mean to?—”

“No, Lucian. I’m sorry. I was angry with you. But I wasn’t going to leave you without telling you. After shopping, I had every intention of coming back home. But now I realize that I signed the contract, and—” Tears dripped down her cheeks.

He pushed a hand up into her hair and cradled her head against his chest. “I don’t care about the bloody contract.”

“Neither do I,” she sniffed, shaking her head and pulling back to look at him again. “Not anymore. While I was locked in Pembroke’s house, I realized that I missed you. And when I thought I might never see you again, I realized that you have my heart. I think you’ve had it since the night I saw you in Griffin’s study looking so alone.”

Lucian’s eyes filled with tears, then he grabbed her and kissed her. “I realized the same thing, Gemma. I love you.”

Gemma’s tears fell even harder now, and she was sobbing. “You do?”

“Yes, I do. I love you. I cannot live without you. I don’t want to, at least.”

“I thought you’d hate me forever for bringing shame on your family with the divorce news in the paper.”

“Oh, darling. I don’t hate you. And I don’t care what’s printed in the paper. I finally understand that what happens behind closed doors is so much more important than what people think. You made me understand that. I have you to thank for it.”

She wrapped her arms around his neck, still crying. “Do you mean that?”

He smoothed a hand over her hair and nodded. “The papers can write whatever they want. All I care about is your opinion of me. And I’m hoping you love me as much as I love you.”

She sniffed and nodded. “I do, Lucian. I truly do.” Then she lifted her chin. There was something she needed to say to him. “But I am a grown woman, and I refuse to be treated like a child or a piece of property ever again . I came back to you because I love you. I want a true partnership with you. We are equals. If you cannot give me that, I will not stay.”

He nodded and kissed her. “I understand, and that’s what I want too. Besides, I’ve been told by a very wise woman that I am to treat you as if you’re the most important person in the world from now on. And I intend to do exactly that.”

“Mrs. Howard?” Gemma asked, smiling through her tears.

“Mrs. Howard.” He nodded.

“You aren’t angry with her…for telling me about?—?”

“No.” He shook his head. “But I should have told you myself. I didn’t want to appear weak, and?—”

“Oh, Lucian. How could I ever think you are weak? A little boy who could withstand what you had to withstand? You’re the strongest person I know.” She rubbed his rough cheek with her palm. “I’m in awe of you.”

He grabbed her and hugged her tight. Tears ran from his eyes. “I love you, Gemma. Now and forever.”