CHAPTER 25

THANK GOODNESS SHE had agreed to come out into the gardens with him. As soon as they were out of sight of the glittering ballroom, he pulled her into his arms and crushed her mouth with his. He had spoken the truth. He was desperate for her. The days since he last saw her had been a hell of deprivation.

Her lips were life giving. How had he ever thought he could live without her? He deepened the kiss, probing deep into her mouth. Quenching a thirst that went deeper than physical. But all too soon, she tore her mouth away.

"Liam, wait. We are not acting wisely. We need to talk."

"I know. I owe you an explanation. And an apology."

"I already forgave you. But we can't continue to see each other."

"Why not?"

"Because you don't approve of my activities, and I won't be controlled."

"I now know why you do the caricatures. And I know about the charitable organization you belong to. I won't try to stop you ever again. I'll even help you in any way I can," he explained when her eyes widened in surprise.

His hands came up to cradle her face. "Thalia, I'm not an ogre. I am just an imperfect human being. If I seem hard and rough, it's because I've been hurt and ridiculed in the past. My late wife dragged my honor through the mud, and then the newspapers stomped all over it with ghastly caricatures. When I saw those... Not to justify my actions, but my mind clouded, and I couldn't think straight."

She looked up at him, those sparkling blue-gray eyes clear and honest. "I would never dishonor you or betray you. If you don't know that—"

"I do," he said, pulling her close against him, enfolding her in his embrace.

She felt so good. Soft and warm and everything he had ever needed and didn't know was missing in his life. His lips sought her temple, kissing around her hairline, his mouth sliding to her ear. He wanted to bite her, lick her. Eat her. He was hungry for her...

But she pushed against him. He released her, his arms feeling empty and bereft.

"Liam, I still don't think it's a good idea for us to continue our affair."

His heart cried out in protest at her refusal, but he remained silent. Stoic.

"I know many widows engage in casual affairs, but I think I lack the constitution for these endeavors. This falling out has made me realize how much my feelings are already involved," she said quietly. "It would only get worse the longer we stay together, and when we eventually part ways, it would destroy me. I... I can't do that."

"Who says we have to part ways?"

"All affairs must end at some point."

"Not ours. I don't want only an affair. Thalia, I'm in love with you."

Her mouth fell open in surprise, and he had to fist his hands to prevent himself from reaching for her again.

"I was going to wait to say this, because I know it's premature, and you probably won't believe I'm in earnest, but I am. I love you, Thalia. Without even realizing it, I had become this empty shell of a man, but you came into my life unexpectedly and filled all the empty spaces. And now I can't bear the emptiness without you. If this week showed me anything, it is that I can't live without you. I want you with me always. Forever."

Her eyes, wide and full of wonder, never strayed from his as she took a step closer and placed her hand on his chest, right over his heart. "Liam, what are you saying?"

He took a deep breath, drawing her towards him. "What I'm saying is I want you to marry me. The prospect may not appeal to you now. I know I'm too old for you and too hardheaded. I'm sometimes rough and domineering, and you don't want that. But I'll prove to you that I can change. If I have to spend the rest of my life convincing you, I will."

He finished his bungled proposal, knowing he had not made an elegant speech. But he couldn't take it back. He had spoken from his heart and had meant every word.

"You love me?" There was wonder in her tone. It offered a little hope.

"With all of my heart."

"And you want to marry me?"

"I do. It's what I want most in the world. I'll never seek to control you or take away your independence. And I'll always take your wishes to heart."

"Does that include making love to me any time I wish?" Her voice had become husky with desire, and it ignited a dangerous need in him that was never far from the surface when she was near.

"Always," he rasped.

"Then take me, Liam. Here and now. Persuade me. Make me yours."