Page 55 of Masked Desires

He cupped her cheek and kissed her tenderly, honored by her sweet confession. He vowed to never take the trust that she’d put in him for granted.

She melted against him, as she always did, and for long moments he just held her tightly.

Sometimes, he still felt a chill at the thought of the danger she’d put herself in by posing as Prometheus, and they’d had endless discussions about how to best help London’s children moving forward. They’d both decided that it was time for Prometheus to retire. It was simply too dangerous to continue the work Adrian had started in the way that he’d done.

However, much to their surprise, it had been Allison who had provided a solution. They’d helped her to close down the two brothels Roger had managed to reopen and worked with all the girls to find them better circumstances. Allison had sold the properties and was planning to use the proceeds to start a charity of her own, one that would assist young women to find jobs other than prostitution and provide them safe and comfortable places to live. She’d need a lot of help, and he and Fiona meant to be there in whatever capacity she needed them to be.

“I still can’t quite believe that you’re mine,” he whispered. “I can’t wait to take you home and have you to myself every day. To know that you’ll fall asleep in my arms and we’ll wake up together every morning.”

“I can’t wait either,” she agreed, and he could feel her smile against his chest. “I’m looking forward to comfort, warmth, hot water, and even servants.”

It had taken quite a bit of persuasion, but she’d finally agreed to stop living at Brookhaven. Though she’d still spend most of her days there, she’d come home to him and his children every evening. Two of the older girls, who’d been nearly ready to age out of the orphanage, had convinced her to let them take on larger roles, much as she’d helped Adrian in the beginning. He knew it had been hard for her to relinquish control, but in the end, she’d realized that Brookhaven could continue without her being there every minute of the day.

He couldn’t wait to shower her with all the luxuries she’d never had before.

He’d even managed to convince her to go on a short wedding trip. Tomorrow they would head to Paris, where he would spend a whole week spoiling and pampering her before they returned to London to begin their life together. He couldn’t wait to show her the sights, dine in fancy restaurants, make love until dawn, and watch her bloom under his love.

But first...

First, there was tonight. And he intended to make the very best of it.

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