Page 82 of Never a Proper Lady
She stopped, peering up at him, hope and wonder and disbelief skittering across the delicate planes of her face. In typical Faith fashion, she did the unexpected.
Grasping his hand, she looked this way, then that, and then hauled him to a dark nook between a potted pear tree in the corner of the terrace, out of sight of prying eyes.
“Now, what did you say?”
Constantine couldn’t help it. He chuckled and cupped her face with his hands.
“I love you, Faith Roth.”
“You truly love me?” Awe made her tone soft with wonderment.
“I do.” He kissed her nose. “I really, truly do, my darling.”
“Why?” Suspicion furrowed her forehead.
Why?
How could he possibly list the myriad of reasons?
“Because, my darling, I cannot imagine a life without you in it. It would be shallow and empty and incomplete. My greatest desire is to fall asleep with you in my arms, and for you to be the first thing I see when I open my eyes each morning.”
She fingered his starched neckcloth, a small smile playing around the edges of her pink mouth. “So no marriage of convenience?”
The incorrigible vixen.
Was there any other woman like Faith Roth?
No, thank God.
“No marriage of convenience, sweetheart. But a love match, for I hope, my dearest heart, that you love me too.”
She broke into a radiant smile, then stood up on her toes to kiss Constantine full on the mouth, sending blood scorching through his veins.
“I think it’s quite convenient,” she said, her voice husky, “that not only do we love each other, but we are already betrothed.”
Capturing her in his embrace, he growled into her ear, “I’d prefer a short betrothal. Very short.”
Unable to resist, he nipped her earlobe.
Faith gasped.
“Short is good.” Her voice came out a throaty purr. “Excellent, in fact.”
He nuzzled her neck. “I propose an extended honeymoon, beginning in the Mediterranean, darling.”
“Perfect. But only after Joy Morrisette’s soirée. I’ve already promised to attend.” Faith grasped his lapels. “Now kiss me properly.”
Constantine was only too happy to oblige.
