Page 100 of The Duke's Virgin
My heart sank. “I know you can.”
“I can get over you and raise this baby and be justfine.” The words came out with a bit of a snarl, full of a hot, angry pride that made me smile a bit even as they crushed me.
“I know that, too.” I doubted I’d get over her, but I kept that quiet. I’d done enough damage, and this wasn’t about me. It couldn’t be.
She lowered her hands, staring at me with troubled, turbulent eyes.
“But none of that is what I want,” she whispered, her voice catching.
I didn’t dare breathe.
Her lashes swept down, and she dropped her head forward until it fell onto my shoulder. Afraid to touch her, but desperate to do so, I curved my hand around the back of her neck and cradled her close. She shuddered, and I squeezed my eyes closed, terrified she’d cry again but swearing mentally I’d take it. I hated her tears, but I was the reason for them.
“Damn you, Luka.” A ragged breath slid from her as she turned her face into my neck. “Why couldn’t you just stay away?”
“Is that what you want? Should I leave?”
“I should sayyes.” She looked at me finally, and her soft blue eyes glittered with tears. “I should say yes and run away from here, far enough away you’d never find me.”
I’ll always find you. But I didn’t say it. I could find her, wherever she went.
But if she turned away from me, that was it. I didn’t even deserve this chance.
“Are you telling me to leave, then?” I tightened my hand on the ring box.
“No.” She closed her eyes and sank against me, her body practically melting against mine. “No, I’m not. Damn it, I love you too much.”
Reflexively, I clutched her against me, arm tight around her waist. “Stacia?”
“Shut up,” she mumbled, her face pressed to my neck.
I shut up.
Seconds ticked by. Slowly, her arms came around, and the tension that held her so tight drained away. “You were supposed to beg.”
“Please.” Turning my face into her hair, I said it again, “Please, Stacia. Forgive me. I was stupid and cruel and prideful and scared…a complete idiot, and I’m sorry. I’ll crawl if you want me to. Just say the word.”
She eased away and looked at me, her eyes somber. Instead of saying the word, or anything else, she leaned in and pressed her lips to mine. The kiss was meant to be quick and light, and even though need tore into me like a ravenous monster, I held it back.
She sucked in a breath as she tipped her head back, staring into my eyes.
I groaned as she kissed me again, this time not so hesitant or shy. I slid my hand to the cushion, gripping the edge of it before I lost control and grippedher. Her mouth slid over mine, her tongue darting out to tease at my lips, and I opened, starving for her but locked in place, afraid to do anything.
She knew something was wrong and pulled back, brow furrowing.
“Luka?”
“Does this mean you’ll give us another chance?”
She cupped my face in her hands, a faint smile curving her lips. “I was lost pretty much from the moment you said you couldn’t imagine living a life without the baby. I just kept trying to talk myself out of it.”
“Are you done doing that now?”
She nodded.
“And you’ll marry me?”
“I…” She hesitated and glanced down, looking at the ring. “Your parents, Luka. Your country. It’s so complicated.”
