Free Persuading Prudence by Liz Cole

agreed, “but we have coupled more than once, pet, and that only increases the chances of conception.” Pru’s eyes grew wide and Kolton gave a weary sigh before he sat on the bed next to her and took her hand in his. “Pru, I truly don’t want to scare you into marrying me, but you need to seriously consider the fact you might be with child.”
    He reached up with his other hand and tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear, the gesture so gentle, his expression so tender, it made Prudence’s heart ache with longing, wanting so much to believe him.
    Kolton cupped her cheek and brought his face level with hers, staring into her eyes, his own urging her to trust him. “It’s clear you don’t believe I am truly attracted to you, and I am not sure why. But, my dear, I assure you I am ,” he said, his voice thick with sincerity. “I honestly think we could make a good marriage if we try. Please don’t fight what we both know is the right thing to do. Marry me, Pru, and I will do everything in my power to make sure you never regret your decision.”
    But he would make her regret her decision, she thought sadly.
    The first time he turned to another woman—and he would eventually, she had no doubt—it would break her heart. But what if there was a child to consider? Could she bear to let it grow up fatherless? Or go off to France to have it, as she had suggested the day before, and let everyone believe it was an orphan? To never acknowledge it as her own? Giving away Kolton’s baby was not an option; she couldn’t part with any child of hers, much less a child conceived with the man she loved.
    Loved?
    Her mind balked at the thought. No, she told herself firmly, she wasn’t in love with him. Not yet . But she was afraid she was coming dangerously close.
     
     
    Chapter Eight
     

     
    Kolton paced the drawing room. Pru had asked for some time alone to think. It was progress at least. She hadn’t refused him outright this time. Either way, he wouldn’t give up on his decision to force the butterfly to emerge and show its wondrous colors—even if he had to drag her to the dressmaker kicking and screaming.
    He smiled at the picture of him strolling into the dress shop with Prudence scandalously flung over one shoulder, sputtering and beating at his back. He liked the idea of Pru losing her cool mask and letting her spirit show. He enjoyed the fact that she didn’t agree witlessly with every word out of his mouth, or simper and fawn over him as so many of society’s miss’ did. This new Prudence he’d discovered was a constant surprise, and a powerfully intriguing, sensual woman.
    Yes, he thought with a decisive nod, she would be a good addition to his life.
    It seemed like hours before she finally entered the study and closed the door. She wore a blue morning dress that complemented her coloring but, as with all her clothing, was loose and did nothing for her figure. That aside, she had softened her appearance by pulling her hair back in a loose bun, allowing a few tendrils to hang free and frame her face. She had also dispensed with wearing her spectacles, which pleased him immensely. If he could only improve her taste in clothes, she would be ravishing indeed.
     
    ***
     
    Prudence had come to a decision. But was it the right one? She had her doubts.
    Kolton stood looking contemplatively out of the window as if the weight of the world resided upon his shoulders. Prudence took the opportunity to study him. Sunlight showered him with its rays, brining to brilliant life the hints of gold in his rich brown hair that framed his strong features. She would classify his face as square if it weren’t for the length of his clean-shaven face with its broad forehead. High cheekbones added to his aristocratic air; his chin, which he often rubbed when pondering something important, was too rounded to be considered pointed and sported just a hint of a cleft. His nose was straight, but for the slight widening toward the