Free Thawing A Duke's Heart (Faces of Love Series #1) by Jessie Bennett Page B

romance. I would marry the Duke. I didn’t care how much pain it would cause me to be with a man I loved who could never return my love. I would do it for the sake of my sisters, even Rebecca.
    “Okay,” I finally gave in. “Two weeks,” I said simply.
    He walked me once more around the gardens in silence. Then we went inside and I saw him to the door. He left with a simple bow and kiss on my hand. I couldn't bring myself to look into his eyes. Those beautiful green eyes that I could see with my eyes closed. If I looked at him, he would know. He would see that I loved him, and then he would have to tell me that he didn't feel the same. That I could not bear.

CHAPTER 12

Proving You Right

    * * *
    T wo weeks later , we were married in the study of his townhouse. It was very simple. Only my family, Dunlop, and Elisabeth attended. I hadn’t spoken much to anyone in the weeks leading up to it. Elisabeth had come over daily. I had poured my heart out to her, but after that, nothing more could be said on the matter. The only eye contact I made with Gaffton was when we kissed at the end of it. He lifted my chin and kissed me softly. It sent such energy through my body that it made me want to crumple and cry.
    Dinner after the ceremony was short and relatively quiet. Mother hadn’t spoken a word to me since the night in the library. We were standing at the door, saying our goodbyes, when Mother came and stood in front of me. I had honestly thought she would leave without a word.
    She fiddled with the lace of my simple wedding dress for a minute before looking at me. “Well at least you fixed your mess. Hopefully, there will be a chance for your sisters now.”
    My heart sank deeper. I would never forgive myself if they lost their happiness on my account. I looked at the three of them. Julia gave me an encouraging squeeze of the hand. My eyes welled up as I mouthed an apology to her.
    I wasn’t going to be able to hold back the dam of emotion I had built up inside of me. I felt myself breaking down as a single tear escaped. Gaffton’s hand slipped around my waist and I gratefully leaned into his strength.
    I waited until all the guests had left before I crumpled. He embraced me arms and I found myself once again crying in his embrace. “Hush, my sweet Mary. It will be alright.”
    “I’ve ruined them all,” I cried. “And you, I’ve taken away your life. I’ve chained you to me. I’m so sorry, Your Grace.”
    “They will be fine,” he continued to coo. “You could do worse than being married to a Duke,” he added with a smile. “And if I remember correctly, I had to convince you to marry me . Anything you want, my sweet, and it is yours. If you want a family, if you don't ever want to see me again, either way, tell me and I will give it to you.” He lifted my chin, forcing me to look him in the eyes. “Anything you want of me, I will give. I am yours forever.”
    “Your Grace, I can’t ask you to give me what I want.”
    “Anything, Mary, please,” he pleaded with me.
    I loved the sound of my name on his lips. It was another stab in my heart. “Your love. I have fallen in love with you. But it is something you yourself said you could never give. You have given it away already.”
    He smiled down at me. He bent his head ever so slightly and softly kissed me on the lips. I wrapped my arms around him automatically. I could feel his breath on my cheek as he whispered, “I have loved you for so long, my sweet Mary. That moment when Clarisse ripped you out of my arms at the park, I knew. I couldn’t bear to have you taken away from me. I can’t breathe unless I have you by my side.” He pulled back and looked me in the eyes with a devilish smile. “I’m glad I ravished you in the library, or I might never have gotten up the courage to make you mine forever.”
    “Gaffton, you don't need to say this, not if you don't mean it.”
    He smiled ruefully at me. “Say it again.”
    I was confused. “I don't