Page 38 of Seduction of a Widow

She sobbed. How had he lived with the pain?

How could she live with the pain?

She looked up and cried out at sight of Evan’s blue eyes staring.

“Y-you are awake.”

His eyes flicked to the window, then said in a hoarse voice, “It is morning.”

She glanced at the window and realized dawn had broken.

“I see Mr. Drucker is a better shot than I gave him credit for.”

She looked back at him. “What? Oh, nae.”

His dark brow lifted and she wanted to cry. He was too handsome.

Leslie shook her head. “I cannot bear the pain of seeing you hurt. If anything were to happen to you—” She broke off and shook her head.

His gaze intensified. “You did say you’d been on a warship before.”

She blinked at the change of subject. Fear stabbed. Had the wound caused damage to his brain. “Are you well, Evan?”

“I have never been to America,” he said. “Have you?”

“America? Nae.”

A corner of his mouth lifted. “Good. That means we can see it for the first time...together.”

“Together?” Leslie gasped. “I—” She couldn’t speak.

He withdrew an arm from beneath the blankets and covered her hand with his. “No need to worry, love. I will not try to change you.”

“Not try to change me?” She choked back a sob.

His expression sobered. “What is amiss, Leslie? You can trust me. I understand your need for freedom. I promise not to put restraints on you.”

She stared. “But why would you risk the pain?”

He flashed a crooked smile. “A man in love risks much.”

Her eyes widened. “Love? That-that isn’t possible.”

His eyes gleamed. “Come with me to America and find out.”

She stared.

“Marry me.”

She froze.

His eyes darkened with challenge. “If you dare.”