Page 58 of Ladybird

“I took your virginity. That is something you can never get back.”

She pulled away and looked up at him. “You didn’t take anything that I wasn’t willing to give.”

“I don’t deserve you, and you know it. I am not good for you, Regina.”

“If anything, you should think I am not good enough for you. I acted like a whore, making love with a man to whom I wasn’t married.”

“Nay, never say that,” he told her, kissing her gently on her lips. “You are a noble, an honorable lady and you always will be. I only regret that now your reputation is soiled. Because of me, you will never be able to marry a nobleman. All because of one night of passion. Of what we did together.”

“If I had wanted to marry a nobleman, don’t you think I would have done so by now?” she asked him.

“I don’t know. Why haven’t you been betrothed by now? You are certainly of marrying age.”

“It’s because I never thought I needed or wanted a man. Not until I met you.” She reached up and touched him on the cheek. Her soft skin against his felt so inviting that he moaned softly and closed his eyes. “Hunter, I love you.”

His eyes shot open. “You don’t really meant that. You couldn’t love a man like me.”

“Are you calling me a liar?”

“Nay. I’m the liar. But I’m done with lying, sweetheart.” He pulled her into his arms and kissed her with undeniable passion. “I do love you, my Ladybird. I swear, if I wasn’t just a commoner, I’d be asking you to marry me right now.”

“Well, why don’t you?” She looked at him and bit at her lip.

“What do you mean?” His heart stilled.

“Hunter, I am sure you are not a stranger to the fact that most of the Blake siblings have been marrying commoners lately.”

“Yes, I have heard. So?”

“So, if we wanted to get married, it would be no different.”

“Your father wouldn’t object?”

“I don’t see why. He knew your father. They were friends. He was the one to bring us together if you look at it from a different angle.”

“I suppose. I see your point.”

“Do you love me?”

“Yes. Yes, I think I do.”

“And I love you.”

“So, you believe we should be together?”

She nodded. “Don’t you?”

“What I think and what I want are two different things entirely.”

You can’t have her. Don’t even think she really loves you because she doesn’t.

“Nay. I won’t listen to you anymore!” he shouted.

She released him and stepped back, almost in fear. “What?” she gasped.

“Oh, sweetheart, nay. I am not talking to you.” He reached out for her again.

“Well, I don’t see anyone else in here.” She looked around the room..