“For you it is.”
A sharp bark of laughter passed his lips. “Not long before we met, I was at a wedding where I witnessed a man rushing through the doors of a church just as another man was about to take his vows. And do you know who the bride left with and married that day?”
“No.”
“You should. The bride was Emma, the original groom was Wallace, and the madman who interrupted was Marcus.”
No wonder Lord Sinclair was so testy at seeing Sir Wallace talking to Emma. Juliet’s eyes traveled from Lord Sinclair and Emma to Sir Wallace and Edwina. Her attention was abruptly stolen back by her husband when he dropped his head and whispered in her ear.
“So don’t tell me it’s too late, Juliet. I’m a man who believes anything can happen.”
“But it is too late,” she protested, tears pricking her eyes. “You’ve already chosen.”
“Yes, I have, Juliet. And you’re my choice. There are some things I need to tell you. Will you come away with me? I have something I want to show you.”
“No. I have no intention of leaving this house with you.”
He sighed. “All right. Will you join me in another room, please?”
“No. I’ll not be sneaking off into private rooms at one of my closest friends’ homes.”
“What of the room you’re staying in,” he wondered, cocking his head in contemplation.
“H-how did you know?”
He smiled. “I went to see your father earlier today.”
She swallowed. “Oh.”
“Now, will you take me to your room, or do I have to throw you over my shoulder like a ruffian and wander the halls until I find it?”
“You wouldn’t dare.”
His eyes narrowed. “Wouldn’t I?”
The music stopped playing and she stepped on his toe, whether on purpose or by accident, she’d never tell.
He didn’t seem to notice or care. “Which will it be?”
“Neither,” she said, breaking free of his grasp. “You cannot just come in here and act as if nothing has happened, Drake. It doesn’t work that way.”
He took a step closer to her. “I know that.”
“Are you sure? It seems to me you just expected to come in here and have me fall at your feet, entranced by your mere presence.”
“I didn’t expect that at all,” he countered. “Nor did I want that, Juliet. I know you don’t simper and fawn, and that’s what I love about you. I love that you’re strong and confident. That you don’t let anyone trample over you.” He snorted. “You may lose a battle every now and then, but you’re not afraid to fight and that’s what I love most.”
He took another step closer to her, dropping his voice to a whisper. “Will you take me up to your room now, please?”
Juliet stiffened. The feelings of joy and shock by his open admission of love for her in front of a room full of silent guests were quickly wearing off. Was that it? Did he think everything would go back to the way it was now that he’d confessed his love? What of his feelings for his first wife, and the fact that though he may claim to love Juliet, he’d never have children with her due to his loyalty to Abigail? Was that all just to be swept under the proverbial rug?
As if sensing her hesitation, Drake pulled a folded stack of papers from his breast pocket and tapped them against his empty hand. “How about if you give me five minutes to explain everything I have to say and beg your forgiveness, and if at the end of those five minutes, you’re not satisfied, I’ll sign these, and never bother you again.”
Juliet’s heart stopped. Annulment papers. At one time that’s what she’d wanted more than anything. And now? Now the sight of them made her stomach clench and her head spin. She didn’t want an annulment, but neither did she see how they could have a future together following the hurtful things said last week. Taking a deep breath, she nodded.
Grasping her hand in his, Drake interlaced their fingers. “Lead the way.”
Fighting the blush on her cheeks from leaving the once drawing room, now ballroom in such a manner, Juliet led him down the hall and up to her room.
“Your five minutes have begun,” she announced, closing the door.
“I love you,” he said simply.
She implored him with her eyes. “Yes, I believe you said as much downstairs.”
“Yes, well, it doesn’t make it any less true.” He raked his hand through his hair. “Juliet, it’s because I love you that I do the things I do.”
“You mean manipulate me and try to make my choices for me?”
His nostrils flared. “I wasn’t trying to manipulate you.”