Daring and the Duke: The Bareknuckle Bastards Book III

“He gave us each other,” she said, watching the rooftops. For twenty years, she’d traversed this city from up on high, believing that the rooftops were the place she’d stolen from him. Claimed for herself. But they weren’t stolen. They’d been gifted. He’d given her this place.

I loved you the moment I set eyes on you a lifetime ago, but what that was—it pales in comparison to how I love you now.

Devil’s cane tapped against the roof in an even, pensive rhythm. “Fuck,” he finally whispered, awe in his tone. “He gave you up. Into our keeping. No wonder he was ready to blow up half of London when he thought we’d let you die.”

“Christ.” Whit was the first to speak. “He gave himself over to Marwick. To keep us safe.”

“I want you,” he said, and she hated the way the words came, resigned. “I want you and I love you, and it isn’t first love. It’s final. And if you cannot see that—if you cannot find the courage to take it, and to revel in it, and to let me stand by your side, then it is not enough.” He shook his head. “How many tests must I pass before you believe

When he was through, she was loose in his arms, and when she opened her eyes, he said, “I’m going to marry you.” Another kiss, quick and lush. “I’m going to marry you, and we will keep this place safe, and you will never have to fight alone ever again. We shall fight together.”

“Devil’s face.” “I miscalculated,” he said, the words barely sound. “It was never intended to be so long. He came at a different angle than I expected.” “Intended.” She met his eyes. “Expected.” He did not look away. “I had to make it look real.” “For your father to believe it.” He shook his head. “For you to believe it.”

She raised a brow. “We shall see.” “It’s not a no.”

“Grace,” Felicity said quietly. “What do you want?” What do you need? The words echoed, over and over. Come and see me when you know. She looked up at her brothers. “Perhaps I want hope, too.” “Goddammit.” “Fuck.” Felicity grinned at the men’s united response. “Well, then. Isn’t this exciting.”