Page 89

He slipped his arms around her, pulling her close to drop light kisses on her hair. “I had to stop you when you said you loved me in Malta. I couldn’t let myself listen because I knew it would break my resolve. God, holding you again is like winning every case I’ve ever fought,” he whispered.

Lela sagged against him.

“I’ve missed you. You smell so good, so warm. Your perfume haunts me. It wakes me in the night from dreams where I’m struggling to reach your side. I’m asking for another chance.”

Lela let her head fall back, raising a hand to his cheek.

“I’m sorry I hurt you.” He lifted his hands to her face, brushing the tears away with his thumbs. “We’ll argue, we’ll both compromise, we’ll live and love together. Please say something—anything.”

Looking deep into his eyes, Lela started to believe. “You mean it.”

“What can I do to make you believe?” He pressed her head into his shoulder, holding her close, combing his fingers through her hair.

Lela closed her eyes, listening to the steady beat of his heart in the lengthening silence, and found courage enough to risk again. She leaned back against his arm. “I won’t accept you if you give up the work you’re meant to do.”

“Won’t marry me if you’re pregnant, won’t marry me if I give up my work.” His grin dawned slowly. “Having you fight me on this is like coming home.”

“Marry? You’re sure?”

“Please, choose me.” Deep, steady, filled with passion, his voice held a promise she couldn’t refuse. “I love you. Tell me you still love me.”

Lela pressed her lips to his. “I love you, Hamish. I don’t know how to stop.”

“My Plan A was to sort my current case, tell you what I’d done and convince you to give me another chance.”

“Plan A?”

“Today gazumped it. But I had a backup plan.”

“We could start with an affair?” Lela smiled. “I could take you home now?”

“Yes, please, but it’s not enough. I want you in my life. I need you in my life. Marry me?” He rested his forehead against hers. “You’re braver than me, Miranda. I knew that when you walked away in Valletta. There’s only you.”

“I won’t let you give up your work.”

“I’m prepared to negotiate boundaries.”

“Come to Malta with me?” She tested his resolve.

“Sophie said your father’s hired a villa for the whole family.” He sounded dismayed, but willing.

“Papa’s still part of the package.”

“Sold.”

“What about your vow?” She nestled closer.

“It was easy to keep until you. I’ve made a new vow.”

Lela linked her hands around his neck and drew his head down to hers. “Love me, Hamish.”

“That’s the vow,” he growled, swinging her in a circle.