He’d prefer to marry her, of course, buy his woman pretty clothes and jewels. But if a lesser connection was all he could hope for, he’d take it and be thankful for that small commitment. He could still spoil her. Take care of her. Protect her.
And since he intended to live with his mistress, talk to her any time of day or night, there was endless joy ahead for them both.
Aurora would have his attention and complete fidelity—not that she realized it yet.
The needs of the family succession were at complete odds with his desire for happiness with Aurora Hillcrest. He’d never marry. Never have a legitimate heir to inherit his title or that of his father, the Duke of Northport. But he was an earl possessed of a fortune and two younger brothers who already had healthy infant sons. Either brother could manage just as well as Drew might have, or their sons would.
He brushed his fingers against her jaw. “What answer will you give me now, hmm? Will I finally hear a yes from you?”
“To become your mistress only.”
“Yes. I will not ask you for more than that ever again.”
Her brows drew together in a frown as she studied his face. Whatever she saw in his expression seemed to reassure her because she sagged. “Good.”
“Well, say it. I need to hear the words.”
“Yes, my lord. I would be honored to become your mistress.”
He hugged her to him and rocked her in his arms, relieved and excited. This was what he wanted. To know Aurora was his. That she would accept his love and understood his commitment would endure anything.
Her breath against his ear was warm and comforting.
He released her slowly and pressed his lips to her cheek. He opened the box and presented her with a heavy diamond bracelet set in yellow gold. It was no mere token gift. It was meant for the woman he loved. It represented a substantial investment in Aurora’s happiness and future. There would be more gems later, when he knew her preference for stones. But for now, this was as close as he could get to giving her a betrothal ring.
“I’ll prepare the agreements and send them to you within a week. We’ll begin when you’re ready to leave Wharton House. Take as long as you need. I’ll wait,” he promised.
“I won’t make you wait for long.”
He held no strong hope that she’d ever change her mind and wish for marriage instead, but he was satisfied with the bargain they’d made. For however long she’d have him, he would be her devoted beau. Hadn’t his father loved his mistress for over a decade, and remained perfectly happy with their arrangement?
Drew could do no better, and this was all Aurora would allow him anyway.
He kissed her, trying not to think of what her family would say about their arrangement. Her cousins might have a lot to say about his offer, and berate him, too, for ruining Aurora’s reputation. However, if they knew anything about Aurora, he hoped they could find a way to understand why their romance had taken this drastic turn. Many in society would condemn them, surely, for living in sin together.
He rolled Aurora under him again. Her fingers were tight on his arms and then her own rose to encircle his neck. The bracelet was cold where it brushed against the back of his neck and he shivered, hoping that wasn’t a portent of any ill to come.
Aurora hugged him tightly though, and whispered, “I give you leave to use my given name now, Drew.”
He laughed softly at that, because he always had. “Aurora, my dear. Thank you. Thank you for trusting me with your passion and happiness. I promise to be the best protector you could ever want.”
“You already are,” she promised. Aurora kissed him, teased her tongue into his mouth again, and this time Drew did not temper his reactions. He indulged them fully until dawn.