Epilogue
Ten years later…
T he soft glow of candlelight flickered across Selina's face as she stood before the mirror, her fingers deftly adjusting the delicate lace at her décolletage. Movement caught her eye, and she glimpsed James entering the bedchamber, a mischievous smile playing on his lips.
"My darling," he said, sauntering toward her with roguish grace. "I have a surprise for you."
Selina's breath caught in her throat. Despite their years together, he still had the power to make her pulse race with a single look. She turned to face him, her eyes widening as they alighted on the small velvet box in his hand.
"James, what have you done?" she murmured, a mix of excitement and admiration coursing through her veins.
He chuckled, a rich, velvety sound that sent a thrill of longing through her. "Nothing you won't approve of, I assure you."
With a flourish, he opened the box, revealing a stunning necklace adorned with diamonds and sapphires. Selina gasped, her fingers trembling slightly as she reached out to touch the exquisite piece.
"Oh, James," she breathed, "it's beautiful.”
"Not half as beautiful as you, my darling treasure," he replied, his eyes smoldering with desire.
As he fastened the necklace around her neck, Selina's mind raced. How far they had come, from bitter enemies to passionate lovers. She had once despised this man, blaming him for her late husband's death. Back then, she would have done anything to see him hanged. Now, she could not imagine life without him.
"There," James said, stepping back to admire his handiwork. "Perfect."
Selina turned back to the mirror, her fingers ghosting over the sparkling gems. "It's too much, James. I do not deserve?—”
He silenced her with a finger to her lips. "You deserve the world, my darling Selina. And I intend to give it to you one piece at a time."
He took her hand in his, the warmth of his touch sending a frisson of desire through her body. "Come," he said, leading her toward the door. "I have another surprise waiting."
Selina allowed herself to be guided down the hall, then onto the terrace, where a sumptuous feast awaited them. Candles flickered in the warm summer breeze, casting a romantic glow over the intimate setting.
As they took their seats, James raised a glass of champagne. "To us," he toasted, his eyes never leaving hers. "And to the love that has brought us through the past ten years and will carry us through the rest of our days."
Selina clinked her glass against his, a smile tugging at her lips. "To us," she echoed, taking a sip of the bubbly drink. "You have outdone yourself, husband. Dare I ask, what is the occasion?"
He leaned back in his chair, a roguish grin spreading across his face. "Do I need a special occasion to spoil the woman I adore? "
Selina arched an eyebrow, her mind working to decipher his motives. "With you, my dear rogue, there is always an ulterior motive."
James laughed, the sound rich and warm in the night air. "You wound me, pet. Can a reformed rake not simply wish to romance his lady?"
She laughed, the delicate sound filling the night air as her lips curved into a delighted smile.
As they ate, Selina found herself swept up in James's charm. Their conversation flowed easily, punctuated by laughter and tender glances, as it always was between them.
"Do you remember," James said, reaching across the table to take her hand, "the first time we danced together?"
Selina smirked, recalling the evening vividly. "How could I forget? I was convinced you were trying to seduce me."
"And now?" he asked, his thumb tracing circles on her palm.
She met his gaze, her heart swelling with love. "Now, I know you succeeded."
As the night wore on, their touches lingered and their glances grew heated. Selina found herself torn between the desire to savor every moment of this magical evening and the burning need to drag him back to their bedchamber.
"James," she said, her voice husky with want. "Thank you for this. For our life together. For loving me."
He lifted her hand to his lips, pressing a kiss to her knuckles. "My darling," he murmured, "this is a mere trifle. But a single page in our story. I intend to write many more volumes before drawing my last breath."
“I pray it is so,” she said, bringing his hand to her lips.
As the remnants of their sumptuous meal were cleared away, James rose from his seat, a mischievous twinkle dancing in his gaze. He extended his hand to her. "My lady, would you care to accompany me on a moonlit stroll through the gardens?"
Selina's heart quickened, a familiar thrill coursing through her veins. She placed her hand in his, relishing the warmth of his touch. "I thought you would never ask," she replied, a coy smile playing on her lips.
As they descended the marble steps, James drew her closer, his arm wrapping protectively around her waist. The garden sprawled before them, bathed in ethereal moonlight that cast long shadows and illuminated the path ahead.
"Do you recall our first night as husband and wife?" James asked, his voice tinged with nostalgia.
Selina laughed softly, the sound mingling with the gentle rustle of leaves. "How could I forget? You were so determined to prove yourself a changed man."
"And have I succeeded?" he murmured, his breath warm against her ear.
She turned to face him, her gaze searching his. "Dearest husband, you continue to surprise me every day."
A comfortable silence descended upon them as they wandered deeper into the garden, the sweet scent of blooming roses and jasmine enveloping them as stars sparkled against the dark veil of the evening sky.
"A penny for your thoughts, my love," James said, breaking the companionable silence.
She sighed, tipping her head up to gaze at him. "I was thinking about how grateful I am for you, for us."
James's expression softened, and he pulled her into his arms. "My darling wife," he said, his lips mere inches from hers. "I count my blessings with every heartbeat."
Their lips met in a searing kiss as their arms came around one another, years of passion and devotion pouring into the embrace. Her fingers tangled in His dark hair as she pressed herself closer, desperate to eliminate any space between them. In a touch of their lips, they were lost in their own private paradise.
As they parted, breathless, Selina rested her forehead against his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heart. The night air had cooled, and she shivered slightly in her thin gown.
James, ever attentive, noticed immediately. "Are you cold, my love?" he asked, concern lacing his voice.
Selina smiled up at him, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Perhaps a little. Though I can think of a way you might warm me up, Lord Blackwood."
A low chuckle rumbled through James's chest. "My, my, Lady Blackwood. How scandalous you have become." He pulled her closer, his hands tracing tantalizing patterns along her back. "What would the ton say if they could hear you now?"
"I refuse to be bothered by gossips," Selina murmured, her lips brushing against his jaw. "I care only for your opinion."
“In that case.” James grinned mischievously, sweeping Selina up in his muscular arms. “I am of the opinion that you require ravishing.”
Love and longing threatened to overwhelm her as she reached up to run her fingers along the handsome line of his jaw. "It is true. I fear I require it without delay."
“Then as ravishing you shall have.” With swift, purposeful strides, he carried her back toward the house, their laughter echoing through the moonlit gardens.