Diary of a Duchess: The Ruse of Passion

"You didn't give me a chance to offer an explanation," he said quietly. "I need to make something clear to you."

I looked at him, unable to speak.

"The other day, I meant to say that I won't marry you because I have to, but because I want to." He reached out and took me into his arms. "Lillian Pharaohs, will you marry me?" he asked softly.

"Are you trying to mock me?" I scowled at him. "You haven't humiliated me enough?"

"If the choice was mine, it would be the same." He looked into my eyes. "And say yes, because you love me, not because you have to. Let it be our decision."

I stared at him, confused. Was he proposing to me?

He didn't wait for a response. Pressing his lips against mine, he kissed me ardently. His kiss was sensual, and when he released me, I looked at him, finally understanding what he meant to say. Had I not argued with my mother and father for the same reason? Did I not tell them I wouldn't marry him out of obligation?

"Lily," he called softly to me.

The sound of his voice seized my soul, and I suddenly wanted him to love me.

A. C. Quinn resides in Lathrop, California. She is attending the University of Phoenix to obtain a BS in criminal justice and currently works as a litigation secretary.