"I want to be with you however you wish. I want that closeness. And I want that joy." She lifted her chin and met his gaze- even with her cheeks aflame. Something softened in his face. "I think you deserve much more." She shook her head. "No. We may not have married in the conventional way- I may not have chosen to wed- but I choose you now." A corner of his lips quirked up. "Then I'm content to take you to bed tonight, madam." She arched an eyebrow at him pointedly. "Content?" His lips curled even more. "Honored, thrilled, excited." He hid his mouth behind his wineglass. "There. Have I answered to your expectations?" He sipped his wine, but kept his crystal eyes on her over the rim. She felt a jolt between her legs. He was so... compelling when he let the ice melt in his eyes. When he let himself relax into that half smile."