I had to admit he worked hard to get to me, he did what he could for 2 years, risking to leave me with Edward and his fears came true. He waited for so many years and lately, after I became single again he tried to get closer to me in a way that wouldn't be so bold. He gave up his ship to rescue me by risking his life as well and got the County back for us. Even though he said he'd only share it if I were his in order to convince me to marry him, I knew he did it for me and maybe even for Edwards last wish. We both made it possible. However, his attitude made me not want to give up easily.

- You can stay here all you want, but you are just wasting your time- he held my chin and looked at me in the eye-. You and I both know you are just trying to delay the inevitable. I can make you happy, give you everything you need, take care of you, love you, take you on adventures, comfort you, listen to you, make you feel safe, learn new things together...

He stopped when he saw tears in my eyes and didn't know how to interpret it. I couldn't help but think everything he said sounded so beautiful, I really wanted that, I missed that... But maybe that was not what he understood.

- Either you don't believe me or you are still thinking of my brother. It seems he won't stop being an obstacle even after he died.

- Don't talk about him that way!- I inmediately reacted-. It's not like you are any better, waiting for him to be out of the way to get me!

- And I won't forgive you for talking to me like that!- he grabbed my face and it hurt a little-. May I remind you I let you go because you asked me to the day of the wedding?

- It's not my fault you didn't get there before it was too late! I waited for you long enough, you should have never left me alone!!

I fell back on the sofa and he almost fell on top of me, but he avoided it placing his hands at the sides of my head. My tears were rolling down my cheeks, wich had become as red as a rose after I realised what I had just said. I wanted to look away, but my eyes kept staring at him, curious about his reaction.

- I had promised to come back for you, didn't I? So, tell me, did I keep my word?

- Yes...

- Didn't I promise you I'd come back for you again after I left you to get married?

- Yes...

- Did I fail to do it?

- No...

- So... who is the one here who didn't keep their word? Who didn't do their part to wait?

- Mm...

- Who?

- Me...- I looked away, embarrassed.

- So how is it that you always end up blaming me, Jasy?

- You shouldn't have left me alone from the beginning...

- I ended up finding that out on my own, but it's still no excuse. I was heartbroken when you chose Edward over me.

- I couldn't help it... I was alone with him for a year, I tried to resist but lots happened...- I tried to excuse myself, but it didn't seem too believable-. And you were late, I thought you wouldn't come back...

- I am here now, don't you want to start over?

Before waiting for my answer, he gave me a short kiss.

- Don't think that you can convince me like that.

- I wasn't trying to convince you, I don't need to.

- I hate you- I blushed, looking away.

- I'll make you a deal.

He let me sit on the sofa and he sat properly too.

- I'll give you some time to think if you give me a chance.

- What do you mean exactly?

- Stop resisting me, stop arguing with me and you may have a room- he said.

- Won't you ask me to be honest?

- It would be in vain now, but when the time comes, I want nothing but the truth from that moment on. And besides, I can read you like an open book even if your words say the opposite.

- Don't you dare!- I objected.

- Try and stop me- he stuck his tongue out at me and I turned my head, pretending to feel offended.

He stood up and kissed my hand, after which he headed towards the door, but before he went out, he turned around to say one more thing:

- Oh and... About what you said that I shouldn't have left you alone... Don't worry, it won't happen again. I'm glad you told me you feel that way- he gave me a smirk.

- That was in the past! To avoid all this... Now it's too late.

- It's never too late, my dear, especially if you still think that. So, do we have a deal?

- I'll think about it- I crossed my arms.

- Please do.

- My lord, what about feeding her?- Peter asked him.

- Feed?- I protested.

- Basics until I say otherwise, Peter- Derek said ignoring me.

- As you wish, my lord.

The next few days he kept his word, I had to sleep on the sofa and Peter only gave me basic food like water and some bread with cheese, or mashed potatoes. He asked me to forgive him, since all he could do was follow orders. I told him not to worry, I would never blame him.

- Besides, it's still delicious.

When Derek was around and asked me to keep him company at the table, he would let me try some of his food, bringing the spoon or fork close to my lips and let me taste it. I ate whatever he gave me despite my embarrassment and blushed cheeks, it was delicious and deep down I liked it when he fed me, it made me feel a little spoilt.

Most of the time he was at his desk, replying letters, doing some paperwork and planning something I still knew nothing about. He also went out for meetings, to go to the market or some other thing that came up. In the mean time, I was bored so I helped clean and wash the dishes, I read some books and stared at the window. Once, I cooked dinner for him.

- This tastes different- he noticed while I was looking at him with my face in my hands.

- Is it good?- I smiled.

- I should fire the cook- he said as a joke.

- What? How can you say that? I don't think...

He suddenly kissed me and I tasted the flavour. It was good, he could not deny it.

- You made it, didn't you? It's delicious- he licked his lips while looking at mine, which made me realise he was playing with words-. It tastes like you.

- What?- I instantly turned red.

- Would you like to come to the market with me tomorrow?

- Yes, but why?

- I just thought you'd want to go out.

- Thank you... I guess...

- You saw how I thanked you for the meal. I want the same- he looked at me with lust.

- But I haven't agreed to our deal yet and I...

- I'm sure you'd have an answer by now. Tell me you accept.

I looked into his eyes.

- Alright, I'll thank you.

I kissed him as fast as I could and looked away, blushing.

- So that means...- he left the spoon and stood up to come and get me off the chair, pulling my waist towards him-. You won't regret it.

- Wait I didn't say anything yet!

- I'm glad you finally made up your mind.

- But I...

- You don't need to say it, I already know- he smiled and held me tighter in his arms while kissing me.

I kissed him back, hoping that he would not say anything about it later, it was embarrassing enough. He seemed overly enthusiastic about it, since the kiss just got more intense. That night I got my own room and the dawn of a new beginning, one that I had wished for a long time, even before knowing Edward.