Contentment filled Jewel. The warmth of Adam’s body made her relax, and she had calmed down. She felt someone nibbling on her ear, and she moaned from the pleasure she experienced. “At least, my love, I can still have you in my dreams,” Jewel murmured as she turned to welcome Adam’s kisses. This dream felt so real. “I’m sorry I never told you the truth, but I thought you’d send me away. Oh, please don’t leave me, Adam,” Jewel whispered against his lips.
Her dream lover captured her mouth with hungry violence as his arms enfolded her. She never wanted to wake up from this delicious dream.
“I love you, Jewel Bona,” Adam whispered tenderly.
Jewel’s eyes flew open. It was real! She was here in bed with Adam! “I—I don’t understand. Where? How?” Jewel couldn’t seem to get a complete sentence out. The last thing she remembered she’d been on the beach. She’d been shot and Jean was there . . . not Adam . . . but how?
Adam smiled. “Even with one-word sentences, you still manage to ask all your questions at once.” He brushed her lips softly with his. “Don’t ever change. I love you just the way you are.”
“But the note. Didn’t you find it?” Jewel’s confusion grew. Adam should be disgusted with her now that he had found out she was related to pirates, but he was smiling. She looked wildly around at her surroundings. This was not Adam’s house ... it was Jean’s. But how did Adam get here? Something strange had happened. She’d told Pierre about her marriage, but she hadn’t mentioned Adam’s name.
“Yes, I did get the note.” Adam propped up on his good elbow so he could see her better. “I must say you have little faith in me, sweetheart.”
“I do, Adam. I really do. But you’re a duke. And I’m nothing.”
“You are my wife.”
“Then you don’t mind?” Jewel’s eyes widened as she waited for his reply.
“Jean and Pierre are friends of mine, and when it boils down to it, we’re all pirates at heart. I was born into my title, which is something I cannot help, the same as you can’t help where you were raised.”
“I’m sorry I didn’t trust you.” Jewel’s heart hammered with love. With her good arm, she pulled Adam to her for a long-awaited kiss. This time she held nothing back, for she knew Adam loved her for who she was. There would be no more lies between them. She heard his quick intake of breath when she bumped his side.
“What’s wrong?” Her gaze scanned his body. “You’ve a bandage?”
“This is my war wound, sweetheart. I got it saving my fool friend Jonathan.”
“Is Jonathan all right?” She watched Adam nod. “Your wound isn’t serious?” He shook his head.
“You mean we both have wounds?”
“That appears to be the case. Didn’t you know women are supposed to be soft and gentle and never play with guns and swords?” Adam teased.
“I guess I never learned that in finishing school.” Jewel giggled. “And you’re sure Jonathan is going to be all right?”
Adam’s brow raised slightly. “I sent Elizabeth to tend to him. And if she doesn’t kill Jonathan with her nursing, I’m sure he’ll be just fine. But I don’t want to talk about Jonathan. . . .” She saw a fire burning deep in Adam’s eyes.
Adam stared at her beautiful face. The thought of almost losing her ripped agonizingly through his chest. Life had been dull before she’d stormed in. He’d been but a mere shadow of a man without her. This slip of a woman had taught him patience and she had eased his cynical outlook on life. And he knew he’d move Heaven and Hell to keep her close.
“I love you, Adam.”
The silkily spoken words stirred him with a flaming desire that only Jewel could quench.
“I love you, too, sweetheart. You want to compare wounds?” Adam teased as he gazed down tenderly at the beauty beneath him.
“I’d rather make love . . . that is, if you’re able,” Jewel purred.
With a wolfish grin, Adam pulled her into his arms before answering. “Sweetheart, I’m always able where you’re concerned!”
Books by Brenda Jernigan
The Ladies Series
THE DUKE’S LADY
THE EARL’S LADY
THE WICKED LADY
CHRISTMAS IN CAMELOT
The Misfit Series
DANCE ON THE WIND
UNTIL SEPTEMBER
WHISPERS ON THE WIND
SEPPTEMBER STORM
THE CHOICE
BLACK MAGIC
e-mail - [email protected]
webpage -www.brendajbooks.com
The Duke's Lady (Historical Romance - The Ladies Series) Page 33