Betrothed
Page 32
“No?” Isabeau’s heart beat faster. Her breaths came fast and shallow.
“When a knight goes on a quest, if he has never seen his quarry, he might not recognize it the first time he comes upon it. So it was with me.” He traced his fingers down her body then blanketed her belly with his splayed palm. “While I would like many children with you, I need you more than I need an heir.”
“Do you?” she asked breathlessly. “Why?”
“I love you,” he said before settling his weight along her body. He used his elbows to prevent crushing her.
“Truly?” Her eyes burned with tears. Her chin trembled.
“Aye.” Donovan moved a thigh to part hers and settled deeper onto her. “I love your smile, your laughter, and your body. I am seduced by your innocence and your grand capacity for love. I vow to protect you much better than I have to date.”
“By the Saints,” she said with a voice thick with joy. “You take excellent care of me. I told you.”
“Do you not have something else to tell me?” A mischievous quirk curved his lips as he wiggled his hips.
“I—I…” All thoughts flew from her head.
“I love you,” Donovan prompted with a wide smile.
“I love you,” she repeated with an answering grin as she clutched at his shoulders. “But I demand a boon.”
He moved. His arousal teased her nether lips and her air rushed from her lungs.
“Do you think you are in any position to demand a boon?”
She tilted her hips to tempt him with her damp warmth. “I am in an excellent position,” Isabeau taunted with a coy smile. “I am in a position to offer you ecstasy in the marriage bed.”
“That you are,” he agreed. “What is your boon?”
“I would that you practice your warrior arts with more intent. Your knightly skills are lacking.”
He pushed his shoulders back to give him a better view of her face.
“You think my skills are lacking?”
“Aye,” she nodded seriously. “Especially when using your shield, I would have you lifting your left arm higher. Or should I speak with Carstairs? Mayhap he is the one to wield the shield as he fights at your side?”
“What is this?”
“I know you must take up arms for the king, and defend Bennington from bandits but I would have you remember you are a married man. I wish to remain your wife, not to become your widow.” She framed his face with her hands and looked into his dark eyes. “Do you comprehend? I will not have you hurt again because you have no care for your safety. Whenever you think to go to battle, I demand you return home to me.”
“I grant your boon.”
She felt the rumble of his low voice in the pit of her belly. The friction of his bare skin along hers sent frissons of lightning through her blood. “I love you, beloved husband.”
“And I you, my beloved and most treasured wife.”
And as Isabeau welcomed her husband into her body, they both knew Donovan d’Allyonshire, Earl of Bennington would always find a welcome home.
-- The End --
A bout the Author
Lori Snow grew up in the mountains of southern Vermont in a 100 year old boarding house where she learned to appreciate history and the comforts and harshness of country living. When she immigrated to Ohio, she brought Vermont with her in stories and memories she shared with others like her nephew, Bailey, and her friends Gayle and Julia.
After reading books by the thousands, it was natural for Lori to begin to write. With the words on these pages, readers will love Lori and the world she has created -- and miss her as much as her sister Liana, and her friends.