Page 168 of The Duke and the Disciple

“We’ve certainly learned the man knows how to throw a party.”

“Who would’ve guessed?” She snuggled against him with a contended sigh. “If you’re serious about this level of commitment, you’re also accepting that you’ve truly set the bar high with this nameday. An observatory, a delicious meal, a dramatic chase, and a proposal of marriage? Impossible to top.”

He wrapped his arm around her and gave her a gentle, careful squeeze, mindful they still hadn’t properly tended her injuries. “I’ve signed up for worse challenges.”

“Well, I accept, on one very sensitive condition.”

“Which is?”

“Forget the nameday challenge. I know what I want every year.”

Rahn kissed her scalp. “I can guess.”

“Save your creativity for the variety you’ll need to keep me on my toes. You wonthis year,but now that I know your game, don’t expect to win ever again.”

“So youareissuing a challenge.”

“What do you mean, Scholar? Iamthe challenge.”

Rahn grinned. “Accepted.”

She snuggled back into his lap. “Thank you for tonight, Rahn. All of it.”

“Thankyou, Aesylt.” He curled down over her. “Volemthe auvjek, my industrious, resourceful little squirrel.”

He felt her chuckle on his leg. “Volemthe auvjek, my sexy, wulfy scholar.”

Rahn glanced into the rainy night, his eyes bleary, his heart full. He brushed her hair back and let it slip through his fingers, drinking in the skip in his pulse and the peace in his soul. “Happy Nameday, Squish.”

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