Page 106 of His Betrothed
“I think you misunderstand yourself,” she said, brushing his hair tenderly from his eyes. “You were afraid thatwe’d never be as blessed with love as they were. By being scandalous, you ensured that no one would want to marry you. You warned every woman away—including me—before any could be hurt.”
“Rose.” His aching whisper touched her.
“On Wight, after we made love, you left without a word tomakeme hate you. But…something has changed. You’re no longer afraid to love, to trust.”
“Only because you mademe see that life without you was meaningless. When I put you in danger, when you could have died—”
“Shh,” she whispered, leaning up to stop his words with her mouth.
He murmured, “I love you” against her lips, and they clung together, body to body, soul to soul, joined in their hearts.
“Lord Thornton!” Queen Elizabeth called from the ornate doorway where she stood tapping her foot. “This weddingis only part of the business the court must conduct this day. Bringyour betrothed to us! There will be time for kisses later.”
Laughing, Roselyn let Spencer take her arm and lead her through the privy chamber.
He leaned down to press his mouth to her ear. “We shall be married, my heart, but I must request that before you ravish me this evening, you allow me a bath.”
She chuckled and leanedher head against his shoulder.
With a rakish grin, Spencer said, “I’m quite certain I have a tub that we’llbothfit in.”
