Betrothed (35 page)

“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.
   

                                               
--  
T
he
E
nd
 
--

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.