Borgia Fever (6 page)

‘Wonderful, isn't she? So refreshing! No wonder you like her.'

Marco smiled, then turned his head to Bella. ‘Leave us, sweetheart. We need to talk.' He lifted her hand to his lips, regaining his strength by the minute. ‘I will send for you later.'

She nodded, dipped her head to Cesare and left them. She was drained and tired, but joy bubbled up in her, too. He wanted her; he wasn't going to send her away. Reaching her room, she stripped off the now bedraggled red dress, washed and put on her usual everyday gown, then busied herself tidying her things back into her chest. She finally lay back on her bed, at last able to replay memories of her and Marco in her mind, this time with no pain of parting. She tried to push away the doubts that said life in Rome, as the mistress of a notorious spymaster, was not quite what she wanted for herself. The future had in some respects been taken out of her hands, but she chose Marco willingly, whatever it entailed. As she had sat by his side, tending to him, and in those awful moments when she had not known whether he would live or die, she had known that she would give anything to be with him, that she would never again love like this. Bella dozed off, only to dream of his arms around her.

She woke with a start at the sound of footsteps by her bed, and sat up in alarm, eyes wide.

‘You should be resting!' she exclaimed. Marco chuckled and sat down next to her.

‘I'm weary of resting, and I have news for you.' He was pale and drawn still, but nevertheless recovering admirably. It clearly took more than a drop of poison to fell
le birbante
. The smile on his face told her it could only be good news, and her heart leapt in her chest as he took her hand.

‘In saving my life you have probably saved your own. Lucrezia is thrilled you have found a cure, and will require you to explain to her exactly how to administer it, now that we know for certain it works. I believe Cesare will be able to convince her it is better you do not stay at court, lest you attract too much attention to yourself.'

‘But then how can I stay here with you?' she cried. Was he going to dash her hopes again by sending her home? Expect her to wait, perhaps, for the occasional visit? She knew she would refuse that; she wanted—no, needed—more from him. But he was shaking his head, his grin wider.

‘Tell me!' she said impatiently.

‘It is agreed that a watchful eye must be kept on you, and unfortunately—' his lips twitched ‘—that burden has fallen to me. Cesare has agreed we go to Naples. His brother is about to marry their princess, and my eyes and ears there will be to their advantage. It will be an easier life than Rome, and it is time I saw my homeland again. You can ply your trade there—as my wife, if you will have me.'

‘Wife!' Bella stared, incredulous. Marco nodded as if there had never been any question of anything less. ‘I can hardly take you with me as a mistress, and you are more to me than that already, my love.' He went to raise her hand to his lips, but she threw herself into his arms and kissed him hard, her lips locking with his.

‘Is that a yes?'

For answer, she kissed him again. Life with her Rogue would perhaps never be quiet, or indeed easy, but it would never be dull, and they would have each other. It was enough. More than enough; it was perfect.

* * * * *

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Michelle Kelly is a former English teacher living in the
beautiful Amber Valley countryside in the heart of England with her own
real-life hero, two rug rats and a rodent. She is a hopeless romantic with a
passionate interest in history, and so writing historical romances is a dream
come true! Her first historical novel was written at the age of twelve, tied
together with string and still kept in her grandmother's dresser. She is also a
published author of contemporary romance, poetry and memoir, and this is her
second story for the Harlequin Historical Undone line.

IMPRINT: Historical Undone, Digital Exclusives

ISBN: 9781488715709

TITLE: BORGIA FEVER

First Australian Publication 2014

Copyright © 2014 Michelle Kelly

All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilisation of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including xerography, photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, is forbidden without the permission of the publisher, Harlequin Mills & Boon®, Locked Bag 7002, Chatswood D.C. N.S.W., Australia 2067.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

This edition published by arrangement with Harlequin Books S.A.

® and ™ are trademarks owned by Harlequin Enterprises Limited or its corporate affiliates and used by others under licence. Trademarks marked with an ® are registered in Australia and in other countries. Contact [email protected] for details.

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