Her Reluctant Viscount (Rakes and Rogues) (48 page)

“Ask me again.”

He closed his eyes against his hearts leap of joy. “Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”

She did not answer and he readjusted so he could look at her. Her large eyes sparkled with unshed tears. One hand reached up and cupped his scarred jaw. He did not pull away, he loved it did not bother her for him to have scars.

“Yes.”

He dipped his head and kissed her again. He slid his tongue in deep and stroked all he could reach. She moaned and pressed closer. Roof, sides, and her own tongue, he rubbed his along. Passion filling him until he could hardly think straight.

She broke away and touched her swollen lips. “We cannot.”

“Why not?”

“I am here visiting Najja and their new baby. I came out to get some fresh air.”

“We shall not keep them waiting then.” He swept her up and placed her on Ptolemy, mounting seconds after.

She leaned back against him and he buried his nose in her hair, loving how it smelled. How she smelled. How she said she would marry him.

“Think we can marry today?” he teased as he got his horse moving.

Her laughter made him smile and in that second he knew there was nothing he would not do for her. Jo was the one created for him and he was lucky enough that she gave him a final chance once he realized exactly how much she meant to him.

An hour later, they all gathered in a sitting room. Jo held Helene Faulkner in her arms. Although Pug shot him glares from across the room, everyone else remained in a jovial mood after his and Jo’s announcement.

He stood behind his future wife and allowed his fingers to trail over her shoulder. She turned her head and gave him a soft smile and he suddenly found himself anxious for the day that was their child she held. Lifting his head he met Colin’s understanding gaze.

Then he returned it to the woman who was his bride-to-be. He loved her and would do anything to keep her happy. A feeling which did not scare him anymore.

Trystan had finally found what he needed in his life. Jo. He had learned so much and was no longer her reluctant viscount.

About the Author

Aliyah Burke is an avid reader and is never far from pen and paper (or the computer). She loves to hear from her readers and can be reached at http://aliyah-burke.com/blog/contact/ or feel free to apply to join her yahoo group at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/aliyah_burke.

She is married to a career military man, they have a German Shepherd, two Borzois, and a DSH cat. Her days are spent sharing her time between work, writing, and dog training.