A Rogue No More - Lana Williams Page 0,90

I would enjoy that as well. But if you change your mind, you need only tell me.”

“If you promise to do the same.”

He nodded, and she couldn’t resist trailing a finger along one of his dimples.

“I’m so lucky to have you,” he whispered. “I am truly blessed.”

“A rogue no more.”

“Exactly.” He kissed her again, and passion rose between them. “I love you, Annabelle. I can’t wait to begin our life together.”

“And I love you, Thomas. Our new life will be wonderful.”

Epilogue

Six Months Later

Annabelle sat at the small desk she kept in her bedchamber, writing as quickly as her fingers would allow. Night had fallen in full, and she’d already donned her nightgown for bed. A fire burned cheerfully in the hearth, warming the room. Two candles burned on either side of her desk to keep it well-lit.

Thomas would join her any minute, but she wanted to jot down the scene that had just unfolded so perfectly in her mind before it disappeared. She’d learned long ago that she wouldn’t remember it as clearly—if at all—if she waited until morning.

“You’re working again?” Her husband’s deep voice brought a smile to her lips even as she kept writing.

“Nearly done.” She didn’t look up, knowing he would wait for her to finish her thought. Perhaps not always patiently, but he would wait.

“There.” She sat back, put down her pen, and capped the inkwell before turning to look at him. “I had a brilliant idea that I wanted to note before I forgot.”

“Brilliant, eh? Care to tell your editor about it?” He drew her up from the chair to stand in the circle of his arms.

“Not yet. Soon though.” She ran her hands up his dressing gown to wrap her arms around his neck then lifted onto bare toes to kiss him, her heart full. “You’re going to love it.”

“Of that, I have no doubt. I adore everything you write. Just as I adore everything about you, dear wife.”

“Does that mean you’ll be offering me a contract for the third mystery?”

“Absolutely. You’re going to find the terms quite generous.”

“How exciting. That must mean your meeting with Graham and Hugh went well.”

“It did. They’re quite excited about the results from the new lending library but even more about the sales of your books.”

“That’s because my publisher is clever at advertising. His efforts sent sales soaring.” She smiled, still so impressed with his skills. He’d published several new authors with great success as well.

“The third printing of your first book might not have been large enough.”

Her breath caught. “Truly?” The idea of so many of her books being read never failed to amaze her—a dream come true.

“Want to hear the numbers?” He nuzzled her neck, sending delicious shivers along her spine.

“Hmm. Not now. I have something else on my mind.” She tipped her head back, loving the desire coursing through her as his warm hands caressed her through the thin linen of her nightrail. His whiskered cheeks were a delight against her skin.

“Oh? What might that be?” He kissed her as he molded her breasts, his touch making her feel extraordinary.

Liquid heat pooled deep within her and passion weighted her limbs. “You. Us. Love,” she managed as her fingers tangled in his thick hair.

He lifted her into his arms and carried her to the bed where the covers had already been pulled back. He laid her on the smooth linens then stood beside the bed and looked at her. “You are beautiful. I’m so lucky to call you my wife.”

“You have a way with words.” She sat up to lift the nightrail over her head and tossed it aside then reached for the belt of his dressing gown. “Tell me more.”

“I love you more each day.” His eyes glittered as his gaze swept over her body.

“Thomas. I love you so much.” She trembled with love and desire, her fingers fumbling with their task. Never could she have dreamed how well their marriage suited her nor how much joy it would give her.

He came to her aid and quickly shrugged out of the garment. His tall, muscular form never failed to catch her breath. Broad shoulders, narrow hips, flat stomach. She was eager to explore all of him again.

Then he joined her on the bed, the heat of his body welcome against her skin. “You’re so soft,” he continued. “Perfect in every way.”

He trailed kisses along her neck then lower to the tip of first one breast then the other, laving each one. She arched up as