She finished the broth and placed the bowl on the bedside table. She sank back into the pillows, her eyes closed, feeling utterly content.
Garrett had pampered her these last three weeks as she healed in his home, indulging her in ways she’d never dreamed. She remembered very little of those first few days. Images and sounds came and went in a blur—yet he was always there. He’d rubbed lotion into her bruises every day. Washed her hair and worked for hours combing out the many tangles. He’d sat and read to her and talked to her, rarely leaving her side. The few times he did, he always called Maude to stay with her. He even slept in the chair next to her each night, though she’d begged him to rest in a bed. He’d refused, a gleam in his eyes.
“Every time you’re out of my sight, you get into trouble,” he’d said. “If I have my way, you’ll spend the next threescore years with me by your side.”
She smiled at the sweet memory. She wanted to remember everything about him—every look he gave her, every word he spoke. Garrett had gone into battle for her, slaying the dragon that menaced her, almost losing his life in the process. Thanks to him, she could now wash clean her past. She reveled in her freedom—and welcomed their future. Because they would live it together, as one, their love ever strong forevermore.
The door creaked and she opened her eyes. Garrett came in and quickly closed it behind him. He came to the bed and sat, brushing a stray lock of hair from her cheek.
“Ebony is ready.”
Madeleine knew how he longed to leave for Stanbury. Whatever had happened to Lynnette could only be answered there. Still, he’d nursed her until she was whole before trying to unravel the mystery of Lynnette’s disappearance. They could build no life together until they learned the truth.
“Are you sure you are strong enough for the journey?”
She saw his concern. She had a few qualms but knew he would refuse to leave her behind. She couldn’t deny him this.
“Yes, my lord, as soon as I dress, I will be ready to ride.”
“Yes, my lord?” His eyes sparkled at the address. He leaned over her, his hands cupping her face as he bent to kiss her.
Her pulse raced in anticipation.
He gently touched his lips to hers, slowly teasing back and forth. She reached up and caressed his cheek. He turned his head and pressed a fiery kiss to her open palm. She moaned softly.
His hands slipped from her face to her neck and his lips met hers again, kissing her with urgency and desire. His tongue slipped into her mouth, demanding and insistent. She responded to him, her arms going around his neck as her own tongue answered his call. Garrett deepened the kiss as her fingers entwined in his hair, urging him closer still. He trailed a line of kisses along her jaw and down her neck. The heat he gave off was immense.
His mouth reached her breast and he slowly dragged his tongue across it. She gasped in pleasure, her fingers pressing him closer. He lazily encircled her nipple and she couldn’t breathe. He slowly began sucking and waves of pleasure rippled through her. She arched her back and then cried out in pain.
He stopped immediately. “Madeleine?” he asked hoarsely.
She bit her lip to still its trembling. “My ribs. I stretched them a bit, that’s all.”
He nodded and rested his hand against them, his thumb stroking her gently. “I’m sorry, my love. I hadn’t meant . . .” His voice faltered with emotion.
“Garrett? You’ve been the perfect gentlemen for weeks, allowing my body time to heal.”
“God’s teeth, I’ve tried my best, Madeleine.”
She smiled. “Maude tells me my bruises have faded into shades of yellow and pale green.”
“They have. Even with them, you are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen.”
“I’m sure I look frightful and you are simply being kind.” She took his hand in hers. “Despite what I may look like, you haven’t kissed me—really kissed me—in a long while. I missed your kiss, my lord. Very much.”
She saw passion swirl in his eyes as he gave her a wolfish grin. “If I promise to be gentle, mayhap we can do a bit more? Then we can be on our way.”
*
Garrett could see Stanbury in the distance. His belly tightened at the thought of what lay ahead. He’d spent many hours at Madeleine’s bedside as