She angled her head, studying him. Were his eyes clouding with moisture, or did she imagine the sight?
He cleared his throat. “If you will wait,” he started again, “I will saddle a horse for you to ride to town. I can retrieve it from the White Rose tomorrow, or later tonight.”
“The White Rose. Is that the local inn?” She asked.
“It is.”
She nodded, then turned to pull open the door. “You have already done far too much for me. I do not wish to trouble you further.”
“It’s no trouble at all.” He followed her out. “And if you insist on leaving, it’s the least I can do.” He reached out, taking hold of her hand.
A jolt of longing and warmth shot through her hand and spread through her body at the contact. She pivoted back to him, hope welling in her chest. “I do not mind walking.”
“Or you could stay,” he said, giving her hand a light squeeze. “Stay here with me, Elspeth.”
She fought against the smile forming on her lips. “Stay in what capacity?”
“Whatever capacity you please for now. You can be my honored guest, my friend and companion. Whatever you please.” He held her gaze as he added, “You could be my countess. If not now, then in the future. All I know is that I do not wish to let you go, Elspeth.”
Her valise dropped to the floor as pure joy spread through her. “Nor do I wish to go.”
“Truly?” He asked, still holding firm to her hand.
Elspeth grinned. “Truly.” Then she pressed close against him, winding her arms around his neck. She gazed up at him, her belly fluttering and heart pounding. “What will the ton say?”
“The ton can kiss our asses.” Damian wrapped his arms around her and brought his mouth to hers.
Magic, Elspeth thought, pure magic as his lips brushed over hers. And perhaps a bit of madness, too. She did not care either way, for this felt right. He felt right.
She parted her lips, inviting him to deepen the kiss, then thrilled when their tongues met. Her knees weakened, and she clung to him, giving over to the passion between them.
For the first time in her life, she thrilled at the touch of a man. Passion, primal and honest, ignited her, and she knew she’d found her home. She reached up and placed one hand over the scarred side of his face as she pulled back to stare into his eyes. “Damian.”
He met her gaze, heat and bliss reflecting in his eyes. “Are we to marry, then?”
Elspeth nodded as she said, “Yes.” She might never understand how she’d fallen so quickly, but she knew that she had. This was love, and together the two of them would make a future.
Damian lifted her off her feet and spun her in a circle before setting her back down. “We will hire servants, as many as you want. And I will see this place set back to rights. You can redecorate in any way you please. Spare nothing, my love.”
She still did not know what the future held, but she knew all would be well for she loved, and was loved.
Elspeth pressed a kiss to his jawline. “I love you too.”
USA Today Bestselling author Amanda Mariel dreams of days gone by when life moved at a slower pace. She enjoys taking pen to paper and exploring historical time periods through her imagination and the written word. When she is not writing she can be found reading, crocheting, traveling, practicing her photography skills, or spending time with her family.
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~Heartwarming historical romances that leave you breathless~
The Bride of Dundaire
USA Today Bestselling Author Angelique Armae
Prologue
1817
Lycansay Hall,
Dundaire, Scotland
For the average twelve-year-old, monsters were the stuff of nightmares. They hid under beds, roamed the