Total pages in book: 114
Estimated words: 107756 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 539(@200wpm)___ 431(@250wpm)___ 359(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 107756 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 539(@200wpm)___ 431(@250wpm)___ 359(@300wpm)
I thought of all the rumors I had heard of him over the years, about how he was cruel, how he had mistreated his wife, how he was a liar and lacked honor, and how he was just like his father. It amazed me how misconstrued everything had been.
He must have been so very lonely.
I hugged him tighter, now sure that I would never bring up the woman to him again, and that to atone for all my curses, I would treat her child as kindly as I possibly could. “We shall live happily, Evander.”
Evander
I was perfectly content to hold her as she slept. I had not expected that conversation to arise so soon. But I was happy to be done with it…or, at least, be done with my anger and guilt toward Emma. By the grace of God, I was back to where I wished to be and with the woman I loved. I could allow that pain to fade.
We shall live happily, Evander. How I wished that to be so, and how I would fight to make it so. I still worried about Fitzwilliam being out there somewhere. The people I had hired still could not locate him, and with Datura back in Everely, I worried we would not have peace until both were held accountable for their actions. And by accountable, I meant stripped of everything and left bare in the darkest of prisons. Prison would not be the case with Datura, but at the very least, she might be shunned from all society forever.
The only worry I had at striking with such fury was Gabrien. My youngest brother was cut differently from them. How was I to destroy his mother and eldest brother without ruining him and creating another vengeful heart?
My mind was full of worries and fears, but Aphrodite nuzzled into my neck and muttered my name in her sleep. I wrapped my arms around her. I did not know what was to come, so right now, I was going to enjoy this moment to its fullest. I would enjoy her to the fullest.
Calm, I thought as I felt myself harden when her breast brushed against my chest.
There will be plenty of nights like this.
Aphrodite
Humming—it was gentle and soft and brought me from the land of dreams to reality. When I opened my eyes, he was beside me, a smile on his face, as his touch was upon my shoulder. I stared in amazement, unable to believe I had woken up to such a sight as him.
“Good morning, wife.”
The corner of my lips rose. “Good morning, husband.”
He grinned, leaning over and kissing my shoulder. “Forgive me for waking you.”
“I am happy to be awake.” My dreams were occurring in reality, so why would I need sleep? “Have you been up long?”
“No,” he said, shifting to lie so close to me I could feel his body pressed against my own. I had a bad habit of sleeping on my stomach, so I shifted onto my back to look up at him. However, in doing so, a painful ache spread through my body.
“As I feared.”
“As you feared?” I repeated when I finally managed to roll over under the sheet.
“I was rougher than I should have been,” he replied.
“I am fine.” Sore but very fine.
He smiled, bringing my hands to his lips so he could kiss my knuckles. “Did you enjoy it?”
My memory filled with all he had shown and done and how it had made me feel. “Yes, very much.”
“I as well,” he said as our hands toyed with each other, the smile on his face matching mine.
“We are truly married.” I giggled.
“That we are. Lady Aphrodite Eagleman, Duchess of Everely.”
It was just a name, yet it brought me glee. Holding the sheet, I sat up. “When are we to leave for this dukedom, Your Grace?”
“Never call me Your Grace,” he replied sitting up as well. “High society must call me so, strangers must call me so, but as my wife, you address me only as Evander…or my love.”
“Very well, Evander—” I had barely gotten the word out when his lips were upon mine. He filled me with such passion that I was forced back against the pillow, the sheet slipping from my grasp. I inhaled at his cold touch on my breast.
Then he stopped and lifted his head.
“What is the matter?”
“You are still tender, and we must both wash. Come, I will call for them to draw hot water for us,” he said as he rose from the bed. Due to his nakedness, now fully on display, I glanced away, only to see the sight of slightly dried blood on the sheet. Embarrassed, I tried to cover it, only for him to chuckle. When I looked at him, he was watching me.
“Are you laughing at me?”
“Yes, as you are precious, especially when you are embarrassed.”