Did that mean she loved him? She had to love him. If only she’d say the words.
She climbed into her bed and left him plenty of room. She patted the spot next to her. “Are you going to join me?”
“Nothing could keep me away.”
He slid into bed next to her and pulled the covers over them. She settled against him, laying her cheek on his chest.
“I must be out before the sun comes up,” he said.
“I know. But you aren’t climbing down that lattice again. I won’t risk you injuring yourself.”
He knew better than to argue with her. He would lose every time, and if their efforts that night were an indication of the consolation prize he’d receive for his loss, he would live a contented life.
“Are you sore, love?” he asked.
“A bit, but I’ll be all right. At least I won’t be sore for our wedding night now.”
“That’s my smart and beautiful vixen.” He kissed her forehead. “I hate bringing you any pain. Take a hot bath in the morning. It should help.”
“If only you could join me.”
“Indeed, love.” He turned his head so he could see her face. “How did you know to do all of those wonderful things tonight? Don’t tell me your mother told you that, too?”
She laughed and playfully patted his chest. “Of course not. Diana found a book that showed many positions and ways that a man and woman could be together. I remembered a few especially interesting things.”
“What else did you learn from this book?” he asked.
“Good things come to those who wait,” she repeated.
She kissed his chest and said nothing else. Once they married, they may not leave their bedchamber for several days if he could help it.Perhaps weeks.
Her breathing slowed and followed a steady rhythm. The sight of her asleep on his chest and her hair splayed out behind her filled him with emotion. She was exquisite. As he listened to her, he cherished the sensation of having his arms wrapped around the woman who would be his forever. He closed his eyes, and within seconds, he drifted off to sleep.
Chapter Nineteen
Marina
Awave ofcoldness that swept over her startled Marina awake, causing her to shiver. She had the best night of sleep in her life, sleeping in Evan’s arms. She reached her arm out and realized he was no longer in the bed. When she glanced out the window, she noted it was about an hour before the sun would rise. Looking around the room, she saw him dressing himself and fixed her gaze on her betrothed. She stretched and watched him for a few moments, enjoying the way his muscles flexed with each of his movements.
Evan was buttoning his shirt and caught her watching him. “Go back to sleep, love.” A smile played on his lips.
She arched her brow. “You weren’t going to climb out that window, were you?”
He placed his hand to his chest and feigned shock. “And defy your orders? I wouldn’t dream of it.”
She tossed back the covers and climbed out of the bed. “Then I shall show you the best way to leave unseen.”
He looked like he might protest but continued with his buttons. She collected her night rail from the floor and slipped it over her head.
“It is a tragedy to cover your body, but I couldn’t handle anyone but me seeing you this way.” Evan crossed the distance between them and pulled her into a deep kiss, one that marked her soul. She loved him so much. More thanwords could convey.
They broke the kiss and continued dressing. He would need to leave the house before the servants were busy with their work, making it harder to ensure he left unnoticed. Not that it mattered all that much since they would soon be married, but better not to invite more scandal into their lives. They would be the subject of gossip sheets soon enough.
She tied her dressing robe around herself while Evan was busy donning his boots. She could picture this playing out for them every day. Dressing and bantering with each other before they set off to face the day together.
By the time she put on her slippers, Evan was ready to depart.
“When will I see you again?” she asked.
