Page 66 of Taken by His Sword

It took him a second, but then it hit him. “It’s brilliant,” he said.

She grinned. “Do you think he would be open to it?”

“Who would be better for the job? Even now, down there,” he indicated towards the twinkling town, “rumors spread of the brave woman who fought alongside the Duke’s sons to protect our home. It would be a shame to waste such talents.”

“I’d be really good at it,” she said, a thrill in her voice.

“I know you would,” he said. “And then I won’t have to worry about you running off?”

She turned so they were face to face. “I’ve earned you, Philippe,” she said. “I’m not going anywhere.”

Philippe gripped her, feeling desire rise up through his body. He would struggle in these next weeks trying to find time for them to be together, but he knew he would find a way. Nothing could keep him from her now. “I couldn’t ask for anything better.” He reached into the basket and took a peach. He brushed it against his chest and held it out for her.

“Then I think Chevalerie will be a grand place to call my home,” she said as she bit into the peach.

He leaned up to lick the juice from her lips, knowing it would be. But it didn’t matter whether it was Chevalerie or any other place. Because from that moment on,shewould be his home.