Chapter Twenty-Three
Kate woke slowly, reveling in the warmth of Talon’s body. So much had changed since the last morning he’d held her in his arms. This time she was free to savor it, free of guilt and anger and regret. She felt as though she’d been reborn.
Memories of last night, of the wanton way she’d loved him, made her smile. God, she loved this man.
“You look happy.” Talon’s voice was soft and husky in her ear.
She stretched and opened her eyes. He filled her vision, his beautiful blue eyes stormy with unguarded emotion. He still hadn’t said the words, but there was no longer any doubt in her mind that he loved her.
“I’m very happy.” They were stuck in the middle of nowhere and running low on food and fresh water, but she didn’t care. The hardships of their trek down the beach were nothing compared to the emptiness she’d felt until she’d met him.
He laughed, one side of his lips turning up in a rueful grin. “You’re a strange and remarkable woman, Kate. I’m humbled.”
She smiled back at him. “Of course, I’d be even happier in a cozy hotel room somewhere with a gourmet meal and a hot, scented bath.”
His smile faded, and he traced the planes of her face with his fingertip. “I didn’t sleep at all last night. Instead, I stared up at the stars and wondered how on earth I was going to manage to keep my men from the hangman’s noose and keep you in my arms at the same time.”
Her heart quickened with gladness. He did love her. This was practically a declaration. “We’ll figure it out. Sutcliffe’s whole plan revolves around me playing my part, and I don’t ever intend to be meek again.”
He tweaked her nose. “You’re about as threatening as a hissing cat, sweetheart.”
She glared at him, truly offended. “I’ve stood up to him before, and I’ll do it again if need be.”
“I know you will.” He gave her a gentle kiss. “Don’t worry. I came up with a plan, and I think you’ll like it. At least, I hope you will.”
She sat up and stared down at him, pulling the edge of the blanket to her breasts a little self-consciously. “Tell me.”
He folded his arms behind his head and stared up at the sky. “Daniel’s gone. You’re free to marry me if you want to.”
She stared at him, biting her bottom lip as she tried to gauge his intent. “Is that a proposal?”
The wistful yearning in his blue eyes broke her heart. “Of course, it is, though a piss poor one, I’ll admit.”
He sat up and took both of her hands in his. “I don’t have much to offer you. But I do have some money in a bank in Charleston if the damned English haven’t confiscated it. I think it’s enough for a fresh start.”
She started to answer, to tell him yes with all her heart, but he put his finger on her lips, hushing her. “Hear me out before you commit yourself.”
She nodded mutely.
“Sutcliffe believes us dead, and I’d like him to keep on thinking that, at least for awhile.”
Her eyes widened as she realized where he was going with this.
He took a deep breath. “Once we get to Charleston, we’ll lie low until there’s an available berth on a ship to Nassau. Then I’ll gather up my men and let them know what has happened. I’ll get them off Sutcliffe’s ship and split them up. As long as they’re aware of the danger, they should have a fighting chance.”
“And then what?” She asked the question softly, knowing all her future happiness rested on his answer.
“Then we’ll marry, if you’ll still have me. We’ll spend the rest of our lives here in Carolina, growing roses, tobacco and children.”
Her eyes flooded with happy tears and she flung herself against him. “Of course, I’ll have you, Talon. Of course, I will.”
His arms tightened around her. “I’m so glad,” he whispered, his lips crushed against her hair. “I don’t deserve you. But I promise I’ll do everything in my power to make sure you don’t regret this.”
“How could I regret loving you? You’re far harder on yourself than you need to be.”
He laughed a low, lost sound and pulled her up into his lap, letting her feel the extent of his need. He kissed her, a sweet, hot coupling of their mouths. She stirred against him, wanting to feel the length and breadth of him inside her.
As they continued to kiss, she let her hand trail down his chest and flat, muscled stomach. Suddenly he groaned and set her aside.
