Page 133 of Aurelia

“Of course you do, it harkens back to your primitive Viking heritage.”

He laughed.

“As it happens, I agree with you that seven days is as long as we can wait or two of my guests will be gone.”

Roland took her hand in his and lifted it to his mouth, kissing the tips of her fingers. “Oh no. Is Talbot going somewhere? Perhaps we should wait two weeks, after all?

Again, his words earned him a chiding look. “You are very ungrateful to the man who saved your life, Roland.”

Roland grunted at that.

“And grunting is not the same as having a real conversation.”

He laughed again, something he did a great deal with his betrothed. “Very well. I will thank Talbot again when I see him—in seven days. Where is he off to at this time of year?”

“Evidently he has family in Edinburgh and will spend the holiday with them.”

Likely to lick his wounds after losing Aurelia, Roland reckoned. He could not fault the man for his excellent taste in women but did not care to have him hanging about like a dog in the manger.

“And Larissa will be leaving shortly after Sir Gideon,” Aurelia said.

Unlike Talbot, Roland was glad that Aurelia’s friendship with Larissa Clifford had flourished.

“So, you are ready to marry in a week?” he asked, and then tugged on her hand, pulling her closer to his chair, where he’d sat with his foot up on an ottoman for far too many days.

“Yes, my lord.”

He smiled. “Why do you sound so naughty when you say that?”

“You think I am naughty no matter what I say or do.”

“True. Kiss me,” he commanded.

She looked around the library, as if somebody might be hiding among the books, and then offered up her mouth for plundering.

“Ahh,” Roland murmured happily a few minutes later. His Aurelia had become a skilled kisser over the past weeks. Largely because it was the only activity she would allow. No fondling, no… frottage. And she refused to allow him to pleasure her with his mouth, even though it could hardly harm his bloody foot in any way.

Perhaps he should just demonstrate how well his foot was functioning by using it to sneak up to her chambers tonight. The same thought occurred to him every single evening, but he was trying to be a better, more thoughtful, and less selfish lover.

And it was hell.

“I will send a message to Sir Gideon and Larissa today,” Aurelia said. “And you must write to your friends immediately.”

“Mmmm,” he said, his mind still on a nocturnal visit. Was it really so selfish?

“Guustin can let Nora know when he sees her tomorrow,” she said.

“Yes,” he agreed.

She sighed.

Roland frowned. “Why the heavy sigh?”

“It is nothing.”

“No, there is something wrong. I can see it in your eyes. What is it?”

“Really, there is nothin—”