Page 120 of Wicked Rivals
“I’m not perfect, I’m afraid. But since when is rain a bad thing?”
She giggled, earning a disapproving eye from the man in the robes standing before them.
Ashton didn’t hear a single word from the priest. No doubt someone would have to prod him when it came time to make his vows. All that mattered now was that he was here with the woman he loved more than his own life.
My cunning, darling, utterly wonderful rival.
He didn’t need to own a woman to feel connected to her. Rosalind belonged to him in a way that transcended ownership. They were bound by invisible strands of love, affection and trust. She had been the only woman who’d ever tested his strength and made him stronger for it. Better for it. He had craved this for so long and yet not dared to hope he could ever have it.
I belong toher. For the first time in his life, he was smiling because someone had bested him…in the most wonderful way possible.
*****
“Husband…” Rosalind tested the word as she watched Ashton tweak his cravat. He cut a dashing figure in his blue waistcoat and buckskin breeches. At the word, Ashton raised his eyes to hers, and the slow curve of his lips making her flush.
“Wife.”
Rosalind bit her lip. Had she truly been married today? It had been a blur of laughter, smiles and friendship that left her feeling wrapped in a cocoon of love. The League and their wives, as well as Ashton’s family, had taken her into their lives openly and warmly. Even her brothers had been on their best behavior for once, despite being among so many Englishmen. Brock had promised her they would stay a few weeks while repairs were made to the castle.
Everything was perfect. She’d never known life could be so full of joy.
“Come and let me look at you.” Ashton held out a hand, and she came to him. She had changed into one of her favorite gowns. A cream-colored gown with Belgian lace and red roses embroidered along the sleeves, the bodice and tracing up from the hem of the gown.
Ashton wrapped one arm around her waist. “An angel among the flowers.”
She laughed. “I thought I was your Highland hellion?” She leaned into him, breathing in his warm scent, and then she noticed something missing. She frowned. “Aren’t you supposed to be wearing your sling? The doctor said—”
“Hang the bloody doctor. I’ve been shot before. Slings are a nuisance. It’s been two weeks. I’ll be fine.” He lowered his head and kissed her forehead. “I’ve been thinking, as a wedding gift, what if we…exchanged something other than rings?”
Her eyes widened with curiosity. “Oh?”
“Yes. I have a company, an old shipping line that I bought when I was a young man first restoring my family’s fortune. I would like to give it to you as a sign of faith. I will tie it up in a trust that only you can control. It would be truly yours without any control from me.”
“You would really do that for me?”
He nodded.
Her lips curved in a smile. “Then let me give you something in return. The little bank Henry left me. It’s very dear to my heart, but I should like to give it to you. A true exchange.”
Ashton’s eyes softened and his touch on her tightened. “Lord, you make a man hungry for kisses when you talk of business.” He lifted her chin with his hand and covered her mouth with his in a tender caress that soon burned straight through her.
“Ashton?” She had to fight to keep from giggling.
“Yes, sweetheart?” He trailed kisses down to her lips, and she opened her mouth, letting him deepen the kiss. Lord, the man was pure temptation.
“We have to go downstairs. Dinner will be waiting, and I know you still need to meet with your friends.”
He exhaled, resting his forehead against hers, and she couldn’t deny that she wanted to skip dinner too.
“You’re right. Friends, dinner and then…” He nodded at his bed.Their bed. She felt a wave of heat in her, and her skin flushed.
With a wicked smile Ashton lifted her up and carried her to the bed.
“Put me down!” she gasped.
“Dinner can wait,” he growled, the sound more sensual than dangerous.
He dropped her on the bed and climbed atop her, his hands sliding up her skirts so he could lie between her thighs. When he was determined to get her into bed, he didn’t waste time.
