Page 98 of Avenging the Earl's Lady
“The Duque cut you.”
“And I shot him.”
“We could have the Duquesa spread the tale through her father’s people.”He stroked her cheek again.That would not be enough for him.
“You’re frowning, Shaldon.You must not seek to avenge the Duque’s assault on me.You must be satisfied with his toe.”
“Must I be?”
She sighed.“You must put the past aside, live in the present, look to the future.You’re alive.You’ve won.And you still have the painting he coveted.Did your men bring along Guignard’s copy?”
“The one you brought with you today disappeared from the field of battle.Captain Kingsley saw the Duque’s man stuff it inside his coat.”
A frown creased her brow.“I meant him to pay me for it.It was a very fair copy.Will he be crowing that he has won back the original, do you think?”
“And sailing off on another chase for sunken treasure?Probably.Perhaps Captain Kingsley would like to raise his privateer flag and follow him.I’d stand him the cost of a ship for that endeavor.”
She eased in a breath and her gaze finally softened.More hair had slipped out of her braid, and the thin lawn of her nightgown clung to her breasts.
“Devil take the Duque and the painting,” he said.“The original is here in the vault and it is yours.Sell it, give it away, do what you wish with it.”
He owed her that, he owed her that for all he’d taken from her.Let it be a revenge against him, whether she wanted vengeance or not.
He pressed his lips to her neck and breathed in her clean smell.“If I put the past behind me, will you come with me into the future?I want that very much.I wantyouvery much.”
His kiss senta shiver through her, his late-day beard scratching her jaw and the gape of his banyan revealing dark chest hair laced with gray.She settled a hand there, over his pounding heart.
He was alive, and virile, and no small prize, this man.He knew the worst of her failings, and he claimed he wanted her still.
And God help her, she wanted him also.
Could they both truly leave the past behind them?
She felt her belt loosening, and his hands, large and hot, slipped around her waist, under the robe.
“Shaldon, I…I don’t want the Duque or his minions bothering us or any of our children ever again.”
“Ourchildren.”He kissed her cheek.“I like the sound of that.”
His grin sent warmth buzzing through her, but she held him off, thinking.
The Duque wanted the painting because he wanted the treasure.
“Did Captain Kingsley discover the painting’s treasure?”
“Kingsley and I have both been too busy to talk.”
When she turned her head, his stubble rasped against her lips.“Shaldon, your condition…”
He drew her to her feet and pulled her against him, smiling down at her.
He was aroused, in spite of his injuries and a night without sleep, and very proud of it.
She laughed and shook her head.“Good heavens.”
A warm hand came around the outside of her robe and began working her plait loose.“Yes, good heavens.Now, what is your answer?I’ve offered you solid employment and a home.”
“Employment?”
