Trust was a fragile thing; she had learned that painful lesson with her first betrothed. It was sometimes frightening to trust another person with not only your life but your heart.
But this time, with this man…with Quinn…she was more than willing to make the leap of faith.
“You already have my trust, Quinn,” she declared as she raised her lips to his. “But I wouldn’t mind a great deal more convincing.”
With a soft, loving laugh, he took her mouth and proceeded to fulfill her wishes.
Quinn lay there holding a sleeping Venetia in the late morning light, acutely conscious of the moment. He’d made love to many other lovers, but he’d never before felt such a naked awareness of intimacy.
This time was somehow different. This was his wife. The woman he had chosen to be his life’s mate.
His hands drifted lazily over her body as he marveled at the profound change in his perspective. Last night he’d been shaken by their joining and the shattering burst of pleasure it had brought him. Yet his feelings went far beyond affection or passion.
This was love.
He had found his match, as if they were incomplete halves now made whole.
Just then Venetia stirred in his arms. Looking down, Quinn found her gazing at him uncertainly.
“I haven’t changed my mind,” he said at once. “I still love and adore you.”
The relief on her beautiful features was unmistakable.
She smiled shyly and raised her lips to his, and they kissed slowly and deeply, cementing the vows they had made to each other.
When finally he broke off, Venetia glanced around her bedchamber. “What time is it?”
“Nearly noon, I suspect.”
She stifled a yawn. “I suppose we should rise and dress. Your family is likely waiting downstairs for us to appear.”
“My family will forgive us. After your ordeal, you need to rest.”
“I am not an invalid, Quinn.”
“No, but I require you to remain here with me. I am in great need of succoring—a condition that may last all day and into the night.”
Her mouth curved in amusement. “It would be scandalous, staying abed all day.”
“Perhaps, but that is what makes you my perfect match. You are willing to be scandalous with me. Isn’t that so?”
She laughed softly. “Aren’t you hungry?”
“Yes, but not for food—” He caught himself as he remembered the trauma she had endured. “You need sustenance, though, to regain your strength. I will ring for breakfast.”
When he started to extricate himself from their embrace, she stayed him with a hand on his bare chest. “Could we wait a moment? This is too enjoyable.”
“Yes, of course. Whatever you wish.”
Venetia sighed contentedly and laid her head on his shoulder.
Quinn tightened his arm about her, feeling a similar contentment—as well as awe at the drastic nature of his fall. He had guarded his emotions closely for many years, until Venetia had barreled her way into his life. Even when he’d begun succumbing, he’d ignored the danger signs, telling himself he wouldn’t burn when the flames touched him.
And her feelings had been even more guarded than his. In the beginning he’d had some thought of healing her wounded heart. Yet he’d freed his own heart in the process. Now he wondered how he ever thought he could live without her.
She gave him joy and delight and pleasure. He wanted to make her happy, to protect her and cherish her always….
If barely a month ago he’d been told he would treasure all these maudlin sentiments, he would have scoffed outright.