The heat in Gavin’s eyes made her knees weak. He grinned. “The fellow wants me to kiss you. A real kiss. Right here. Right now. Should we oblige his request?”
“Absolutely.”
His mouth claimed hers, tender and passionate, the caress a physical embodiment of the love that would bind them together for a lifetime. And beyond.
“You’ll always have my love, Sophie,” he whispered. “Forever.”
Epilogue
London, November 1892
Reclining on the settee in the study, Sophie peered over the novel in her hand, covertly watching her husband’s movements. He hunkered before the hearth, stoking the fire. The flames crackled and sizzled, providing a delicious heat. Odd, how she never tired of watching the flex of his sleek muscles, even while he performed so ordinary a task. His actions conjured oh-so-tempting thoughts of the feel of his taut body against hers when they lay entwined in their bed. A sweet warmth stirred deep within.
Gavin joined her on the settee, draping an arm around her shoulders. She nestled her head against his chest, careful to avoid the still-tender spot where McNaughton’s bullet had scarred his flesh.
“I am so looking forward to seeing Jennie again. Alex sent along a delightful gift for her birthday,” she said.
“The scarab she selected for the brooch is a fine piece. No doubt Jennie will be pleased.”
Sophie snuggled closer. “The expedition was quite a rousing adventure. But I must admit, it’s a pleasure to be in our home, settled before a roaring fire.”
“Home,” he said, pressing a kiss to the curve of her cheek. “I never cared where I laid my head at night. But now, with you by my side, I treasure these moments. Just as I treasure you.”
“I’d never dreamed I’d fall in love…until I met you, Gavin.”
“Ah, love at first sight,” he said.
“Quite the opposite,” she countered. “You were rather insufferable, as I’m sure you know.”
“Insufferable? Irresistible would be a more fitting description.” He left her, long enough to lock the door to the study. “We don’t want Mrs. Edson popping in, do we?”
“Definitely not,” Sophie agreed.
“You know, dear wife, I’m quite fond of this particular settee. Every time I look at it, the memory of the first time I made love to you drives me wild.”
“Does it now?”
He came to her. His fingers deftly unfastened the top button of her high collar, then the next. Desire lit his eyes, deepened the blue to the color of a storm-tossed sea.
“Tell me you want me, Sophie.”
Emotion swelled in her heart. Gavin had indeed made her life an adventure to cherish. She would never stop yearning for the pleasure to be found in his arms.
She coiled her arms around his neck and raised up on her toes to kiss his delicious mouth.
“Always, my love,” she whispered. “Always.”
