A knock sounded at the door then, heralding the arrival of the physician at last.
“Get stitched up, Monty,” Morgan told his cousin wryly. “I can hardly thrash a man who is bleeding.”
“You can hardly thrash me a’tall,” his cousin quipped with an attempt at a grin.
“Come, my love,” Leonie urged him. “We must allow the doctor to do his work.”
He let her tug him from the chamber, for he knew well enough to listen to the woman he loved.
Chapter Eighteen
All was rightand well in Leonora’s world, and the sun rising over London, making its presence known in the slat of golden light it sent through the window dressings, seemed cheerful proof. A fortnight had passed since Morgan had first declared his love for her. The Duke of Montrose was on the mend. Alessandro seemed prepared to honor his promise to wed Lady Catriona, Montrose’s sister. Mama’s delicate constitution had recovered when she had realized Alessandro had not, in fact, committed the duke’s murder.
But best of all, Leonora and Morgan had spent each day wrapped up in each other. They were not perfect, nor would they ever be. But they had each other, and together, they were stronger than they could ever be apart.
She kissed his scarred shoulder reverently. Every part of him was beautiful to her, especially here, where his flesh had healed in grooves and puckers, all evidence of his resilience and determination.
He made a deep, sleepy sound and rolled toward her so their bodies were facing, her leg still slung over his hip but instead of his arse, she now straddled a part of him that was very warm, very hard, and very much awake.
His eyes opened, a sensual smile curving his lips. “Morning, Leonie.”
She found herself smiling back at him, love coursing through her. “Good morning, my darling.”
He brushed some curls from her face, his touch so gentle she could have wept. “I love waking up with you in my bed. With you in my arms.”
“I love it, too.” She turned her head and pressed a kiss to the palm that lingered, gently cupping her face.
Since the day he had first told her he loved her, she had spent every evening in his bed, staying the whole night through. When nightmares shook him, she was there to soothe him. When he reached for her in the night, she reached back. Allowing her to see his vulnerabilities had not been easy for him, and she knew it.
“And I loveyou,” he told her, his gaze intense.
She leaned into him, pressing her lips to his, unable to help herself. “I love you, my darling man.”
Not a day passed that she was not grateful for him, for his love. Her life without him had been fulfilling, but it had also been a mere routine of duties and social engagements. She had spent the last few years longing for a husband, for a family of her own, and now, her waiting had proven most worthwhile. Now, she knew she had been waiting for the right time, the right man.
For this man, who was no longer broken inside.
For this man, who had proven he could be whole once more.
For this man, who madeherwhole with his love.
“Thank you,” he told her, fitting his mouth to hers for a slow, lingering kiss.
When the kiss ended, she was breathless, the sweet languor of desire stealing over her. “For what?”
“For being you, my fierce little lioness.” Another kiss. “For refusing to give up on me.”
“In truth, you ought to thank Freddy.” She kissed the corner of his lips. “It is she who convinced me you just needed more love and more persistence.”
“It would seem I owe Mrs. Kirkwood a debt of gratitude.” He nibbled on her neck, the light rasp of his teeth over her skin making her pulse pound.
“I will happily accept your gratitude on her behalf,” she said on a sigh when her husband’s large hand found its way to her breast. “Even had Freddy not convinced me, I would have found my way back to you. I willalwaysfind my way back to you.”
He raised his head, his gaze burning into hers. “Do you promise?”
Her answer was swift. “I promise. I am yours. My heart is yours.”
“Good.” A small smile flitted over his lips. “Because I am a greedy bastard when it comes to you, my love. I want you, your heart, your body, your today, and every blasted one of your tomorrows.”
