But then he realized that, too, was a mark of his will. He wished for complete darkness and so itwas.
He cast his cloak aside, discarding boots and shirt. The garments fell audibly to thefloor.
Annelise was breathing quickly, but he could not discern that she had undressed. “God in heaven, but it is dark,” she whispered, agitation in hertone.
“Are you afraid?” he asked when he was besideher.
“Of coursenot!”
Rolfe said nothing, guessing that the heat of her reply meant otherwise. He waited, giving her the time she seemed toneed.
When the silence stretched between them, Annelise sighed. “I am, perhaps, a little uncertain, sir,” she acknowledged in a small voice that he already knew was uncharacteristic. “What exactly should I expect to happen thisnight?”
Rolfe imagined that she had tilted her head to look where she thought he was, and he could easily picture her amber eyes bright withcuriosity.
He reached for her cheek and stroked it gently. “More like the kisses in the courtyard. Did you not enjoythem?”
“I did. But the other...” Her voice faltered. “Will it hurt?” There was a slight tremor in hertone.
Rolfe could think of nothing but reassuringher.
He slid his fingers along her jaw and cupped her face in his hands. Her skin was softer than the finest silk. Rolfe could feel her racing pulse under his thumb and took encouragement fromit.
“It may hurt,” he murmured, brushing his lips across hers. She trembled but did not retreat or pull away. “But only for a moment if it does, and only this first time.” He felt Annelise swallow. “I vow to you that I shall begentle.”
“You like to make vows,sir.”
“I like to keep them evenbetter.”
She took a quick breath. “Of course, for you are aknight.”
“I am, ladymine.”
He felt her straighten beneath his hands and his heart soared at herboldness.
“And I am your lady wife,” she whispered. “I trust you in this, sir, and I will be your wife in every way bymorning.”
The conviction in her words stole the breath from Rolfe’s lungs. Her confidence touched him to his heart and redoubled his determination to do his utmost to please hisAnnelise.
She would have no regrets. Rolfe would ensure asmuch.
He bent and captured her lips, liking how she rose to her toes to meet him, and his surety that this match would be a good one grew strongeragain.
He would spend the night convincing his lady of thesame.
