“Ah, that Bayard is such a rogue!”he said, ensuring his tone was light.He considered his torn chemise and shook his head.“He never misses an opportunity for some jest or another.Mercifully, your maid treated him as he deserved.Sir Rogue,” he said and shook his head, laughing.“It is an apt title for him.”
Melissande remained silent but Quinn would not be so readily discouraged.
“What is her name?She looks to be a loyal one.”
“Berthe.”
A single word but it was more than before.“Was that not a fine meal?”he asked.“I could scarce believe Tulley’s cook concocted such a feast with such little notice.Tell me, are all cooks hereabout so talented, or is Tulley particularly fortunate?”
Melissande cleared her throat.Quinn did not look toward her, but removed his belt and set it aside.
“Tulley’s cook is particularly gifted even among those in the region.He has been here long.”Melissande spoke slowly and with care and Quinn imagined that she was still feeling some effect of the wine.He could see her lips now, above the barrier of the linens.
“Then I shall have to ensure I do not become plump, now that I am home,” he said amiably.Quinn heard a soft rush of his wife’s breath that might almost have passed for a laugh.
“I doubt that will transpire,” she said, with some of her earlier fire.
“Nay?”
“Given those raids, you will have labor aplenty defending Annossy’s borders.”
“Excellent.I have no desire to be idle.A knight should use his skills to good end, lest his abilities fade.”Quinn pulled off his shirt, unable to keep from glancing over his shoulder to see her reaction.Melissande hastily averted her gaze, but there was new color in her cheeks.
The evening showed more promise than just moments past.
Quinn strode over to the bed and sat on its edge, leaving on his chausses.Melissande put distance between them.She lay on her back, clutching the linens before herself like a shield.
She did not flee, though.Quinn took his time removing his boots before he turned to her anew.He leaned on the mattress, easing closer to her, and her eyes widened.She did not retreat, though.
“Do you think that I am too plump now?”he asked.Melissande did not seem able to keep her glance from darting over his bare chest.
“I think you are vain,” she replied, but her voice was breathless.
Quinn grinned as he leaned closer.
“Are you plump?”he asked.
“You know I am not.”
“Are you vain?”
“If you think I will display myself to you like a whore, you are doomed to disappointment, sir.”
So much for the effect of the wine.Her eyes were flashing with vigor.
“What needs to be done cannotbe done with the linens between us.”
She glared at him.“Perhaps it need not be done.Perhaps an annulment would suit us both better.”
Quinn touched the tip of her nose with his finger.“Then you can greet Tulley in the morning and confess that truth to him.”
She smiled with obvious reluctance.“Do not tell me that a knight and crusader of your repute fears Tulley.”
“Of course, I fear him.He holds all that I desire in his grasp.”Quinn sighed.“If we do not consummate the match, I will put my own blood on the linens to ensure that Sayerne is not lost.”
She sat up abruptly then, forgetting the linens.“You would not!”The sheet slipped lower, revealing the softness of her throat and shoulders.He could see the gleam of her hair, but strove to hide his body’s reaction to her beauty.
Instead, he spoke deliberately.“I am willing to meet you abed.I am willing to do as Tulley decrees.I am not willing to lose my family holding.Are you?”
