“What is it you want?” she prodded, rolling her eyes, although her tummy filled with butterflies of anticipation.
He let her go long enough to reach into the open music box and remove the white pouch. “I believe now is the time for you to ask Loa Eshu for help.”
“I won’t mock you for believing the mambo’s nonsense, but do you really think that amulet can protect me?”
“What can it hurt to wear it?” he asked.
“Nothing,” she said. “However, we have at least one day before DeLille acts. So, I don’t want to overuse the power the amulet might have. Let’s deal with that in the morning.
Luc thought for a long moment. “All right.”
“Now answer my first question.”
“Remind me.” He pressed a kissed to her check.
“What were you searching for in that book? How did you get into the chest, by the way?”
“I found the key where you keep it under your camp hat in the armoire. I wanted to see the box and double check some of the dates in the book.”
“I should not be surprised that you figured out where I kept the key for the chest. Nonetheless, you have invaded my privacy.” Grace issued a mock glare.
He smiled. “I intend to invade something much more private than a book and a music box, if you’ll let me.”
She patted his cheek. “As if I could stop you.”
“You can. If you tell me to stop, I will.”
“I believe you, and yes, I’ll let you invade wherever you like.” She batted her eyes and gave a girlish giggle.
Luc scooped her into his arms, carried her to the bed and began to disrobe with his back to her.
Grace knelt on the bed, hurrying to remove her clothes, flinging them every which way.
When he turned around, her breath caught at the sight of him. Black tendrils caressed his broad shoulders. Ebon curls dusted his skin, tanned from years in the sun. His narrow hips would fit her perfectly and framed his impressive erection. Strong muscular thighs guaranteed pleasure would last well into the night. Grace licked her lips. She’d thought and done the same when she’d dreamed of being Grainne on theOnly Love, before he was cursed. After that lonely time in Grainne’s life when she married another man, she’d envied every woman who captured Luc’s attention since.
That envy still echoed in Grace’s mind. “Who did you make love with last night?” she demanded.
Luc tilted his head, as if he might not have heard her correctly. Then he straightened and smiled, kneeling before her on the bed. “The woman I love.”
Hmm.” Grace held out her hands to him. “And with whom will you make love tonight?”
He studied her, stroking his gaze over her body. Her nipples tightened. Her thighs dampened. Her heart raced.
“Do you worry that I only see Grainne when I am loving you?” Luc asked after the long looks that left her panting.
Grace nodded slowly. “I feel silly admitting it.”
“Can I reassure you that I don’t see Grainne when I’m loving you?” He took Grace in his arms.
They shared a long, luxurious kiss.
When they broke for air, she sighed and rested her head on his shoulder. “I am very reassured.”
“Good. The love of my youth died long ago. I’ve had decades to come to terms with that. For most of those years, I believed I would never love again. So my answer is the same as before. I made, am making, love to the woman I love more than life itself.” As he spoke, he covered her face and neck with kisses.
“So, you love me as I love you?” She put a hand on his cheek and found his lips with hers.
Together they fell to the mattress. “Yes Grace, no matter what name you have. I know you, recognize you in my soul, and you are the woman I love.”
