Page 113 of Kiss of Wrath

“Are you going to kidnap me now?”

“If that is what it takes?”

In the elevator, a weary-looking cleaning lady asked Miranda, “Do you want me to call 911?”

Miranda craned her head up from where it was hanging down his back to better see the woman. “No. I’ll call myself. After I kill him.”

A half hour later—and, yes, certain body parts were feeling the effect of the vibrating machine—they arrived at a house sitting on about five acres of land. There was a stone fence with an iron gate surrounding the property. Using a remote, Mordr opened the gate and they rode through onto a curved driveway.

“You’re trespassing,” she sputtered as he cut the motor before the front entrance and lifted her off the bike. At first, he had to hold her up because her legs were so shaky.

“No, I am not. It is my home. Our home.”

“I beg your pardon!”

“You should. It was not easy finding the perfect dwelling and buying it all within one week.”

“Perfect for whom?” She tried not to stare at the house that was beyond beautiful. A two-story cedar home with long porches and a French door leading to colorful garden patios, and, if she was not mistaken, an in-ground pool in back.

“For all of us. I know that you are annoyed with me for not coming to you immediately after being released by Michael, but I am not a man prone to acting with haste.”

“Haste? Pfff! More like turtle slow.”

He pinched her butt for the interruption. “The sex betwixt us was good, you must admit—”

“I wouldn’t know. It’s been so long that I forget.”

He pinched her other butt cheek. “. . . but I knew you needed more than that. A permanent man in your and the children’s life was essential.”

“Who says every woman needs a man? Sometimes a good vibrator will do.”

“You have a vibrator? Never mind. We will come back to that later. So, I pondered the best way that I could show that I intend to stay around. A home, that is what I decided. Well, Vikar advised me on that course. Being wed with two children, he is much in favor of home and hearth these days.”

“You’re seeking love advice from your brothers?” she asked with a laugh.

“Hah! I will take any help I can get, even from my mocking, halfbrained brothers,” he said. “And, of course, I had to provide a place of safety, Cnut reminded me. Sorry I am to say this, sweetling, but your home is not safe. I will always be fighting Lucipires, and I cannot have my family exposed to potential danger in a development such as yours. Besides, your children need a father.”

“Who told you that?”

“No one. I thought of it myself.” When she still stood before him, unmoved, he said, “Above all else, I am the one in need.” He gulped, and his voice was raspy as he concluded, “I need you. All of you.”

“Oh, Mordr!”

He could tell that she was melting, but to give him credit, he didn’t immediately do a fist pump in the air for victory, or jump her bones. Instead, he took her hand and led her on a tour. The house was unfurnished but he had a vision for all the rooms, including a bedroom for each of the children, separate rooms over the garage for a housekeeper and a gardener, and a master suite with privacy for themselves.

His eyes gleamed with mischief for a moment. “That last was Ivak’s idea. Much sex needs much privacy. Those were his exact words.”

She was standing at the windows of the master bedroom looking out over the back lawn. It was a perfect house. Large, but not pretentious. Cozy, despite its dimensions. She should be offended that he’d made such a big decision without her input, but she couldn’t find anything missing.

“I thought Mayberry was your idea of an ideal home,” she said, swiping at a tear.

His face fell. “You would rather have a house in a small town? I thought you preferred being near your work.”

“I was teasing.”

“Oh.” He stared at her. “Will you marry me?” he asked without preamble. Before she had a chance to answer, he said, “No. Do not say anything. Let me convince you.” He was already peeling off his jacket and toeing off his boots.

“Which brother gave you that advice?”