The Highlander’s Curse by Claire Delacroix

Author:Claire Delacroix
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Tags: Medieval
Published: 2013-07-15T07:00:00+00:00

Chapter Ten

Once again, when he kissed Annelise, a healing power surged into Garrett. Annelise’s touch was all he desired and more. He drank deeply of that which she willingly gave, then reluctantly lifted his head to regard her. Her eyes were shining and her lips swollen, a faint flush staining her cheeks. She was so lovely a maiden that her next words astonished him.

“We should be intimate,” she said with nary a pause to take a breath.

Garrett stared at her. “I believed that we would meet abed after we were wed. You know that I cannot ask for your hand honorably until I reclaim my birthright.”

Annelise’s lips set. “I know that Orson would have compelled me to wed him, by forcing himself upon me last night.”

She was right, and that did little to please Garrett. “Orson is far behind us…”

“Are you certain? We might well be pursued.”

“I would know of it. He took the other way, the road to Kinfairlie. He believed our ruse.”

Annelise nibbled her lip as she regarded him, the movement of her teeth making him think of claiming another kiss. “I am not convinced that we have time,” she protested. “And I do not see the cause for delay. We could make love and guarantee the matter!”

“And your brother would think me no better than Orson,” Garrett replied, his annoyance rising. “I would have your family think me a man of honor.”

“I would ensure that my choice carries the day.”

“Annelise, I ask only for patience.”

“Everyone asks only for patience,” she said with disgust. “Once I had an abundance of it, but I find myself lacking in it now.” She fixed him with an indignant look. “Perhaps you do not truly wish to wed me.”

“Not if you would be better without me,” Garrett said, for this truth he could confide in her. “And until I claim my due, you would be.”

Annelise propped her hands on her hips, her eyes flashing in a most beguiling way. “I would not!” she argued. “I would live with you and be happy, even if you had naught to your name. You would care for me and treat me well, and that has more value to me than the seal for a holding in your hand.”

“You might change your mind when you have a babe in your arms, my lady.” Garrett leaned close to her, letting her see his determination. “You will not be my lady wife until I am certain you will have comfort in my home. I will ask for your hand honorably and I will commit no deed that will compel you to wed me either way.”

“Honorably,” Annelise echoed, her dissatisfaction clear. “You care more for honor than for love.”

“I know love can fade without honor to defend it. I know that love will not feed a family or build a roof over our heads.”

“Did you not have love as a child? Was it not sufficient?”

“I knew little then, and I lived with no noblewoman.”

“So, it is my birth that

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