Page 64 of Retribution

He snorted. “Lady, your entire life is defined by bravery,” he said. “It takes a very brave woman to become a Jewel. All of the training, the scrutiny, and that is not for the faint of heart. I am very proud to know you.”

She smiled. “Truly?”

“Truly.”

“Aidric?”

“What is it?”

“If Cambridge is no longer a concern, will you still help me escape?”

“If that is what you wish.”

“Will you come with me?”

“As your personal protector? Your savior?”

She shook her head. “Nay,” she said. “I… I am the heiress to Lerryn Castle. My mother was the heiress, and I suppose now that means my father is in the line to inherit when my grandfather dies, but when my father dies, it will belong to me. The title of Lord Lerryn goes with it, and if you… with me… You could be Lord Lerryn. I realize it is not much, but the lands are rich. It would be something all your own.”

He was trying not to smile. “Did you just ask me to marry you?”

That was as far as she could take it. Embarrassed, she turned around and tried to scramble out of bed, but he pulled her back in and covered her up with the coverlet, effectively trapping her. He wrapped his big arms around her, spooning against her as his mouth ended up by her right ear.

“I am a simple knight and you are the descendant of a siren,” he whispered. “You are also one of the Seven Jewels of London, the most sought-after women in England. I remember thinking that you should be married to a prince or a great warlord because that is what you deserve, but if you’d rather set your cap for a simple knight who would worship you every day of your life, then the honor is all mine, my angel. Truly, it is my honor that you should choose me.”

She had stopped struggling against him, instead caving in to his warmth, deep, velvety voice. “I feel so foolish,” she said. “We have known each other so short a time.”

“What is your point?”

“That we hardly know one another!”

“We will have the rest of our lives to know one another,” he said. “Think of the days of discovery ahead.”

“What if we discover that we cannot tolerate one another?”

He shook his head. “Doubtful,” he said. “All I know is that I have never felt this way about anyone, no matter if I’ve known you for three days or three years. Nothing will ever change that.”

“How do you know?”

“Because I trust my instincts.”

“What do they say?”

“That you are worth walking through fire for.”

Before she could reply, there was a pounding at the door. Cleodora yelped in shock, perhaps a little fear, as Aidric tossed back the covers and leapt out of bed, going for his broadsword on the nearest table. Before he could respond, there was more pounding and a voice.

“Aidric?” It was Gerard. “Are you in there?”

Aidric hissed. “Christ,” he muttered. “Gerard, what in the hell are you doing here?”

“Is the lady with you?”

Aidric looked at Cleodora, who had the coverlet pulled up to her chin, covering her naked body. “She is,” he said. “Why?”

“Will you please let us in?”

He grunted, perhaps unhappily, that so lovely a moment had been interrupted. “Aye,” he said. “Give me a moment.”