Page 57 of Anice’s Bargain

He gazed at the smooth, leather binding of the costly tome as she got to her feet. “What do you think?” She beamed proudly at him. “’Tis a book on harvesting. I thought you might have it for reference.”

He ran his fingers over the gilt letters, their meaning incompressible. English, no doubt. He knew well how to read and write in Gaelic, but his mother had died before she could teach him English. His da had never cared to learn it for himself.

Anice watched him brightly, awaiting his response.

“This is the finest gift I’ve ever been given,” he said earnestly. And certainly it was. Books were costly, far beyond anything a reiver might ever consider owning when food and clothing were of more import. “Thank ye.”

“I’m so glad you like it.” She clasped the book and drew it from his hands, her movements slow and sensual, her expression coy.

His blood went hot.

“I’ve been…” His throat clogged and he had to clear it gruffly. “Busy. We havena had much time together since our arrival.”

She set the book aside and sauntered toward him. “Mmmhmm…”

The air had gone thinner and it was suddenly harder to draw breath.

She took his hands in hers and guided him to hold her waist. “There are better things to think about than what I’ve been dwelling on.”

The fabric of her gown was slippery under his palms. His caress glided up her body to the gentle swell of her breasts. “Oh?”

“Like you,” she breathed. “And me.”

His hands smoothed down this time to the sweet curve of her arse where his cupped hold fitted as though she’d been made for him. “Oh?”

She pressed her sensual curves to him. “Love me, James.” Her fingers worked under his shirt and ran cool, tingling lines over his abdomen.

“There is much to do about the castle.” Even as he said the words, his mouth lowered to hers. The saltiness of her tears lingered on her lips, and he kissed them away, as if he could do the same with her hurt.

“You will need an heir.” She guided his hand once more to the heat between her legs.

James groaned. There were tenants to visit, the steward and his list of ledgers, and—

Her fingers curled around the column of his cock.

And there was happiness to be had. For now, at least. And damn the consequences, for surely how bad could they be?