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gossip pass from his lips.
Justice had been served, and it was in the past as far as he was concerned. He
only wanted to live in the present and look forward to his future with the most
beautiful women in all of England.
    Merryn had kissed
the length of the scar and swore she’d never allow him to go into battle
again—even if she must petition the king himself. He could see her now, riding
Destiny to London, hell-bent on an audience with Edward. Already, Geoffrey felt
the deep love his wife had for him and knew she would go to the ends of earth
to protect him.
    Just as he
would for her.
    She stirred
in his arms. Desire for her rushed through him. He thought of the hunt his
father had planned today, with the wedding guests riding out as part of the
continued celebration of their marriage.
    Hunting was
the last thing on his mind.
    He didn’t
want to be separated from Merryn for the hours it would take. He would invite
her along, but he doubted she would enjoy it. His bride had a tender heart
where animals were concerned. He remembered just two weeks ago upon his return,
how he’d told her of the English bowmen who’d shot the horses of the French
bastards out from under them. Merryn hadn’t understood it was merely a strategy
of war. He saw on her face that she could not condone men abusing the very
beasts that served them.
    Because of
that, he’d avoided any further talk of war in her presence. Instead, he’d
shared tales of camp with her, describing different soldiers and telling
amusing stories. Geoffrey hoped he would never go to war again, for it would
mean leaving Merryn behind.
    He didn’t
know if he had the strength to do so.
    She sighed
and began to stretch, pushing back against him. His hands flattened against her
stomach and began moving in circles. One moved to her breast, where he ran his
fingernail back and forth, teasing the nipple to a peak. Merryn made a whimper
that stirred his desire.
    His other
hand slipped lower and began stroking her. More pleased noises now sounded in
the back of her throat. His lips brushed her shoulders. Her soft skin was
smooth as ivory. He nibbled his way along it to her throat and up to her ear.
It hadn’t taken long to discover that Merryn’s ears were her weak spot.
    As a
soldier, he was trained to take advantage of any weakness.
    And he did.
    Geoffrey
made love to her slowly, tenderly, wishing the moment could last forever. He
sank into her, loving the catch in her breath. The widening of her eyes. The
satisfied smile that played upon her lips.
    Spent, he
pulled out from her and fell to his back. Merryn draped her body over him, her
leg over his, her hands resting atop one another on his chest as she placed her
chin upon them and studied him.
    “Did I wear
you out?” he asked.
    “I’m not
sure,” she said, a teasing light in her sapphire eyes. “Mayhap we should do the
same tonight and then compare in the morn. I know what I feel like today. I can
see how I feel on the morrow. Then I shall decide if I’m worn out or not.”
    He laughed
aloud. Life with this woman would never be dull.
    “Do you
think we might stay abed all day?” she asked. “I’ve realized that skill only
grows with practice. I fear I will need much practice before I am satisfied
with my love skills.”
    He pinched
her bottom playfully. She yelped.
    “Father has
a hunt planned for today.”
    Merryn
frowned.
    “I think we
should head to mass and break our fast.” Geoffrey entwined his fingers with
hers. “I wish you to go with me instead of remaining behind.”
    Her nose
wrinkled. “I’m not much for a hunt. Frankly, my heart goes out to the animal
being chased.”
    “Well, I’m
not leaving you at Kinwick. For all I know, you’d find some stable boy or stray
wedding guest to practice your love skills on.”
    Merryn
punched him in his shoulder. “Geoffrey! You are wicked indeed!”
    He moved her
aside and climbed from the bed. “I shall leave you to your ministrations. Your
clothes