Sebastian gently pushed the hair from her face and a faint smile lifted Ivy’s lips. Resisting the urge to stretch, images from the library flashed in her mind, awakening her body in ways she never thought possible.

“What are you thinking, Ivy Cain? Some new way to shock me?" Sebastian's bemused voice was low and husky as she nestled her cheek into the palm of his hand.

It was close to dawn, the light dim, the fire long ago reduced to embers. She had a vague memory of Sebastian carrying her upstairs while she clung to him. Swallowing a laugh, Ivy wondered what might have happened if a servant crossed their path.

"If you must know, I thought the whole experience amazing.” Her gaze didn't waver as Sebastian’s brow rose in astonishment. “And I wonder, if there are other places we could…”

"Your recent change of heart intrigues me,” Sebastian murmured, caressing her soft cheek before sliding his hand along her jawline. His fingers eventually ended in her tangled mass of hair.

Ivy could not fully explain this sudden willingness to be in his arms, and the justification of providing a Ravenswood heir was not the sole reason. Only she was too cowardly, and maybe too prideful, to admit it.

"I'm not complaining, mind you.” His soft laugh was wicked. "Maybe I like being surprised. Now, it’s my turn.”

"What do you mean?" Rational thought was difficult with this gorgeous man wrapped so completely around her. When he rolled over her, Ivy’s legs parted with distressing eagerness.

"Let me show you.” His lips pressed against the curve of her neck. Nibbling his way up until he reached her lips, Sebastian coaxed her mouth open. When she obeyed, his tongue slipped inside to begin long, languid sweeps, encouraging Ivy to kiss him in the same manner. It was an unhurried, persistent assault.

Ivy became caught in that kiss, aware he was slowly edging her nightgown higher. The fabric bunched at her waist, at her breasts then, in a fluid movement, was whipped over her head. Bare at last, with only heat between them.

Sebastian held there. Unmoving and silent. Just stillness, two bodies molded together, legs tangled, skin burning, hearts pounding in an effort to find a common beat. Ivy’s eyes widened as her body slowed to accommodate his and Sebastian's accelerated for hers until one steady thump existed between them.

"I've dreamt of this since the first time I saw you, warding off your damn Pack, steadfastly ignoring me. I wanted you then - wanted to press myself against you. To imprint myself on your soul as you have imprinted on mine.” His lips pressed to her temple. “Do you feel our hearts beating as if it were one, Ivy? Do you feel me waiting to come inside you? My sweet, sweet little butterfly. I won't ever let you go again; you are too precious to me. I love you. Too damn much.”

Ivy did not say anything, frightened by the power he held over her. She could not risk laying bare her heart so easily and so soon after having it trampled and broken.

No. She could not say the words yet.

If her silence angered or upset him, Sebastian did not reveal it. His lips were gentle when he kissed her, his hands smoothing over her skin in reverence. He made love to her so tenderly and so expertly that by the end, when she sobbed his name in release, Ivy miserably suspected it was only a matter of time before all of her was completely and utterly his once more.

Including her treacherous heart, which he just proved he could easily control.

* * *

Damnit, what steps must I take to ensure no one disturbs us in the mornings?

Sprawled against his side, one leg hiked and riding his thigh, Ivy’s arm lay carelessly thrown across his waist. Her cheek rested on the muscles of his bicep; her hair was a wild, tangled mess streaming away on the silk pillows. They made love as dawn broke then fell asleep. It was well past morning now.

The knock came again, a bit more insistent, and this time Ivy did stir. Her brow pulled into a disapproving frown and rolling away from him, she burrowed beneath the covers. With a grunt of annoyance, Sebastian rose from the bed and threw on a robe. "Whoever is beating my door at such an ungodly hour, there’d best be a goddamn good reason for it.” He jerked open the door.

"I’ve obviously committed a grave error this morning. Or I should say, afternoon. It is, after all, the noon hour. Do you and milady plan to stay abed all day?" Gabriel stood in the doorway, holding the usual tray loaded with coffee and teapots, along with a plateful of sugar biscuits and a vase containing a single cream-colored rose.

Sebastian glared at the man before taking the platter. "You would do well to remember our agreement. Return when I ring for you. In the meantime, have Chef prepare a light lunch.”

"Very well. I thought you may be interested to hear our friend did indeed vacate his manor this morning. He is en route to Bristol to catch the next ship leaving for France. And milady’s gift arrived this very morning.” Gabriel laughed as Sebastian nodded, and using his foot since he now held the platter, unceremoniously shut the door in his face.

Placing the tray next to the bed, Sebastian poured coffee for himself and a cup of tea for Ivy. Almost gingerly, he sat on the edge of the bed to awaken his wife.

She turned to him with drowsy eyes when he shook her shoulder. Staring at each other, each remembered the events from the night past. And that morning.

"Good morning, love,” he said, as Ivy smiled and pulled herself to a sitting position.

Clutching the coverlet to her naked body with one hand, she accepted the teacup. "Is it still morning?"

"Truthfully, it’s noon and there is no rush to jump from bed. I vow that's the best sleep I've had in months.”

Ivy's aqua eyes smoldered with a mischievous light. "And I as well. Do you think lovemaking to be the cause for our perfect slumber?"

Sebastian chuckled, his gaze dropping to where she held the covers to her bosom. With her sparkling eyes and that wild tumbling hair cascading over creamy bare shoulders, she looked sinfully delicious. "I've no doubt that’s true, and on that subject, would you care to undertake a little experiment this morning?"

"Afternoon.” Ivy automatically corrected, her voice high with nervous excitement. “What do you have in mind, my lord?”

Taking the teacup from her, Sebastian set it on the tray. Slowly, inch by inch, he tugged the covers from her grasp until she was bare. Ivy shivered, but let him gaze his fill in the soft light. “Have you wondered if that tub is big enough for two?” he murmured, reaching out to brush her hair back from one soft shoulder.

“I have.” Ivy did not look away from the possessive light in his eyes. “And is it?”

“I’ll let you determine that”