They ended up waiting another day before attempting to retrieve the guns and return them to their home. William had been exhausted and pale from the blood loss. Emeline had dealt with nausea and a headache from the butt of the gun hitting her head. Neither was in any condition to be performing stealthy maneuvers in any fashion but they felt time was of the essence. They were all on edge, awaiting the next incident.

A knock at the door caused all of them to jump warily expecting it to be soldiers. Instead, it was a young boy. He looked to be about ten years old, but his eyes were hard and aged. Passing out pamphlets and flyers, he quickly moved down the street to spread the word. The rough paper was a calling for justice for the people that had died. A depiction of the massacre held all their attention. War was coming and the townsfolk were rallying.

Pulling the wagon close to the building, they put several bags of feed in the back along with several blankets. The padding had a dual purpose. Not only would it help cushion William on the bumpy cobblestone road, it would function as a way to cover the guns as they came out of the house. Tensions were high and it was obvious as they rode slowly through town. Word was spreading fast that the soldiers had been asked to move from town to barracks a distance away. It was denied by Governor Hutchinson, who claimed he did not have the authority to order the move. Instead, even against protests, soldiers were being housed in town in an attempt to quell any uprisings.

Many soldiers were seen in the surrounding businesses and as wagon left the main roads, they were sparsely spread in order to keep a watchful eye. They would have to be extremely careful in their movement as to not attract unwanted attention. Pulling the wagon around the side of the house away from the street’s view, they entered the side door. It was such a relief to be back in their own lodgings. It felt like home. With an appreciative sigh, Emeline let that brief peace wash over her. She curled her arm around William as if to help him walk.

“It’s the same for me, love,” he said softly, kissing the top of her head. “I am better now,” he countered, looking embarrassed at the attention she was giving him.

“I just want to help,” she mumbled.

“I know you do. But I’m not a boy either,” he chided gently. “Besides, you offered to be the lookout. Your post will be down the street, if you see a soldier…”

Emeline cut in, “I will yell ‘bee’ and dance around,” she offered excitedly.

“Bee?” he laughed. “Okay. Men, the key word is bee. If Emeline yells that she sees a bee, hide the guns.”

At their laughter, she felt her cheeks get hot. “It’s a good idea without yelling something obvious like ‘the Redcoats are coming’.”

“That works, too,” Samuel countered with a grin, wiping the laughter from his eyes. “Bee, soldier, Redcoat? All, will alert us, milady.”

Making a face, she walked off towards the main road in order to take her place. Standing there, she could almost imagine how pleasant it could be to live peacefully if you eliminated the threat of war or the occupation of the soldiers. Children playing, women walking together chatting and men strolling along the walkway in the crisp air. She was glad they had waited till late in the day because the wooden houses and buildings cast long shadows that would hide them. The faint clops of horses’ hooves made a rhythmic sound that lulled her nerves. Staring down the road, she jumped as she felt a tap on her shoulder. Whirling around, she came face to face with a soldier.

“BEE!” she yelped and quickly smiled nervously at the soldier.

“Mistress, are you lost or stung? It’s quite cold out to have a bee present.”

“Silly me! I must have suspected a bee as I was lost in thought,” Emeline fibbed. “How may I help you, sir?”

“I might have asked you the same,” he said with a smile. “Perhaps we think alike?”

Eww, creeper! He reminded Emeline of the leering smiles the guys had on the beach not too long ago as they looked at her in her bikini. It was the same, dirty, lecherous look that made her feel almost naked.

“Perhaps,” she said simply as she stepped backwards, hoping to turn his back towards the activity happening not thirty feet away. She could see the shadows quickly moving in the dim light and was certain that they were trying to cover the precious cargo as fast as possible.

“Might I walk you home or are you waiting for someone?”

“I was actually hoping to catch a firefly,” she said with a syrupy smile, playing stupid. If it was too cold for bees, it would be too cold for fireflies, too, but she had to have some excuse to stay out here until the wagon rolled past. Hearing the hooves approach, she resisted a sigh of relief.

“Good doctor, Samuel,” she said dipping low in a curtsey.

“Mistress Spencer,” Dr. Warren said easily, tipping his hat. “I have just finished my visit with your husband and he requests your presence.”

“Why thank you, kind sir,” she responded quickly and turned to walk past the soldier.

“I will walk you,” he offered again, this time in a firmer tone.

“Of course,” she announced amicably. “Good evening, gentlemen.”

As the wagon pulled away, Emeline smiled pleasantly at the soldier who held out his arm politely. Placing her hand delicately on his forearm, she allowed herself to be guided to the door. Slowly walking, she wanted to give William plenty of time to replace the plank boards on the floor and cover them. The last thing she wanted was for him to be caught in the act of subterfuge.

“Just a moment,” she said lightly. “I have a pebble in my shoe.”

“Of course,” he agreed, standing firmly and waiting for her.

Emeline tried to pull her shoe off, but to do so would involve pulling her skirt upwards a hair and showing leg. A massive no-no in this time period. Instead, she stood for a moment pretending to adjust her foot. This only resulted in a raised eyebrow from the soldier.

“Better?”

“Yes, thank you for your kindness,” she gushed as she grasped the door handle. Much to her surprise, William opened the door and stared at the duo.

“Wife,” he said bluntly. “Is there something the matter that you have pulled this gentleman from his duties?”

“He offered to walk me home to you husband,” she said politely, catching William’s tone. “I lost track of time and it was dark out.”

“Sir, I was but helping your lovely wife home so she was not accosted,” the soldier cut in smoothly. “May I enter or be of service to you? The city is not safe after the townspeople attacked some of the soldiers. Surely you would want to show your loyalty to the king by allowing me the courtesy of guarding your home for the evening?”

“Of course,” William answered easily in a firm tone. “We owe the king many thanks and your offer is truly generous. Wife, would you be a dear and fetch two tankards of ale?”

“Certainly,” she said trying to keep the confusion out of her voice. What was going on? Did the soldier suspect something was happening? Emeline put her head down and left the two men at the doorway. She heard their footsteps come inside as she silently poured the two large cups and tried to listen to their conversation. She could barely make out a word! They were either speaking softly or not at all. As she walked back into the room, she heard the large soldier make a comment that made her heart plummet.

“My services are always available to loyal subjects to the crown. I would like to search the house in order to make sure that is the case,” he offered smoothly. “We wouldn’t want your lovely wife to be unsafe, would we?”

“You are welcome to search my home, if you feel the need to. Wife, if you will head upstairs? This fine officer and I need to have a discussion,” William said calmly, without looking at Emeline. He simply stared ahead at the soldier, not breaking eye contact. “If my loyalty is in question, I would like to assure you that you will find nothing here.”

“I have no doubts.”

Hands shaking, Emeline nodded and made her way up the steep stairs. Once upstairs, she pressed her ear to the floor trying to hear them. Hearing nothing, she got up and silently padded across the room to search it for any weapons. She was scared. Something was wrong and she couldn’t put her finger on it! She could hear their voices but couldn’t determine what was said. Could the soldier have seen them loading the guns? Hearing footsteps, she yanked open the drawers and cabinets, looking for a gun. She heard the thud of a door shutting and banging, making the hair on the back of her neck stand and her heart skip a beat.

“Will?” she called out as she heard footsteps on the stairs. “William? What is going on?”

Peering over the steep railing, Emeline almost fell at the sight that greeted her. William was not on the stairs but the tall, creepy soldier was. “Where is my husband?”

“He is currently occupied, Mistress,” he said quietly.

“Where is he? I can hear banging,” she questioned, backing away across the floor as he stepped into the room.

“Your husband is locked in the cellar until I can fetch shackles to have him arrested for treason,” he said simply, removing his jacket. “You see, it’s our belief that he has been helping the uprising and the wagon he was loading is on its way to an ambush. The crown is loyal to those who prove themselves loyal in return. If you are a traitor,” he said, spitting the word, “traitors are dealt with severely. You, my dear, have the option to be loyal to the crown or you may join your husband,” he offered, unbuttoning his pants.

“You have got to be kidding me,” she whispered aghast, scrambling away indelicately until she bumped into the large chest that held her things. “You won’t touch me! My husband will kill you.”

“He won’t touch me because he will be dead. Hanged as a traitor, for all to see,” he explained.

“No! He is a good man. A great man!” she began and swallowed her words as he yanked her ankle, dragging her violently across the floor towards him. She felt splinters digging into her flesh that was revealed as her skirts snagged across the planks. Trying to get back to her feet quickly, she was knocked back down.

“He is a traitor to his country!” the soldier yelled, striking her across the face. With his large body, he wrestled her to the floor yet again, pinning her. “You are, too, apparently, if you won’t show your loyalty willingly.”

“No! Never!” she screamed and spat in his face. She tried to arch her body up off of the floor. “Get the hell out of my house!”

“It’s King George’s house and will be confiscated by the crown,” he growled, wiping his face, grasping both her hands in one of his. The muscles in her arms burned as she tried to yank them free from his hand. Twisting, she freed her leg from where he had pinned her.

“No! This is the Spencer house, you mark my words!” she said angrily, kicking at him. “Get away from me!” Screaming loudly, she cried out. “William!”

She fought against the Redcoat, struggling as he yanked her skirts farther upwards. This was so opposite from the tenderness she had seen from William. She had been blessed to be paired with a kind, strong, loving man. She could have been paired up with a monster like this! This man was brutal, hateful and wrong. So wrong!

“All of this,” he said with a nasty smile, grabbing her foot midair with his free hand, “is property of the king!”

“Your king can kiss my ass and this country goodbye!” she screamed at him, yanking violently, trying to free her limbs. She was not anyone else’s woman! She was William’s! Emeline heard a massive roar that made her blood run cold.

“You will remove your hands from my wife, NOW!” she heard William shout behind them. The soldier’s surprised expression and the intense look on William’s beloved face would be burned in her mind for a long time. The soldier was pulled from her bodily and thrown down on the flooring nearby. Emeline yanked her hands free and jerked at her leg that he still held tightly. Pivoting on her bottom, she swirled around quickly yanking her skirts down at the same time. She gave a massive kick towards his angry face in retaliation. Her leg vibrated as it made contact with his jaw, causing a hollow thud that shook her teeth.

“You will pay for that! You will both hang as traitors!” he screamed, wiping the blood from his lip as he sat up quickly in an attempt to get away from her flailing legs.

“She is my wife, my property and you will not touch her!” William roared possessively, clenching his fists to keep from striking the soldier. “Emeline, get downstairs now!” he barked.

“She cannot run away! I will find your traitorous whore and hang you both!” he spat towards William. Emeline saw him fly in a rage towards the soldier. His fists made hollow, sickening thumps as they made contact repeatedly with the man’s face and stomach. She stood there shocked at the aggression on William’s face. He had been so tender and peaceful towards her. This was terrifying and animalistic.

“Will?” she whispered and realized he could not hear her through his anger. “Will, we have to leave.” Still no response from him as he continued to pummel the limp soldier. Seeing the soldier’s blood pouring from his nose and mouth as he curled into a ball protectively, she knew she had to do something, else William would kill him.

“Will, you are scaring me. We have to leave!” she said again, this time reaching out to touch his beloved head. He reeled backwards, his fists raised. He hesitated mere seconds before realizing it was her and not another Redcoat. She saw the recognition sweep into his eyes as he put his bloodied fists down.

“Emeline? Are you okay?”

“Yes, are you?” she whispered, touching his face.

“No one will ever harm you,” he swore.

“I know, my fierce warrior,” she whispered tenderly, cupping his cheek and looking up at his tortured eyes. “I’m safe and no one hurt me. We’ll have to leave here.”

“No,” he said thickly, shaking his head. His shaggy, dark hair was curling as he had broken a sweat from exertion at beating the soldier. “This is our home, our land. He will have to leave.”

“You can’t kill him,” she argued softly, trying to calm him down. He sat there, staring at her as he took several deep breaths. “He will just come back and with more soldiers. We can start over again elsewhere.”

“I will not run from him or anyone else,” he countered and hesitated when he heard footsteps below. They stared at each other knowingly as they realized it must be more soldiers arriving to arrest them.

“I love you,” she whispered lovingly. She took several deep breaths, just needing to breathe in his essence. Breathe him into her. The scent of sandalwood, sweat and sawdust tickled her nose. She never realized how much she would miss his very being until this moment. “I love you more than I ever realized I could love someone. If this is it, I need you to know how I feel.”

“Emeline,” he murmured thickly, pulling her to him and capturing her lips with his. His warm breath tickled her lips and made her mindless to the surroundings for a few seconds. “I love you and thank God you came into my life, even if for a brief moment,” he whispered, wrapping his arms around her in an embrace. The idea of them swinging beside each other in a noose or being labeled a traitor in the history books made her shake with fear.

“I’m scared,” she whispered, and began to cry as he kissed the top of her head.

“I know, love. I will protect you as long as I can. If you get the chance to flee, go,” he whispered in her ear. “Promise me, you’ll run if you can. Promise me!” he ordered. Nodding, she could feel his racing heartbeat as he held her, both of them knowing that this was the end. One or both of them would be imprisoned momentarily.

She could hear footsteps rushing up the stairs. Those rampant thumps echoed her very own heartbeat, wild and undulating with fear. She expected to see powdered wigs and red uniforms coming through the threshold any moment now. Instead, Samuel’s dark head peered over the railing.

“Are you two finished?” she heard Samuel’s voice break through the protective shell she was building around herself mentally. Her body had been preparing to either spring forth and run like hell… or to fight against being dragged from the house bodily by armed soldiers.

“Samuel!” they both exclaimed together. William helped her stand and raced over to shake his hand. They stood in the bedroom that was becoming progressively smaller and smaller by the number of occupants coming to their aid. “You have to help me get Emeline out of here!”

“Looks like you need a body hauled away,” he said wryly, staring at the soldier and giving him a swift kick. “Not dead yet?”

“No,” William said. “But we both will be, unless he disappears. Or we do!”

“Well, we can’t have one of our ammunitions experts leaving us when war is on the brink of beginning,” Samuel said, clapping him on the back. Emeline could see William’s fear for her in his eyes as he looked at her.

“I can’t have her in danger,” he countered. “You need to get her to safety!”

“No, I agree. We can’t have this lobsterback lying here bleeding everywhere,” Samuel concurred. “I think he should be on the next ship out of the colonies.”

“He will come back for us,” William countered, shaking his head.

“I have a remedy for that as well but it’s not for the ears of ladies,” he said politely towards Emeline. “Are you all right, Mistress?”

“Yes, shaken and concerned. But I am all right thanks to my husband,” she admitted quietly.

“Think you can clean the blood from the floor where your husband has had his revenge?” Samuel asked with a glimmer of laughter in his face. “William, I had no idea you had it in you, you sly fellow.”

“No one will harm my wife while I am alive,” he repeated staunchly.

“I can see this,” Samuel said, clapping him on the back. “There is a fighter in you hidden by your calm demeanor.”

“Go, take his body from here and I will clean the mess,” Emeline said quickly, her voice shaking by the idea that soldiers could come at any time. “If soldiers come…” she trailed off, unable to voice the words.

“I do not believe there was anyone else. However, Benjamin is downstairs as well as Dr. Warren. You will not be alone. There is no reason to be afraid,” Samuel instructed. “They will protect you with their lives if need be.”

“Why?”

“Because you are one of us, Mistress Spencer,” he said with a slight nod of acceptance. “Now, let us be off.”

Samuel bent down to grab the soldier by the scruff of his neck and smiled at the swelling already starting on his bloodied face. “Again, good job, William. Remind me not to anger you,” he said lightly and dragged the limp body down the stairs behind him with not a care for if he was conscious or not. Each thump down the stairs made her flinch as she imagined his body parts hitting each riser, reminding her again how tall the stairs were.

Emeline was aghast at how cold and vicious that seemed, but this was the beginning of an era that would have many things she felt were brutal. People here had already tarred and feathered one man, hangings and brandings were a form of punishment. The idea of dragging a limp body down the stairs shouldn’t surprise her, but it did. She was softer than she realized, she thought as she stared at the unreal scene.

“Emeline? Are you all right, my love?” William asked, pulling her into his arms.

“Just shaken,” she admitted. “What will Samuel do with him?”

“I don’t know, but I trust the man with my life,” he answered, “and yours.”

Nodding, she kissed him quickly at hearing Samuel yell up for William. She stared at his back as he took off after Samuel. She slowly descended the stairs and nodded at the two men that sat calmly at the table talking. When she walked in the room, the both stopped talking.

“I’m fine. Just getting something to clean upstairs,” she said quietly, standing still. Dr. Warren came over and handed her a cup of ale. Nodding, she took a sip and set it down on the table. “I will be back to finish my drink once that mess is cleaned up. Perhaps, I will have something a bit stronger,” she lamented, staring absently at the cup.

Grabbing a wooden bucket and a small cloth, she poured water from a pitcher into the bucket. Benjamin offered to get more water for her should she need it and she just nodded. It seemed so strange not to be able to turn the tap and fill a sink. Numbly, she moved slowly up the stairs carefully and mopped up the splattered blood. As she dunked the rag in the bucket, she realized that a man had almost been beaten to death for touching her. He would have taken her, had William not rescued her. Her tender William had been so angry at him for attempting to harm her, it was heady and humbling at the same time.

She felt herself give in to the range of emotions that were boiling inside of her. Fear that they could have lost their lives, rage that because the soldier decided her home was property of the king they could take everything, including her! This was deemed acceptable in this time period? Helplessness, that she had not been able to fight him off. Shock, that William had beaten the Redcoat to a pulp, mindless in his own fit of rage. She stared at the bloody rag she held and the dark water, her hands shaking. She wanted that sense of comfort and peace that William brought her. His presence gave her such a sense of peace that she had never known before. She felt whole when she was near him.

Emeline finished wiping the floor and rejoined the two men downstairs. Feeling bereft, she listened vaguely as they talked around her, not to her… but then again, she really wasn’t much company. Sipping on the bitter ale, she felt a bit more relaxed physically. But inside, she still felt anxious.

She wanted her William.

“About that? I think I made a mistake,” Eve said stepping forward. Emeline glanced up to see that the men were completely frozen and not moving.

“What do you mean you make a mistake?”

“Well, I have never really been one for details and I just realized that I might have crossed a few wires. Too many cases I’m working on,” she waved her hand carelessly.

“You drowned me, you dumped me here and now you said you made a mistake? I was almost raped and arrested for treason tonight. William is out there and might still be arrested. How on earth did you make a mistake?”

“1770 is easy to confuse with 1870,”

“No, it’s not. That’s a century apart.”

“It’s a detail I missed.”

“How did you miss that? A century, Eve! There’s a century difference! One hundred years! That is outdoor plumbing versus indoor plumbing,” she said angrily.

“You ready to go?”

“Hell no! I’m not going anywhere!”

“Language, Missy,” Eve said quickly, and cleared her throat nervously. “This isn’t going quite like I expected.”

“What did you expect? Me to leap right into your palm and away we go?”

“Well you jumped right in the sack with your new husband,” Eve countered.

“Hello? He is hot and incredibly attractive! Have you seen him?”

“Yes, yes. He is a dapper-looking fellow.”

“Dapper? Really? You sound like an old woman.”

“A fine young man. Okay? You are getting picky over details and, frankly, a bit insulting.”

“One of us has to pay attention to details!! It’s not your strong point, obviously.”

“Why on earth are you still yelling? I’m starting to think you are angry with me.”

“I am angry! If you made a mistake, I am happy with it. You aren’t taking me anywhere and if you do?” she said, getting to her feet angrily.

“What? You will what, little girl? Threaten me?” Eve asked with a knowing smirk.

“No, I don’t know what I will do but you will not remove me from here. I am married to a great guy. A guy that you placed me with! For a set of Stanley tools, no less!”

“You are getting ready to go to war and will be stuck in the middle of it.”

“That was what you dropped me off to do from the very beginning – so why are you wanting to drag me from here now?”

“Drag is such a harsh term.”

“Mistake is a harsh term. ‘Oops, I drowned the wrong girl’ is a harsh term. ‘Oops, you just fuc-‘”

“That’s enough, young lady. I get your drift. You are quite the spitfire, aren’t you?”

Nodding silently, she crossed her arms over her chest. Standing there, she planted her feet wide apart as if it would keep her from being taken away. She glared daggers at Eve. “I’m not leaving William, even if you silence me.”

“Well, what am I supposed to do about your vacant spot?”

“Fill it with someone else. Go find another victim to drown.”

“You are still tender about that, aren’t you?”

“Hello? It hurt like H-E-double hockey sticks.”

“What’s that?”

“HELL! It hurt like hell! Okay? Sheesh! No cursing, but you can’t spell? I’m trying to protect your little virgin ears.”

“I will let that one slide,” Eve said magnanimously, studying her nails.

“Well, that is big of you,” Emeline quipped sarcastically.

“I am a generous person.”

“You’ve told me that before.”

“It’s true.”

“Now, you have been generous with me giving me my soulmate… why don’t you pair up someone else in the next century. Give someone else a chance.”

“Are you sure about that? Cause I am giving you one heck of a chance. He is a hottie, too.”

“No.”

“No?”

“No. N. O. Don’t move me. My ‘puzzle piece’, as you call it, fits just fine here.”

“You sure? I have a cowboy to pair up and… oh, an astronaut! This should be fun!”

“Eve, I am sincerely happy here. Don’t move me. It sounds like you have a challenge on your hands pairing up those two.”

“Should I?”

“Should you what? Seriously woman, are you senile?”

“I could pair up those two but, then again, there is a ballerina and a princess, too. Maybe I should pair them up?”

“You are the divine creature, remember? Relocation specialist?”

“Yes! Yes, I am. Simply divine, I like that. Are you ready to go?”

“NO! Pair someone else up! Leave me here, Eve,” she said with conviction, sitting back down with finality. “Don’t change my placement. I’m home.”

“You sure?”

“YES. Don’t move me, I love my William.”

“I love you, too, Emeline.” She heard his tender voice carry across the room, washing peacefully over her. Standing abruptly, she almost spilled the ale she had been sipping on. She had been nursing that mug for some time just waiting for him to come home. She was exhausted, she couldn’t imagine how tired he must be. William was still healing from his bullet wound, although it didn’t seem to hamper him earlier when he was beating the snot out of the soldier. She realized she didn’t even know that soldier’s name, but then again - it simply didn’t matter. William was all that mattered to her now.

“Come in and sit down. Let me get you something to drink.” She rushed over, fussing over him.

“Thank you, my love.”

“So, you were announcing how much you care for me to Benjamin and Dr. Warren?”

“I guess I couldn’t help myself.”

“I like that about you,” he whispered. “When you can’t help yourself, and lose control.”

“Mmmm, maybe later. We have company now.”

“Not for long if you two are going to act in this fashion,” Dr. Warren countered with an approving smile. “Come along, Benjamin. I believe the newlyweds need to be alone.”

“I should say so!”

It was eerie to see how Eve could pop in and out of a room at will. It was even creepier that she could freeze the occupants to where they couldn’t see or hear her. Emeline guessed that Eve was content with her refusal to leave since she up and poofed out of the room just as quickly as she appeared. The thought of being dropped in the wrong time period did not sit well with Emeline. But when she heard William’s voice, she knew that this was absolutely right. She couldn’t imagine anything better.

Seeing the two men leave into the dark night, she turned and looked at William. Really looked at him. His warm, beautiful eyes drew her right in. She couldn’t imagine staring at another face, another tender expression with such love she felt in her heart right now. Oh yes, he was the right one for her.

“Keep looking at me like that, love, and I will be tempted to take you to bed.”

“Who says we have to be in bed, Husband?” she said huskily. Emeline was supremely satisfied to see his shocked look quickly turn into one of passionate desire. He was incredibly attentive to her needs in bed. She could only imagine how he would react if he knew she was interested in all he had to offer.

“That would be quite… ah… sinful, Emeline.”

“Who would know?” she whispered, enjoying the internal struggle she saw in his eyes as she stepped out of his arms and pulled the window panels closed from prying eyes. She moved to fasten the door and was surprised to have him suddenly behind her, his hands splayed over hers as she fastened the door closed.

“Sinful,” she hesitated, catching her breath, “is outside of marriage.” She glanced over her shoulder at his smoldering eyes that watched her every move a mere hairsbreadth from her. “Inside of our marriage is... pure bliss.” His face looked strained, his eyes molten as he watched her. Giving a shy smile, she turned to him. His arms locked around her as he trapped her within his personal space. “Anything done in love… is right,” she whispered tenderly. “And I love you.”

“I would never harm you or make you regret our handfasting,” he admitted softly, as if he knew the conversation she had with Eve not long ago. “I would die for you, for your love and happiness.”

“I would do the same,” she agreed with a knowing smile. Been there, done that, wrote the book. “You are everything to me.”

She watched his dark head as it descended towards hers. That sexy smile that made her melt and agree to this crazy charade from the very beginning. His lips hesitated only a moment before making sweet, delicious contact. From the first touch to the end, she seemed to leap from her body towards his beautiful form, losing complete awareness of where she was or what she was doing. It was incredibly wanton to feel that closeness, such completion in his arms.

Emeline knew that she was trying to hold herself back to keep it from being over too soon but she was fighting a losing battle. Every touch sent her blood boiling. Every groan made her knees weak. His fingers flew across the front panel of her dress, pulling her breasts forward within his reach.

“I’m sorry they are so small,” she whispered, embarrassed. Glancing down, she saw that she was blushing so much even her bosom had turned pink.

“I adore these,” William said reverently, caressing each delicate tip with his finger. “Perfect in every way and mine for the tasting tonight.” He picked her up and placed her on the table. Staring, she noticed her hands were trembling as she slowly opened his shirt, exposing his chest.

“Maybe you should rest instead and let this heal,” she countered, noticing the angry scar on his side. “There will be time for this when you are feeling back to normal.”

“I need your touch. Would you deny me?” he teased, licking her taut nipple. “Tsk, tsk, telling a hungry man no, Wife?”

“Never,” she sighed in contentment as he peeled the rest of her dress back down to her waist. A cool breeze touched her bare skin as he gathered up the heavy skirts and bundled them on the table next to her. Emeline felt so very exposed and her body quivered with excitement as she watched him let his pants fall, his body ready for hers. Stepping forward, his expression was that of love. She adored how open he was with her. His hand cupped her head, pulling her towards his. His lips devoured her as his other hand touched her body, stroking it and preparing her for him. At her cry of ecstasy, they joined. Her warmth received him, causing both of them to gasp at the sensation.

“Incredible,” he breathed.

“Perfect,” she agreed.

“I believe I want to savor this moment, love.”

“Take your time. I am in no hurry for this to be over.”

“Neither am I,” he admitted huskily, sliding forward again into her. Each thrust caused a burst of pleasure that made her feel as if her soul were climbing and climbing, higher each time. Her fingers dug into his hips, encouraging him forward into a faster pace as she felt the sensations building.

“I thought you weren’t in a hurry?” he said with a light chuckle that broke off as his breath caught.

“I’m not, but my goodness that feels amazing,” she gasped as he thrust forward again, his hands clenching at her bottom through the skirt she still wore. “Can you feel that? I feel like I am ready to explode. So close,” she breathed.

“I’m not going to quit if you come,” he threatened. “I promise I will make you mine over and over again, love.”

“Don’t stop!” she moaned frantically, her body humming with desire. Her breath hitching as he grabbed her roughly, giving in to his urges and slamming into her.

“Such a sweet temptation,” he growled, mindlessly thrusting as he suckled her taut nipples causing her to clench down hard against his body as her orgasm washed over her. It was incredibly hot to see him lose complete control. His tanned body wracked with pent up desire as he fought the waves of pleasure. She recognized it because she was basking in the same feelings.

“Don’t fight it,” she begged. Her body still pulsed as she felt the waves beating at her again. “Make me yours. I want to feel you in me,” she ordered, arching to give him better access to her breasts. Her hand dug into his taut buttocks, as if to force him further into her. The feeling of him deep inside of her was incredible. When he came, he let loose a guttural groan of relief. She could feel him surge into her womb, painting her with his seed.

“I love being your wife,” she whispered against his lips as he leaned up to kiss her.

“And I your husband,” he said tenderly, pulling her close and cradling her against his chest. She listened to his thrumming heartbeat as his body slowly relaxed from his release. Kissing the skin above his heart, she wrapped her arms around him carefully so as to not disturb his wound. “Let’s get you upstairs so you can rest,” she beseeched, already feeling guilty for causing the exhaustion on his face.

“I wouldn’t trade this for the world, love,” he reassured her. “I have nothing without you in my life and I see that now. You’re my reason to fight when it comes time. You are my home, my dreams, my everything,” he pledged. “I don’t know what is coming, but I know that we can face it together.”

“Always.”