She heard him draw in his breath sharply. “I have not been a very loving husband to you,” he said slowly, turning her to face him. “But that will change. You see, Kassia, I have never before wanted a woman as I want you. I never believed a man could truly love a woman, yield to her without losing the essence of his strength.” He gently stroked his hands over her arms, and his voice deepened. “I have not known much gentleness in my life, Kassia, yet I know now that I would never willingly hurt you again. I love you, and because I love you, I want you to come home with me.”
She gazed up at him, her breath caught in her throat. “But you cannot love me,” she cried. “You do not trust me!”
“I would trust you with my life,” he said simply.
“Has . . . has Blanche finally admitted the truth to you?”
“No, I have heard nothing from Blanche.”
“Then why? Why are you acting this way? Why are you saying these things to me? I told you that you would not lose Belleterre! Do you wish my father also to assure you of that fact?”
His grip on her arms tightened slightly. “I see that if there is trust to be gained, it is you to learn that I can be believed. No, do not raise that little chin of yours at me, though it is a delightful part of you. Will you consent to believe me, Kassia?”
She stared at him numbly, her eyes wide with confusion.
“Will you consider forgiving me for all I have done to you? Can you still love me?”
She lowered her head from his intense gaze. “I have no choice but to love you. But . . . but I am not Chandra! I have not the talent to be as she!”
He drew her close, gently pressing her cheek against his chest. She could feel the deep rumbling of laughter as he stroked his hands down her back. “I once told Guy that Chandra is a prince among women. I wish to be with a princess, my lady. I wish to love you, watch you smile and laugh, watch your small belly grow with our children.
“I want to hear you cry out your passion for me when I love you. Kiss me, Kassia.”
She felt her heart expand with such happiness that she could scarcely think straight. Mutely she raised her head. She felt his hands cup her buttocks and raise her from the floor, fitting her belly against him. He kissed her very gently, lightly nipping at her lower lip. She gasped with the pleasure of it, and parted her lips to his tongue.
She felt his powerful body tremble with need for her. Her breasts felt swollen, as if he had caressed them. “Graelam,” she whispered softly into his mouth.
He laid her on her back onto the bed. “Will you let me love you now, Kassia?”
He made no move to touch her, but waited patiently for her to answer him. “Aye,” she said. “I want you to love me. It has been so long . . . and you taught me too well.”
She saw his dark eyes leap at her words. Slowly, as if she were a precious treasure, he undressed her, pausing as he removed each article of clothing to caress and kiss her. When her breasts were bare to his gaze, he smiled down at her. “You are more beautiful than I remembered. So delicate.” Slowly he began to kiss her breasts, circling her taut nipples, teasing her. When he heard her moan softly, he eased the rest of her clothes from her body. “By all the saints,” he said in a husky, deep voice, his hands following his eyes to stroke her ribs and belly, “you are the most lovely of God’s creations.”
“Not so beautiful and perfect as you are,” she said, her eyes sweeping down his body.
“And just how many men have you seen naked?” he gently mocked her.
“If ever I see another man naked, I should likely laugh, for no man could look as you do.”
His fingers found her, and she gasped, her hips arching up of their own volition.
“You are so warm, so ready for me,” he said, fitting himself beside her. He continued to caress her rhythmically as he looked directly into her eyes. He watched them grow smoky with burgeoning desire, and felt his entire being expand with pleasure when she cried out softly for him. But he held himself back. Slowly, with infinite care, he eased himself between her legs. He lifted her hips in his hands and lowered his mouth to her. She jerked upward, crying out. He reveled in her pleasure. She was shuddering in the rippling aftermath when he slowly rose over her and eased into her. She raised her hips to receive him, and gasped as he filled her. She whimpered softly, her hands clutching his back as he thrust into her. She repeated his name again and again, and when he tensed over her, she felt herself opening even more to him, welcoming the seed that burst from his body deep within her.
She welcomed his weight, holding him tightly against her.
“Nay, love,” he said softly, “I am too heavy for you.” Gently he eased out of her and turned her on her side to face him.
“Thank you,” Kassia said, turning her face into his shoulder.
“For what?”
“For loving me.”
“You will never doubt it again. Now I will let you sleep before I hear you moan with pleasure again. The shadows under your eyes are interesting, but I would prefer you lost them.”
“I too,” she murmured. She fell asleep in a cocoon of warmth. She woke slowly, disoriented, until she felt a surge of pure pleasure warm her belly. Graelam was deep inside her, still facing her, his fingers stroking her.
“I love you,” she whispered, and pressed herself tightly against him.