Page 127 of Moon Craving

real reason to hate me, not an irrational prejudice."

"Our hatred of the English is not irrational."

She threw her hands in the air. "That is exactly what I mean. If even you, who

considers me a friend, can say something so hurtful, how can you expect every member

of your clan to be more circumspect?"

"I meant no insult, I did not say that I hate you."

Cocking her elbows, she fisted her hands on her hips and just looked at the

maddening man her king had dictated she marry.

Their gazes locked, but she refused to look away. And something told her he never

would.

"You dare to challenge me?"

"Is that what I'm doing? I thought I was disagreeing with you." She could tell right

now this would be an ongoing argument in their marriage.

"I will not allow my people to mistreat you."

"I'm not asking you to. I'm not an idiot. I just want you to give everyone a chance to

get to know me and realize I'm not like Tamara."

Talorc picked Abigail up by the waist and drew her to him. "You are nothing like

that evil bitch."

"I'm not, Talorc. I'm really not." She needed him to believe her.

He didn't reply, but he did kiss her, long and deeply. Kissing led to touching and

touching led to disrobing. Soon, they were writhing together in the furs. By the time she

could string two thoughts together again, she was naked and snuggled atop her

husband's chest.

Sound vibrated through his chest and she knew he had spoken. She lifted her

head, affecting a sleepy yawn. "What?"

"I said you will be the death of me."

"I do not think so. You kissed me, if you will recall."

"You challenged me."

"Considering the consequences, I believe I will have to challenge you more often."

He growled in mock outrage and rolled her under him to begin kissing her yet