Page 65 of Lady Tempts a Rogue

How she wanted to believe him—needed to believe him.

“I shall never disrespect or disregard you again. You are too precious to me. I love you so much that it makes me stupid with giddiness. I want the whole world to know.” He touched her cheek. “And I think… I hope that you love me too.”

Trinity dropped her focus to the sheets across her lap. Running her fingertip across the crocheted edge, she firmed her lips.

If she said the words, she was lost.

No. She was strong. Resilient.

Love was wonderful. Marvelous. Exhilarating. Healing.

She had to choose to trust Devin, to let their love live, thrive, and grow, or she’d crush the gift out of self-preservation and fear of being hurt.

“Trinity?”

Slowly, afraid that he would see the truth in her eyes, she forced herself to meet his smoldering brown gaze.

“How can I make you believe me, my darling? How can we start over?”

She searched his face, seeking the answer they both needed.

“I do not want to start over,” she whispered.

His face fell, pain and regret sharpening his features.

“I want to build on what we had…what we have.” She managed a tremulous smile. “I do forgive you.” She laced her fingers through his, nearly undone because her heart was so full of love. “And I do love you.”

He was beside her on the large bed in an instant, gathering her into his powerful embrace. “Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.”

Stormy popped his little head up and, with a whimper, crawled on top of them and licked Devin’s face.

“He likes you.” Trinity patted Stormy’s head. “I named him Stormy because of the storm the night we married.”

Devin grinned and gave her a swift kiss.

“Well, the little chap needs to find a different place to sleep tonight, for I intend to show my lovely bride just how much I love her.”

Trinity cocked an eyebrow. “Oh, you do, do you?”

“I do,” Devin growled into her neck, nipping the tender flesh there.

“He has a basket in the corner over there.” She pointed to an area beside the armoire.

Devin rose and scooped the little fellow into his arms. After he’d settled Stormy in his bed, he strode to the door. “I shall be back in five minutes.”

After he left, Trinity jumped from the bed and raced to the bureau. She flung garments right and left until she found the night rail she had bought on impulse. Even after he had left her, a part of her still hoped they could be man and wife. A filmy Egyptian-blue, lacy confection, it assuredly was not meant for warmth or modesty.

She swiftly unbuttoned her nightgown, pulled it off, and slid the silk nightgown over her head. It settled in a soft woosh around her ankles.

Unplaiting her hair, she dashed to her dressing table and ran the brush through the thick strands. On impulse, she dabbed perfume behind her ears, at her wrists, and then, with a naughty smile, between her breasts.

She’d just blown out the candle and hopped into bed when Devin gave a brief knock and slipped into the room.

Lord, he was gorgeous, sleek, sinewy masculinity.

Hair damp, he only wore a black and gold striped velvet banyan.

Appreciation for her change of gowns glowed in his eyes.