A WHISPER OF ETERNIT

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frowned. "It must have cost a great deal."

"Almost as much as this room," she said, grinning, "butit was worth it."

His gaze caressed her face and then he drew her into his arms once more. "I love you, my wife, more than you will ever know."

"Oh, Dominic," she murmured. "I love you, too."
"You mentioned two presents," he reminded her. A faint blush pinked her cheeks. "So I did. I'll be right back." "Where are you going?"

"Just into the bathroom for a minute."

Going to the closet, she picked up a bag, then went into the bathroom and closed the door.

Dominic stared after her, then, after removing his shirt, he put on the robe. It was a luxurious garment, he thought, fit for a king.

He looked at the bathroom door, wondering what she was doing in there, felt his breath catch in his throat when the door opened and she stepped out clad in a diaphanous white nightgown that was so light, so sheer, it looked as though it had been fashioned of dreams and moonbeams. Her glorious honey-gold hair fell down her back and over her shoulders in soft waves.

She blushed under his frankly admiring gaze.

"You bought that for me?" he asked with a faint grin. "Do you like it?"

"Very much.And it is just my size."

Soft laughter filled the room as she walked toward him. He could see the faint outline of her figure beneath the whisper-soft silk. The scent of her perfume trailed behind her but it was the scent of the woman that intoxicated him. Desire swelled within him. She was his. He could scarcely believe it. After countless years, she was in his arms, warm and willing. The wonder of it, the reality of it, was almost more than he could bear.

With a low cry, he swept her into his arms. Trembling with need, he carried her to bed and laid her on the mattress. Stretching out beside her, he drew her into his arms. With an air of reverence, like a supplicant at the altar, he worshipped her with his hands and his lips, whispering that he loved her, had always loved her.

And she caressed him in return, telling him with every touch, every kiss, that she was his, would always be his.

Her nearness, the intensity of their lovemaking, intensified his power. It swelled within him, cocooning them in a world of preternatural sensations.