Total pages in book: 46
Estimated words: 42873 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 214(@200wpm)___ 171(@250wpm)___ 143(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 42873 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 214(@200wpm)___ 171(@250wpm)___ 143(@300wpm)
Dawn’s smile grew as she tapped her husband’s chest.
“Aye, she is like me and that is what frightens me,” Cree admitted, and he slipped his arm around her waist to give her a tender hug. “And she is much like you as well—courageous—my fearlessness and your courage could prove dangerous for her, not to mention endless worry for us.”
Dawn gave her husband’s cheek a comforting pat before slipping out of his arms, gesturing, then going to the table in their bedchamber to fill two goblets with wine.
“Of course, we will teach her well, but how does she learn there are limits to being a woman?” Cree waited for his wife to protest his remark and was surprised when she didn’t.
Dawn handed her husband a goblet and sighed silently before she gestured.
Cree followed along easily, nodding now and again in agreement as he listened. “Aye, I agree Lizbeth will not limit herself, regardless of the norm, but one day she is bound to face the limits of women placed on them by men and society. What then? Will she be foolish or wise? Or will I, Valan, and Tynan forever need to keep her out of trouble?”
Dawn’s smile spread wide as she gestured.
Cree shook his head. “I want to disagree, but I cannot. She talks herself out of trouble all the time and commands her brothers easily.”
Dawn tapped his chest.
“Once in a while I let her have her way just as I do with you,” Cree said.
Dawn laughed and though it was silent, one could undoubtedly see it was a hardy laugh.
The scowl that threatened Cree’s brow suddenly took hold, tight and deep. “It would be wise to show your daughter that you obey your husband, so she does the same one day.”
Dawn’s brow shot up as her laughter quelled, and she gestured.
There wasn’t a line on Cree’s face that did not deepen even further. “I suppose it pleases you to be right again.”
Dawn shook her head and patted his chest, then continued to gesture.
“Aye, we do know each other well and neither of us would want our daughter wed to a man who commanded her.”
Dawn gestured again.
“I don’t know if my daughter would be lucky to meet and wed a man like me. I can be difficult at times.”
Dawn laid her hand on his chest, then gestured.
“I do love strongly and if I could have anything for Lizbeth it would be for her to find a man who would love her the way I love you, for then I would know she would be well-protected and forever loved.”
Cree bent his head to kiss his wife. It was a gentle, loving kiss, reminding her of how much he loved her and always would.
Dawn rested her cheek to his when the kiss ended, her silent, contented sigh, sending her warm breath to tickle at his ear.
It shivered him down to his core and sparked his passion. And while he would not mind paying it heed, there were other things they needed to discuss. Besides, it was not late. There was time yet before they would retire to their bed. He smiled when Dawn brushed her lips over his and mouthed, later. It was good to know her passion had sparked along with his, but then it usually did.
He reached around her to scoop up her goblet of wine and handed it to her. He settled his hand low on her back and eased her to the two chairs in front of the fireplace. He slipped off his boots and Dawn her shoes and settled in to talk.
“I chastised Lizbeth for taking such a chance on approaching Cavell. She told me she did not take a chance. She knew he would not hurt her.”
Dawn’s brow narrowed in question.
“I asked the same. How did she know that? She told me she could see it in his eyes and that he is a very lonely man and she felt sorry for him. She also told me that she is glad that he and I are friends since she would not like it if I killed him.” Cree shook his head. “Now if I have to kill the man, I am going to feel guilty that I disappointed my daughter.”
Dawn gestured.
“That is true. If he claims to be more friend than foe, then there will be no reason to kill him. And since he came here without anyone’s knowledge, then he is also alerting me that there are those who cannot be trusted in his crew. That would mean Cavell was hired for this mission and the person who hired him sent along some of his own men to make certain things were done his way.” Cree muttered several oaths beneath his breath and Dawn’s brow went up in question. “If Cavell does not have the last say in this abduction it could mean that someone could order William’s death or any of my warriors for that matter. I must find a way to talk with Cavell alone and find out who is truly responsible for the abduction.”