Free Wicked Whispers by Tina Donahue

Your wife?”
    He grinned. “Say the word and we shall wed.”
    “If I remain silent on the matter?”
    His smile faded at how she persisted in wounding him, though he didn’t believe she did so intentionally. Her response to his caress and kisses told him what was in her heart. Her trust, however, was another matter. She seemed convinced he’d shackle her will and spirit if they married.
    He’d expect some obedience, of course. What man wouldn’t? But he’d never demand she agree with everything he said and wanted. He needed a woman to stand by his side, not behind or in front of him, as she seemed determined to do. “Your response to me on the ride here said more than words ever could.”
    She sighed. “Enrique.”
    “No. Nothing you say will change my mind on the matter. I offer you my home and protection, while also allowing you to do whatever you want, within reason. Few men would be as permissive.”
    “With my life, my desires, and within whatever you consider reasonable. Very well, allow me to be as permissive with you as you want to be with me. Anyone can clearly see your lust is getting in the way of your good sense. You and I would make a horrible match. To spare you a lifetime of misery at my side, the answer is no.”
    He opened his mouth to retort.
    She held up her hand. “Never suggest I live with you without a chaperone as tongues would wag at my unwed state. Before you enlist Isabella for the position, know this: she will never leave Fernando’s side to watch over my virtue.”
    “Lust is only part of what I feel for you, as you well know. You could live at my castle undetected. We have no reason to announce you staying there.”
    “What of your servants? Are they blind and mute? Or do you hope none of them will gossip?”
    “Each of them and their offspring has been with my family for years and are as loyal to me as I will always be to them. You have two choices. Find a place to store your books on your own, travel alone to villages to heal, not knowing what dangers you face, or accept what I offer. A safe place for you and your books, a chance for you to continue healing.”
    “With you always at my side.”
    She made the prospect sound more horrible than the worst marriage. He should have stormed out but couldn’t, refusing to let her thoughtless words deter him. “I will be at your side on the ride to the villages and our return to the castle. If you prefer I not witness your treatments, I can always remain outside the huts and wait until you finish.”
    “How is that fair to you?” She flapped her hands. “You deserve more.”
    Indeed, he did and hoped to win her over with his endless patience and restraint. Given what she’d just said, Enrique sensed he was already making some progress. “I need your answer.”
    She wrapped her arms around herself.
    He wished he knew the words to convince her that with him nothing bad would happen, only good. Their growing bond, understanding rather than uncertainty, unparalleled love. A future at each other’s side, sons and daughters, a family.
    He could only hope her indecision wouldn’t last so long they’d both be too old to have children.
    She exhaled loudly, seeming to shrink with the loss of air. “Very well.”
    His pulse ticked up. “Very well what?”
    “I will move my books to your castle.”
    He suppressed a grin, not wanting to appear too happy. “Will you move yourself with them?”
    She lifted her face to the ceiling. “You may not like what you see when I heal others.”
    “Will you promise to treat me if I swoon?”
    Her laughter pealed through the space, capturing another piece of his heart. Her subsequent sigh threatened words that might wound him again.
    “Do we leave now?” she asked.
    Although Enrique wanted nothing more, he shook his head. “The guests might see us and wonder what we do. We best wait until everyone departs. During the delay, I can send for one of my carriages. You can use the transport to take