My Lord Immortality (Immortal Rogues #3)(61)

She pretended that it did not matter. After all, she and Sebastian were already as one. His every thought, his every heartbeat, was a part of her. The ceremony was a mere formality; they were already indeed man and wife.

That, and, of course, a prelude to the wedding night...

With a philosophical determination, Amelia kept her thoughts centered upon that pleasant eventuality. She was desperately hungry for the moment Sebastian would at last carry her to the chambers he had refurbished so thoughtfully. His every touch had only intensified her searing desire for him.

A desperation she easily sensed echoed within Sebastian.

The knowledge that she had found her true mate was far more important than a gaggle of curious onlookers, she sternly reminded herself.

Tossing herself into the effort to change the town house from a shrouded mausoleum to something resembling a home, Amelia managed to appear as happy and carefree as any bride-to-be. Even during the brief wedding ceremony and the drive back to their home, Amelia was certain that she had managed to conceal any hint of regret.

It was a certainty that was destroyed the moment Sebastian happily earned her over the threshold and into the front parlor that was filled with guests. In amazement, Amelia had noted several unfamiliar faces that she was certain must be vampires, and, of course, Lucien and Gideon along with their smiling wives.

Her eyes filled with happiness as she glanced up to meet her husband's tender gaze.

He had, of course, known all along. And with his usual efficiency had managed to provide precisely what she desired. Indifferent to the numerous eyes upon them, Amelia pulled his head downward to kiss him with all the love that flowed through her heart.

Loud cheers and clapping at last brought her to her senses, and with decidedly warm cheeks she loosened her grip upon her husband to meet his glittering gaze.

"Welcome home, Mrs. St. Ives," he said softly.

"What did you do with all the dust covers?" she teased as a profound sense of joy bloomed within her heart. The parlor had been one room she had not yet reached with her ruthless refurbishing.

"Do not fear, my dear. I have kept them quite handy so we can replace them the moment we have rid ourselves of these bothersome guests."

Her brows lifted in surprise. "Replace them? Why on earth would we do that?"

The silver eyes glowed with a decidedly wicked light. "Now that you are most certainly mine, Mrs. St. Ives, I intend to keep you far too occupied to concern yourself with entertaining."

Her laughter tinkled through the room. "Why, Mr. St. Ives, is that any way for a proper, always dignified scholar to behave?"

"Well, as a scholar I have always forced myself to know all there is about a subject before coming to a conclusion." His gaze lowered with an aching desire to the fullness of her lips. "You are going to require a most thorough and continuing examination, I fear."

"A most fascinating proposal," she murmured softly.

With a growl he pressed a quick, searing kiss to her lips before reluctantly lowering her to her feet.

"Go enjoy your guests, my love," he husked close to her ear, "before I have them thrown onto the curb."

She reached up to lightly touch his lean cheek. "Patience, Sebastian. We have an eternity together."

His gaze briefly lowered to where the amulet had been returned to the chain about her neck. A smile of pure contentment curved his full lips.

"An eternity. Yes. That should perhaps be just long enough to show you how much I love you."

* * * THE END * * *