Page 108 of Juliet's Touch

His eyes gleaming with mischief, he flipped through it, emitting guttural sounds.

She half-heartedly walloped his shoulder.

“Ouch.” He rubbed out the spot she’d targeted. “No more punching lessons for you.”

“Soon I will be able to knock you out.” Of course, she would never be able to knock him out, but she’d enjoyed her lessons this past week. Hopefully, someday she’d be able to defend herself from bandits and men like Charles.

“You already knock me out, darling,” he said as he waggled his eyebrows. “With those long, luscious legs and your beautiful hazel eyes.”

“Insufferable man,” she said in jest because the truth was, she loved how playful he’d become in her presence.

“Seriously, I love the book, and we shall put it to good use.” He kissed her cheek. “Thank you.”

She shoved the bigger box onto his lap, accidentally bumping his bare cock.

“Ouch,” he said in a high, squeaky voice.

“Sorry.” She winced.

“I’m teasing,” he said, his voice returning to his rumbling baritone.

“Then hurry up and open it.” She bounced on the mattress as he needled her, moving in slow motion.

Finally, at long last, he lifted the lid and peered into the box. His smile grew until it consumed his face.

“Do you like it?” she asked. “Betty helped me make it.”

He held up a Venetian silk and leather half-mask. In Juliet’s humble opinion, it was rather impressive. He swiveled so that Juliet could tie it in place. When he faced her, she brought her hand to her mouth and gasped with joy. It fit perfectly. The right side ended below his eye, and the left side covered his entire cheek.

“How do I look?” he asked.

Like an erotic phantom. “Like a true avenger,” she said.

He grinned, and lust shot to her core.

He held up the silk domino mask that she and Betty had finished earlier that afternoon. His brow furrowed. “I don’t want to be ungrateful, but this one looks a bit large.”

“Because it’s for Harvey.”

Eric blinked. Then, he chuckled. “I’m sure Harvey will love his disguise.”

“Well, you don’t want anyone to recognize him, do you?”

His shoulders shaking with his deep belly laugh, Eric returned his attention to the gift box. He held up a long, leather bandolier that a tanner had helped fashion.

“That goes over your shoulder,” Juliet explained. “Now you don’t have to run about London with that ridiculously large bag. There is a place for your blade.” She pointed at one of the pockets, then proceeded to indicate all of its attributes, ending with, “There is a special place for an orange, and you can hang a rope from that strap.”

“I’m quite impressed. You thought of everything.” He held up a pair of old-fashioned black breeches, then a linen shirt with extra room in the sleeves. “Including clothing that won’t rip.”Removing the last item, he swished it through the air. The black cape unraveled with a dramaticwhoosh.

“Betty did most of the lettering, but I helped with theR,” she said.

He traced the gold thread of theKRwith his index finger. A single tear dripped down his cheek. “I don’t know what to say.”

Juliet used the pad of her thumb to dry the lone droplet. “What kind of wife would I be if I let you run around London with that hideous sack over your handsome face?”

Eric untied the mask and placed his costume back into the box. He pushed the candle to the side and placed his gifts on his nightstand.

“Come here, you.” He pulled her into his arms and kissed her with all the passion of a man completely and totally in love. Time stood still, and for a few blissful moments, their embrace was all-consuming, and the rest of the world faded away.