His eyes closed and then opened, the blue surrounded by a golden glow that sent
shivers through her. "You are perfect for me."
"Even flawed?"
"We are all flawed in one way or another."
Her mother did not ascribe to that theory, but Abigail could thank God that her
husband did. "You are perfect for me."
"As it should be."
Then he went about proving to her just how perfect for her that he was. Big
calloused hands skimmed over her body with touches both gentle and demanding,
drawing forth an uninhibited response. He caressed her neck, her belly, her thighs and
finally her breasts, nipples and that spot of ultimate pleasure between her legs. She cried
out in sheer delight when he entered her, responding eagerly to the long, drawn-out pace
he set.
Her climax took her by surprise, sending her body rigid as she felt his seed, hot and
wonderful, inside her.
They curled together in the furs that she loved better than any wood-and-rope bed
because she and Talorc shared them.
Chapter 17
Abigail could not believe the difference it made in her days having her clan know of
her inability to hear.
She no longer had to constantly maneuver herself so she could see people's
faces. Knowing she needed to read their lips, the clan members made sure they faced her
when they spoke to her. No one got impatient when they had to repeat themselves, and
that made her more willing to ask them to do so. People made sure she "heard" important
news personally, not relying on her overhearing it.
She was aware of what went on around her on a level she had never achieved
before. And it was magnificent. She felt like she truly belonged.
Each day in this new, open environment, she relaxed more. She tried new things,
ventured farther afield in the holding, meeting clan members that did not often visit the
fortress. Guaire was often her companion, but she missed Niall's friendship. That was not