The Gift

Chapter Sixteen

She damn near killed him.

Tortured screams echoed into the street. The carriage hadn't come to a complete stop before Nathan jumped to the pavement and started up the steps. The god-awful screaming made him crazed with fear for his Sara-so crazed, in fact, that he didn't stop to notice it was a man's voice making all the noise. He didn't stop to open the door, either. He went through it. The frame bounded off his shoulder and landed with a thud on Henry Winchester's head. The heavy piece of wood muffled some of the louder cries.

Nathan wasn't at all prepared for the sight he came upon. He was so stunned, he stopped dead in his tracks. Caine and Sir Richards crashed into his back. Caine let out a low grunt. He felt as though he'd just run into a block of steel. Both he and Sir Richards recovered their balance and moved to the side to see what held Nathan transfixed.

It was difficult for the men to take in. Henry Winchester was shriveled up in a fetal position on the floor in the center of the large foyer. His hands were clutching his groin. The man was literally writhing about in agony, and when he rolled over their way Sir Richards and Caine immediately noticed his bloody nose.

Nathan was staring at Sara. She was standing at the bottom of the steps. She looked thoroughly composed, absolutely beautiful, and completely unharmed.

She was all right. The bastard hadn't gotten to her. Yes, she was all right. Nathan kept repeating that fact inside his mind in an attempt to calm down.

It didn't work. His hands were shaking. He decided he needed to hear her tell him she was all right before he could start breathing normally again.

"Sara?" Nathan whispered her name in such a hoarse whisper, he doubted she could hear him above the racket her Uncle Henry was making. He tried again. "Sara? Are you all right? He didn't hurt you, did he?"

The anguish in her husband's voice was almost her undoing. Tears filled her eyes, and she realized that Nathan was just as misty. The look on his face made her heart ache. He looked so… scared, so vulnerable… so loving.

Dear God, he did love her. It was so apparent to her.

You love me, she wanted to shout. She didn't, of course, because there were other people present. But he loved her. She couldn't speak, couldn't quit smiling.

She started toward her husband, then remembered her audience. She turned to Caine and Sir Richards and made a perfect curtsy.

Caine grinned. Sir Richards was in the middle of an acknowledging bow when he caught himself. "What happened here?" he demanded in a fluster of authority.

"Damn it, Sara, answer me," Nathan strangled out at the same time. "Are you all right?"

She turned her gaze to her husband. "Yes, Nathan. I'm quite all right. Thank you for inquiring."

She looked down at her uncle. "Uncle Henry had a little mishap," she announced.

The director bent on one knee and lifted a remnant of the door away from Henry's chest. "I surmised as much, my dear," he said to Sara. He tossed the piece of wood aside, then frowned at Henry. "For the love of God, man, quit that weeping. It isn't dignified. Did the door fell you when Nathan came charging through? Speak up, Winchester. I can't catch a word of your blubbering."

Caine had already put the pieces together. Sara was rubbing the back of her right hand in what appeared to be an attempt to work out the sting. Henry was clutching his groin.

"Uncle Henry had his mishap before the door fell on him," Sara explained. She sounded incredibly cheerful, and she was smiling at Nathan when she made that statement. Nathan still wasn't calm enough to reason it through. He couldn't understand why his wife looked so damned pleased with herself. Hadn't she realized the danger she'd been in? Hell, his nerves still felt as raw as a fresh wound.

Then she was slowly walking toward him, and all he could think about was taking her into his arms. He was never going to let go of her, not even when he lectured her on her sinful habit of taking off on her own.

Caine's smile proved catching. The director found himself smiling, too, though he still didn't know what was so amusing. He stood up and turned to Sara. "Please satisfy my curiosity and tell me what happened."

She wasn't about to explain. If she told him exactly what she'd done, the director would certainly be appalled by her unladylike behavior.

Nathan wouldn't be appalled. He'd be proud of her. Sara couldn't wait until they were alone and she could give him all the details, blow by satisfying blow.

"Uncle Henry tripped over a walking stick," she said, unable to stop smiling.

Nathan finally came out of his stupor and took a good look around him. Sara had just reached his side when he grabbed hold of her and stared intently at the red splotches on the back of her right hand.

That low growl she found adorable was working its way up Nathan's throat. She could also see the rage coming over him. She wasn't at all frightened, however, for she knew he would never turn his anger against her.

She didn't want him to get all worked up on her behalf. Sara wrapped her arms around her husband's waist and hugged him tight. "I'm really all right, Nathan," she whispered. "You mustn't worry so."

She rested the side of her face against his chest. The hammering of his heart indicated that her soothing words hadn't calmed him at all. Yet his voice was deceptively calm when he asked, "Did you have the walking stick, or did he?"

"He had the stick when he started up the steps to get me," she explained. "He grabbed it from the umbrella stand."

Nathan pictured it in his mind. He tried to peel her hands away. "Nathan? It's over now. He didn't strike me."

"Did he try?"

She felt as if she were clinging to a statue, so rigid had his stance become. She let out a little sigh, increased her hold on him, and then answered, "Yes, but I wouldn't let him hit me. I remembered your instructions, and I evened the odds, just as you promised I would in such a situation. As to that," she added, "I also had the element of surprise on my side. Uncle Henry isn't at all used to having women defend themselves. He looked… astonished when he fell backwards."

"Caine? Take Sara outside and wait for me. Richards, go with them."

All three of them told Nathan no at the same time. They all had different reasons. Caine didn't want the mess of getting rid of the body. Sara didn't want Nathan to go to the gallows. Sir Richards didn't want the paperwork.

Nathan was still rigid with fury when they'd finished giving him their arguments. He couldn't get Sara out of his arms long enough to rip the Winchester bastard apart. He found the situation extremely frustrating. "Damn it, Sara, if you'll just let me-"

"No, Nathan."

His sigh was long. She knew she'd won. She was suddenly in a hurry to get him alone so that she could win another victory. Come hell or his hide, she would get him to tell her he loved her.

"Nathan, we can't leave until I know Mama's going to be safe," she whispered. "But I want to go home with you now. What are you going to do about this problem?" She didn't give him time to answer. "I meant to say, Nathan, what are we going to do about this problem?"

Her husband wasn't one to give up easily. He still wanted to kill her uncle. He considered his plan a perfectly logical one. It would not only eliminate Sara's worry about her mother's safety, but it would also give him the tremendous satisfaction of putting his fist through the man's face. He kept staring at the walking stick and thinking of the damage a man could inflict with such a weapon. Henry could have killed her.

Caine came up with a nice solution. "You know, Nathan, Henry looks in need of a long rest. Perhaps a sea voyage to the colonies would be just the ticket to improve his health."

Nathan's mood immediately brightened. "See to it, Caine."

"I'll give him to Colin and let him arrange the details," Caine said. He lifted Henry up by the nape of his neck. "A few ropes and a gag are all the baggage he'll be needing."

Sir Richards nodded agreement. "I'll wait here until your mother returns, Sara. I'll explain that your uncle had a sudden desire to take a long trip. I'm also going to wait for your father. I want to have a few words with him, too. Why don't you and Nathan run along now? Take my carriage and have my driver return for me later."

Henry Winchester had regained enough of his sensibilities to make a doubled-over dash for the doorway. Caine deliberately shoved him toward his brother-in-law.

Nathan seized his opportunity. He slammed the back of his fist into Henry's stomach. The blow sent Sara's uncle back to the floor for another bout of writhing.

"Feel better, Nathan?" Caine asked.

"Immensely," Nathan answered.

"What about the papers you had drawn up?" Sir Richards asked Nathan.

"Bring them to Farnmount's ball tonight. We'll borrow Lester's library for a few minutes. Sara and I should get there around nine."

"I'll have to go back to the office to fetch them," the director said. "Set the meeting for ten, Nathan, just to be on the safe side."

"May I ask what it is you're discussing?" Sara interjected.

"No."

Her husband's abrupt answer irritated her. "I don't want to go out tonight," she announced. "I have something most important to discuss with you."

He shook his head. "You will have faith in me, woman," he muttered as he dragged her out the doorway.

She let out a gasp. "Of all the galling things to say to me…"

She stopped when he turned and lifted her into the carriage. His expression looked bleak. She noticed his hands were shaking, too.

He wouldn't let her sit next to him but took his place across from her. When he stretched out his long legs she was trapped between them.

As soon as the carriage started forward he turned and stared out the window.

"Nathan?"

"Yes?"

"Are you having… aftermath now?"

"No."

She was disappointed, for she hoped he'd need to vent his frustration the way she had when she'd experienced aftermath. The memory of just how her husband had helped her get over her tension made her face turn pink.

"Don't men have aftermath after they fight?"

"Some do. I shouldn't have hit Henry in front of you," he said. He still wouldn't look at her.

"Do you mean that if I hadn't been there, you wouldn't have hit him, or that you regret-"

"Hell, yes, I would have hit him," Nathan muttered. "I just shouldn't have struck the bastard in front of you."

"Why?"

"You're my wife," he explained. "You shouldn't be a witness to… violence. In future I will refrain from-"

"Nathan," she interrupted, "I didn't mind. Truly. There are times when it will happen again. I am opposed to violence," she added in a rush, "but I will admit that there are times when a sound punch is just the thing. It can be quite invigorating."

He shook his head. "You wouldn't let me kill the pirates, remember?"

"I let you hit them."

He shrugged. Then he let out a loud sigh. "You are a lady. You're delicate and feminine, and I will behave like a gentleman when I'm with you. That's the way it's going to be, Sara. Don't argue with me."

"You've always been a gentleman with me," she whispered.

"The hell I have," he countered. "I'll change, Sara. Now cease this talk. I'm trying to think."

"Nathan? Were you worried about me?"

"Hell, yes, I was worried."

He'd bellowed his answer. She held her smile. "I really would like you to kiss me."

He didn't even look at her when he responded, "No."

"Why not?"

"It has to be right, Sara."

What in heaven's name did that mean? "It's always right when you kiss me."

"I'll ruin everything if I kiss you."

"You aren't making any sense."

"Tell me what happened with Henry," he ordered.

She let out a little sigh. "I hit him… there."

A soft smile changed his frown. "Did you remember how to make a proper fist?"

She decided she wouldn't answer him until he looked at her. A long moment passed before he finally gave in.

He was fighting one hell of a battle to keep his hands off her. He thought he was winning the fight, too, until she smiled at him and whispered, "I knew you would be proud of me. Most gentlemen would have been appalled, though."

He roughly pulled her into his lap. His fingers were already twisting into her hair. "I'm not most," he said an instant before his mouth came down on hers. His tongue swept inside her mouth to taste, to caress, to tease. He couldn't get enough of her, couldn't get close enough, soon enough.

He kissed the side of her neck while he worked on the buttons at the back of her dress. "I knew if I touched you, I wouldn't be able to stop."

He'd lost all control. The carriage stopped, but only Sara realized that fact. She made him button her up again. It took him much longer, for his hands were shaking.

Nathan dragged her by her hand inside the townhouse. Jade smiled at the couple when they went flying up the stairs.

Nathan regained a little of his control by the time they reached their bedroom. He opened the door for her. Sara was already reaching behind her back to get the buttons undone again on her way over to the bed. She stopped when she heard the door slam.

She turned around to find that she was all alone. Nathan had left her. She was too astonished to react for several minutes. Then she let out an outraged scream. She pulled the door open and went running down the hallway.

Jade caught her at the landing. "Nathan just left. He said to tell you to be ready to leave by eight. He also suggested I lend you a gown, since your trunk is still on board the Seahawk."

"How could he have told you all that and have left already?"

Jade smiled. "My brother acted as though he had the devil on his tail," she said. "He finished his instructions from the walkway out front. He's going to meet us later, Sara. He must have some business to attend to-at least I think that's what he added when he jumped into Caine's carriage and took off."

Sara shook her head. "Your brother is rude, inconsiderate, arrogant, stubborn…"

"And you love him."

Her shoulders sagged. "Yes, I love him. I believe he might love me, too," she added in a mutter. "He might not truly realize it yet, or he might just be a little afraid. Oh, I don't know anymore. Yes, of course he loves me. How can you believe he doesn't?"

"I'm not arguing with you, Sara. I believe Nathan loves you, too," she added with a nod. "It's quite obvious to me, as a matter of fact. He's so… rattled. He's always been a man of few words, but now he doesn't even make sense when he mutters."

Sara's eyes filled with tears. "I want him to tell me he loves me," she whispered.

Jade was full of sympathy. She patted Sara's hand and led her to her bedroom.

"Do you know that I'm everything Nathan could ever want in a wife? No one could love him as much as I do. Please don't consider me inferior. I'm really not. I'm just very different from you, Jade."

Nathan's sister turned from the wardrobe to stare incredulously at Sara. "Why would you think I would ever consider you inferior?"

Sara stammered out her explanation of how the men on board the Seahawk had constantly compared her to Jade, and how she'd always lost the contest. "And then the pirates attacked, and I was able to redeem myself in their eyes."

"I would imagine so," Jade agreed.

"I also have courage," Sara said. "I'm not boasting, Jade. Nathan did convince me that I'm very courageous."

"We're both loyal to our husbands, too," Jade said. She turned back to her wardrobe and continued to sort through, looking for an appropriate gown.

"Nathan only likes me to wear high-necked gowns," Sara said.

"That's telling, isn't it?"

"I usually try to be accommodating."

Jade didn't dare let Sara see her expression. The anger in her sister-in-law's voice made her want to laugh. The poor love was getting all worked up again.

"Perhaps, Jade, that is the problem," Sara announced. "I've been too accommodating. I'm always telling Nathan how much I love him. And do you know what his answer always is?" She didn't give Jade time to guess. "He grunts. Honest to God, that's what he does. Well, no more, thank you."

"No more grunting?" Jade asked.

"No more accommodating. Find me the lowest-cut gown in your closet."

Jade did laugh then. "That should push Nathan right over the edge."

"I do hope so," Sara answered.

Five minutes later Sara held an ivory-colored gown in her arms.

"I only wore the dress once, and not out of the house, so no one's seen it. Caine wouldn't let me keep it on."

Sara loved the gown. She thanked Jade several times, then started out of the room. She suddenly stopped and turned around. "May I ask you something?"

"We're sisters now, Sara. You may ask me anything."

"Do you ever cry?"

Jade hadn't expected that question. "Yes," she answered. "All the time, as a matter of fact."

"Has Nathan ever seen you cry?"

"I don't know if he has or not."

From Sara's crestfallen expression Jade realized that wasn't the answer she was hoping for. "Now that I think about it, yes, he has seen me cry. Not as often as Caine, of course."

"Oh, thank you for sharing that confidence with me. You have no idea how happy you've just made me."

Sara's smile was radiant. Jade was pleased, though she admitted to herself she still didn't know exactly what Sara was so thrilled about.

Two hours later Jade and Caine patiently waited in the foyer for Sara to make her appearance. Jimbo paced back and forth by the front door.

Jade was dressed in a dark green silk gown with embroidered cap sleeves. The neckline showed only the barest hint of bosom. Caine still frowned over it before he muttered that she looked beautiful. He wore his formal attire, and she told him he was the most handsome devil in the world. Then Jimbo started nagging them about making certain someone stayed by Sara's side all evening.

"Don't let her out of your sight until Nathan shows up to take over," Jimbo ordered for the fifth time.

Sara drew everyone's attention when she started down the steps. Jimbo let out a low whistle. "Nathan's going to see red when he gets a look at our Sara."

Both Jade and Caine agreed. Sara looked magnificent. Her hair was unbound, and the soft curls swayed about her shoulders with each step she took.

The virginal-colored dress was extremely low-cut and ended in a deep V between her breasts. It was the most provocative gown Caine had ever seen. He remembered it, too. "I thought I tore that thing when I helped you get undressed," he whispered.

His wife blushed. "You were in a hurry, but you didn't tear it."

"Nathan's going to," Caine whispered back.

"Then you think my brother will like it?"

"Hell, no, he won't like it," Caine predicted.

"Good."

"Jade, sweet, I'm not so certain this is such a good idea. Every man at the ball is going to be lusting after Sara. Nathan's going to have a fit."

"Yes."

Sara reached the foyer and made a curtsy to her audience.

"You needn't be so formal with us," Caine said.

Sara smiled. "I wasn't," she said. "I was just making certain I wouldn't fall out of this dress when I do have to curtsy."

"What about when your husband has his hands around your neck and he's strangling you?" Jimbo asked. "Will the gown prove sturdy enough, do you suppose?"

"I'm going to find her a cloak," Caine said.

"Nonsense," Jade argued. "It's too warm for a cloak."

The argument continued even after they were on their way.

The duke and duchess of Farnmount lived a scant mile outside of London proper. Their home was gigantic in diameter, with impressive manicured lawns circling the terraces. Hired servants held torches along the side of the road, lighting the way.

"Rumor has it that the prince has tried to buy Farnmount's residence," Caine said. "He won't give it up, of course."

"Yes," Jade agreed, though she was barely paying attention to her husband's remarks. She was watching Sara. "You look flushed to me," she said. "Are you feeling well?"

"She's fine," Caine said.

Sara wasn't fine, though. Her mind raced with her worries. "The Winchesters will be there tonight," she suddenly blurted out. "None of the men would dare offend the duke and duchess. I don't understand, though, why this is the only affair the St. James family attends."

Caine grinned. "It's the only affair they're invited to attend," he explained.

"I worry about Nathan," Sara suddenly blurted out.

"Jimbo, I wish you could come inside, too. Caine may need your assistance watching out for my husband."

"The boy will be all right," Jimbo answered. He patted Sara's hand. "Quit your fretting."

No one said another word until the carriage drew to a stop in front of the mansion. Jimbo jumped down, then turned to assist Sara. "I'll be standing right beside this carriage. When you've had enough, just step outside the front door, and I'll spot you."

"She'll stay with us until Nathan arrives," Caine said.

Sara nodded. She took a deep breath, lifted the hem of her skirt, and went up the steps.

The ballroom was located on the top level of the four-story structure. The stairway leading up was a blaze of candles and fresh flowers.

A butler stood next to the entrance to the ballroom. There were three steps leading down to the dance area. Caine handed his invitation to the servant, then waited until the bell was dutifully rung. It was a signal to the other guests crowding the floor. Few paid attention, other than to give a quick look up toward the entrance, for a waltz was in progress, and they were busy concentrating on their footwork.

"The earl of Cainewood and his wife, Lady Jade," the butler announced in a loud, booming voice.

It was Sara's turn next. She handed the man the invitation Caine had given her, then stood by his side until the introduction was made.

"Lady Sara St. James."

He might as well have shouted fire. The announcement had just the same force. A low murmur began in the middle of the crowd, and by the time everyone had added their whisper the sound had increased to earthquake proportions.

One couple actually bumped into another as the man and woman strained to get a better look at Sara.

She held her head high and stared down at the crowd. She prayed she looked composed. Then Caine took hold of her hand. Jade moved to Sara's other side and took hold of her other hand.

"Sara, dear, have you noticed that the Winchesters are all squeezed up together on the right side of the ballroom, and the St. James are all on the left? One might be led to conclude that the two families don't get along."

Jade had made those remarks. Sara broke into a smile. Her sister-in-law had sounded so perplexed. "Rumor has it they don't particularly like each other," Sara teased back.

"I think we'll take up the middle so as not to show partiality," Caine announced as he led the ladies down the steps.

"Nathan isn't here yet, is he?" Jade asked. "Sara, do keep smiling. Everyone's gawking at you. It's the dress, I imagine. You look positively stunning tonight."

The next hour was a trial. Sara's father was in attendance. He made quite a show of giving his daughter the cut direct. When she looked over to the Winchester side of the ballroom the guests turned their backs on her.

Everyone noticed the slight, of course. Caine was furious on Sara's behalf until he looked at her face and saw that she was smiling. He relaxed then.

Dunnford St. James hadn't missed the cut, either. The leader of the St. James clan let out a loud snort, then strolled over to speak to his nephew's wife.

Dunnford was a large, square-framed man with far more muscle than fat. His hair was gray, thinning, and cut as short as a squire's in olden days. He had a full beard, broad shoulders, and looked ill at ease in his formal black attire and crooked starched cravat.

Caine thought he was prettier than his wife.

"What do we have here?" he bellowed when he stopped directly in front of Sara. "This be Nathan's woman?"

"You know perfectly well who she is," Caine answered. "Lady Sara, have you met Dunnford St. James?"

Sara made a formal curtsy. "It is a pleasure to meet you," she said.

Dunnford looked bewildered. "Are you jesting with me?"

Now she looked confused. "I beg your pardon?"

"She has manners, Dunnford. Surprising in a St. James, isn't it?"

A sparkle entered the older man's eyes. "She just became a St. James. She'll have to prove herself before I'll welcome her."

Sara took a step toward Dunnford. That surprised him more than the curtsy had. He was used to having women back away from him. They never smiled, either. This one, he concluded bleakly, was different.

"How shall I prove myself to you?" Sara asked. "Should I shoot one of your brothers to gain your approval, do you suppose?"

She was jesting. He took her suggestion to heart. "Well, now, I suppose it would depend upon which brother you shot. Tom's always a good choice."

"For God's sake, Dunnford, Sara was teasing you."

Dunnford grunted. "Then why'd she offer?"

Caine shook his head. "It was a jest in reference to the time you shot your brother," he explained.

Dunnford rubbed his beard. His grin was devilish. "So you heard about that little misunderstanding, did you? Tom doesn't hold a grudge," he added. "Pity, that. A good feud livens up a family."

Before anyone could remark upon that outrageous remark Dunnford let out a low growl. "Where's your husband? I'm wanting a word with him."

"He should be here any minute," Caine said.

"Where is your wife?" Sara asked. "I would like to meet her."

"Whatever for?" Dunnford countered. "She's probably in the dining room seeing about my meal."

"Aren't you going to say hello to me?" Jade asked her uncle. "You're pretending I'm not even here. Are you still upset because I gave Caine a daughter and not a son?"

"You carrying again yet?" Dunnford asked.

Jade shook her head.

"Then I ain't speaking to you until I get a nephew." He turned to Caine. "You bedding her proper?" he demanded.

Caine grinned. "Every chance I get," he drawled out, Sara turned red with embarrassment. She noticed that Jade was trying not to smile. Dunnford was giving Nathan's sister a hard glare. Then he turned to Sara again, and suddenly the older man reached out and clasped the sides of her hips with his big hands.

"What are you doing?" Caine demanded in a whisper. He tried to push Dunnford's hands away.

Sara was too astonished by the bold action to move. She simply stared down at his hands.

"I'm taking her measure," Dunnford announced. "She don't look wide enough to bring a babe into the world. The skirt could be deceiving," he added with a nod. "Aye, you might be wide enough."

He was now staring at her chest. Sara's hands immediately covered her bosom. She wasn't about to let him measure anything else.

"I can see you got yourself enough to feed the babe. Are you carrying yet?"

Her face couldn't possibly turn any hotter. She took a step forward. "You will behave yourself," she whispered. "If you touch me again, sir, I will strike you. Are you completely without manners?"

Dunnford guessed he was. When he said so, Sara took yet another step toward him. Caine was amazed by her boldness. Just as astonishing was the fact that Dunnford actually backed up. "I would like a cup of punch, Uncle Dunnford," Sara said then. "It would be proper for you to fetch it for me."

Dunnford shrugged. Sara let out a sigh. "I do suppose I could ask one of the Winchesters to fetch it for me," she said then.

"They'd spit on you first," Dunnford announced. "You're swaying toward our side of the family, aren't you?"

She nodded. He grinned. "I'll be happy to fetch a drink for you."

Sara watched her uncle force his way through the crowd. There was a line waiting for the servant to ladle out a portion of the pink punch. Dunnford pushed the line of guests aside with a hard shove.

"I wouldn't drink any of the punch if I were you," Caine drawled out after Dunnford picked up the giant punch bowl and took several long gulps. He put the bowl back on the table, then dunked a cup into the liquid and turned to walk back across the room.

He wiped his beard with the back of his hand when he presented the cup to Sara.

Caine noticed there was no longer a line in front of the punch bowl. He reached out and grabbed the punch so that Dunnford couldn't accidentally spill the pink liquid on Sara.

"Tell Nathan I'm wanting a word with him," Dunnford announced once again. He added a frown to his reminder, then turned his back and walked over to the far side of the room where his relatives were standing.

Sara noticed the other guests made a wide path for the man. She decided then that he was very like Nathan.

"The marquess of St. James."

The shouted announcement drew everyone's attention. Sara turned to look up at the entrance. Her heart started beating frantically at the sight of her husband. She'd never seen him dressed in formal attire before. It was a bit overwhelming. His hair was bound behind his neck, and he wore the black jacket and pants like a mighty king. The arrogance in both his stance and his expression made her knees weak.

She instinctively started to walk toward him.

It was easy for Nathan to find his wife in the crowd. As soon as his name had been announced the guests had all moved toward the corners. Sara stood all alone in the center of the dance floor.

She looked magnificent to him. She was so delicate, so exquisite, so… damned naked.

Nathan bounded down the stairs toward his wife. He was already taking his jacket off.

As soon as Nathan came down the steps the Winchesters started forward. The St. James men immediately imitated that action.

Caine nudged Jade. "Go sit down," he whispered. "There could be trouble, and I don't want to have to worry about you."

Jade nodded. She wanted Caine's mind solely on protecting her brother. Then she spotted Colin coming down the steps. From the bulge under his jacket she surmised he was armed for any eventuality.

Nathan had his jacket off, but when he reached Sara he couldn't remember what he was supposed to do with it.

"Sara?"

"Yes, Nathan?"

She waited for him to say something more.

He seemed content to stand there and stare at her. Her love was so apparent in her gaze. Her smile was tender. Dear God, he thought, he was unworthy of her, and yet she loved him.

He broke out in a cold sweat. He started to reach for the handkerchief Colin had stuffed in his pocket, then realized he was holding the coat in his hands. He couldn't imagine why. He put it back on. He couldn't take his gaze off his beautiful wife, and his arm got all caught up in the sleeve, but he finally righted the thing.

Sara stepped forward and adjusted his cravat just so, then moved back again.

And still he couldn't speak to her. God, it had to be right, he told himself. She deserved that much. No, no, it had to be perfect for her, not just right, he decided once again. He'd take her down to the library, get the papers signed, and then he'd…

"I love you, Sara." His voice sounded as if he'd just had a taste of her soup.

She made him tell her again. Her eyes were filled with tears, and he knew she'd heard him the first time. "I wasn't supposed to say that-not yet, anyway," he muttered. "I love you."

Her expression didn't change. His did. He looked as though he was going to be sick.

She took pity on him. "I know you love me, Nathan. It took me a long while to realize it-almost as long as it took for you to come and fetch me-but I know now. You've loved me for a long time, haven't you?"

His relief was obvious. "Why didn't you tell me you knew?" he demanded in a whisper. "Damn it, Sara, I went through hell."

Her eyes widened, and her face turned pink. "You went through hell? You're the one who refused to have any faith in me. You're the one who would never tell me what was in your heart. I told you all the time, Nathan."

He shook his head. His grin was sheepish. "No, Sara, not all the time. You told me once a day. Some days you waited until after dinner. I'd find myself getting nervous."

She took a step toward him. "You waited each day for me to tell you I loved you?"

He could tell from her expression that she was pleased with his confession. "Will you marry me?" he asked her in a fervent whisper. He'd leaned down until he was almost touching her forehead. "I'll get down on one knee if you want me to, Sara. I won't like it," he added in a rush of honesty. "But I'll do it. Please marry me."

She had never seen her husband so rattled. Telling her what was in his heart was obvious torture for him. It made her love him all the more, of course. "Nathan, we're already married, remember?"

Their audience was enthralled. The couple staring so lovingly into each other's eyes was such a romantic spectacle. Women dabbed at their eyes with their husbands' handkerchiefs.

Nathan had forgotten all about the other guests. He was desperately trying to get his plan completed so he could take Sara home.

"We have to go down to the library," he announced. "I want you to sign a paper breaking the contract."

"All right, Nathan," she answered.

Her ready agreement didn't surprise him. She'd always had such trust in him. He was still humbled by her faith. "My God, Sara, I love you so much, it… hurts."

She solemnly nodded. "I can see that it does," she whispered. "Are you getting seasick?"

He shook his head. "After you sign your paper, I'll sign mine," he stated.

"Why are you signing papers?" she asked.

"I'm also going to break the contract. I don't want the inheritance. I already have the greatest gift of all," he whispered. "I have you." His smile was filled with tenderness when he added, "You're everything I could ever want."

She started crying. He couldn't stop himself from pulling her into his arms. He leaned down and kissed his wife. She kissed him back.

A collective sigh came from the women in the crowd.

Yet Nathan's hope that the evening would turn out to be perfect for his wife was not completely fulfilled. By the St. James family's standards it was a huge success. By everyone else's standards it was a nightmare.

No one, however, would ever forget the brawl.

It began innocently enough when Nathan turned to take Sara to the library. She tugged on his hand to make him stop.

"I believe you love me, Nathan," she said when she had his full attention again. "You don't have to give up the king's gift just to prove it."

"Yes, I do," he returned. "I want to show you how much I love you. It's the only way you're going to believe me. You've given me your love for so long, and I've given you nothing but aggravation. It's penance, Sara. I have to do this."

She shook her head. "No, you don't have to do this. Nathan, you will show me you have faith in me and my love by not giving up the gift. You waited long years for that inheritance, and you're going to keep it."

"My mind's made up, wife."

"Unmake it," she countered.

"No."

"Yes."

She could tell from the set look on his face that he was determined to make a noble sacrifice for her. She was just as determined not to let him.

"And if I don't sign my paper?" she asked.

She folded her arms in front of her and frowned up at him while she waited for his answer.

Dear heaven, how she loved him, she thought. And how he loved her, too. He looked like he wanted to throttle her. She felt like laughing.

"If you don't sign the paper, Sara, then your family can have the king's gift. I don't want it."

"I won't have it."

"Now, Sara…"

He didn't realize they were shouting. She did. She turned to look over the St. James section of the crowd until she found the man she wanted. "Uncle Dunnford?" she called out. "Nathan wants to give up the king's gift."

"Oh, hell, Sara, why'd you do that?"

She turned around and smiled at her husband. Nathan was already taking his jacket off. Then Sara noticed Caine and Colin were doing the same thing.

She started to laugh. God help her, she'd already turned into a St. James.

Nathan didn't look sick anymore. A sparkle had come into his eyes. He was such a fit man. And she was just the woman to manage him. He was glaring at her chest. Then his jacket was around her shoulders, and he was demanding that she put her arms through the sleeves. "If you ever wear that gown again, I'll tear it off you," he whispered. "Hell, here they come."

The St. James men were moving forward like a troop of soldiers set on war. "I love you, Nathan. Do remember not to tuck your thumb under your fingers. You wouldn't want to break it."

Nathan raised an eyebrow over that suggestion. She retaliated by giving him a slow, sexy wink. He grabbed her by the lapels of his jacket, kissed her hard, and then pushed her behind his back.

It was, without a doubt, a night to remember. The duke and duchess of Farnmount, both surely in their late sixties, couldn't have been more pleased with the entertainment. Their little gathering would provide enough talk to keep everyone well fed in the gossip department for a good long while.

Sara remembered seeing the stately couple perched on the top step. They each held a goblet of wine, and after the first punch was landed the duke of Farnmount directed the orchestra to begin playing a waltz.

In truth, however, Sara liked the aftermath much better than the brawl. As soon as the fight was over Nathan dragged her out into the night. He didn't want to waste time taking her back to the ship, and so he took her back to Caine's and Jade's townhouse.

He was frantic to touch her. She was just as frantic to let him. Their lovemaking was passionate, wild, and filled with love.

Sara was sprawled on top of her husband in the center of the bed. Her chin was propped on top of her folded hands, and she was staring down into his beautiful eyes.

He looked thoroughly content. He was gently rubbing her backside in a haphazard way. Now that they were all alone

Nathan was able to tell her how much he loved her without turning gray at all. He was a bit of a romantic. He opened the drawer of the table next to the bed, pulled out a piece of paper, and handed it to her.

"Pick out the ones you like," he ordered.

She chose "sweetheart," "my love," and "my sweet" from the list of endearments on the sheet. Nathan promised to memorize them.

"I used to be a little envious of Jade," she told him. "I didn't think I could ever be like her, and my staff kept making comparisons."

"I don't want you to be like anyone else," he whispered. "Your love has given me such strength, Sara."

He leaned up to kiss her. "I have come to rely on your love. It became my anchor. It was the one certainty I had, and it took me a long while to realize it."

"How long will it take for you to have complete faith in me?" she asked.

"I already have complete faith in you," he argued.

"Will you tell me all about your past?"

He looked a little wary now. "In time," he finally agreed.

"Tell me now."

He shook his head. "It would only upset you, sweetheart. I've led a rather black life. I've done a few things you might consider… worrisome. I think it would be better if I just tell you one story at a time."

"Then it is only out of consideration for my tender feelings that you hesitate to tell me about your past?"

He nodded.

"Were some of these things… illegal?"

Her husband looked highly uncomfortable. "Some would say they were," he admitted.

It took all she had not to laugh. "I'm happy you're so concerned about my feelings, husband, and now I know you only hesitate to tell me about your past because I might worry, and not because you think I might accidentally blurt out anything of significance."

The sparkle that came into her eyes puzzled him. She was up to something, but he couldn't imagine what it could be. He wrapped his arms around her waist and let out a loud, satisfied yawn. He closed his eyes. "I know you love me," he whispered. "And in time-say five or ten years, my love-I'll tell you everything. By then you should have become accustomed to me."

She did laugh then. He was still a little scared. Oh, she knew he trusted her, knew he loved her, but it was all so new for Nathan, and it was going to take him time to rid himself of all his shields.

She didn't have any such problems, of course. She'd loved him for the longest time.

Nathan blew out the candle and nuzzled his wife's ear. "I love you, Sara."

"I love you too, Pagan."