Blazing Earth by Terri Brisbin

though, as the signs grew and the whispering voice had forced him to accept the reality of it, he knew he must have her at his side through whatever was coming.
    At her side, he could protect her from the danger that grew and would surround them. And at his side, her presence would give him the strength he needed to face these unknown challenges. He had faced the fact that he wanted to marry her and marry her before Lord Geoffrey could, in any way, interfere. He only prayed Thea would say aye.
    As the sun’s light crept in through one window, she roused in his embrace, sliding her leg over his and smiling a soft, satisfied grin. He held her close and tried to think of the perfect words to say to her. Her gaze narrowed on his and she spoke first.
    â€œWhat is it, Tolan?” She reached up and caressed his brow and cheeks with her fingers. “Is something wrong?”
    â€œNay, Thea. All is well.” Tolan eased back just a bit, still keeping her near, but with enough room to speak. “I have a matter to discuss with you. That is all.”
    â€œThis sounds serious.” Thea pushed up to sit, herlong brown hair flowing over her shoulders and pooling on her lap. It hid nothing of her charms from his sight.
    â€œIt is serious. It is a matter of marriage.”
    From the hint of a frown, quickly hidden, Tolan suspected that the topic did not please her and her answer would not please him.

C HAPTER 5
    Thea tried to pull away from him and from this topic, but he would not allow her to do so. He did not force her and yet he slid his arms around her, holding her close and not releasing her. She tried to tamp down the panic that always rose within her at the mention of marriage.
    â€œThea,” Tolan said quietly as he did let go of his hold on her. “Stay,” he urged in that voice that she wanted to obey.
    â€œWe both have duties that call us, Tolan,” she said. Sliding from the bed and gathering up the clothes that lay strewn around the chamber, Thea began her morning tasks as she always did.
    The silent reply made her more nervous than if he’d yelled or berated her as Jasper had when he was angry. Glancing over her shoulder after she’d pulled on a clean shift, she saw him lying there naked, with his hands tucked behind his head, just watching her.
    â€œWhat misgivings you have—are they about me or being married once more?” he asked. She wasn’t sure if it was his insight or memory that made her more nervous.
    â€œI do not wish to discuss it,” she said, quietly but with determination in her voice. She must bring this to an end. It would stir old memories and old hurts better left buried deep and untouched. “I have no complaints about how things stand between us.”
    Those words caused him to climb from the bed and stand before her—closely before her—in a matter of seconds. Part of her wanted to back away. Another part wanted to issue words of apology and beg for . . . Thea took a deep breath and shook her head. She must not let the past live once more in her life.
    â€œYou never speak of how things are between us, Thea.” He glared at her, angry for the first time she could remember. “You never ask for anything of me, but that,” he said with a glance at the bed. “Do you never wish for more? To stop sneaking from my bed to yours and to stand together before the others in the light of day?”
    Did she want for more? Since their first time until now, she’d not thought on anything past the pleasure they shared. She could not think on anything more. The bed play was the only thing that broke through the numbness she’d wrapped herself in for so long. She’d offered him only the use of her body because she had nothing else to give him.
    â€œIs that what you want, Tolan?” she asked softly, unable to give him even a reply to his question.
    Tolan opened his mouth to speak, but a loud knock on the