Written in the Stars by Patricia Rosemoor, Sherrill Bodine Page A

written in their stars.
    With him she was a creature of light, spinning through galaxies, illuminating the
     heavens.
    When they finally broke apart, she could barely pull the air in and out of her tight
     lungs.
    Instinct and aching hunger caused her to cling to him. “No. I want more.”
    His mouth hovered above hers, and she coaxed his lips apart, craving the honey taste
     of him.
    At last he dragged her tighter to him, deepening their kiss. In this newfound sensuality
     she twisted into his body, absorbing the hard muscles of his chest against her soft
     breasts.
    Will’s breathing quickened as his lips stroked over hers. Her heart seemed to swell
     in her chest, her blood pooling in her lower body as his experienced touch brought
     her head back to open her throat to hot kisses which fed her need but did not quench
     it.
    “Elizabeth…we must stop.” His voice sounded strange and far away, fading in the pounding
     need consuming her.
    She opened her eyes and over his shoulder she saw Laurel watching them.
    “You have awakened,” Elizabeth gasped in confusion and relief. Trembling, bereaved
     to lose his warmth, she forced herself to twist away from Will to clasp Laurel’s cool
     hand.
    “I’ll bring the duke.” Will’s voice sounded husky before he turned to stride from
     the room.
    Eyes wide and searching, Laurel tightened her grip on Elizabeth’s hand. “I remember
     but bits and pieces of what happened after my fall. It is as a dream. Yet now I heard
     and saw all clearly. As I saw the power between you and Will while we rode. What shall
     you do?”
    Conflicting emotions and unfamiliar, frightening need still pounding through her body,
     Elizabeth shook her head. “We as women are but pawns in this game of kings to be moved
     about on the chessboard for gain of land or money. Or the need to carry on the family
     name or the linage to start or end wars. How can I change my destiny? And is it just
     if I should try?”
    “I was a fortunate and eager pawn, for I had long loved the duke. I have been blessed
     to receive great affection and kindness from him,” Laurel whispered. “Yet his feelings
     for me are as nothing compared to his great love of Will. There is little the duke
     would not grant him.”
    Laurel didn’t say the words, yet Elizabeth read them in her eyes.
    Even deny his legitimate heir and allow Will and me to be together?
    Her father’s face flashed before her. Again she heard the pride and pleasure in his
     voice when he declared to those gathered at Wharton Keep that she would one day be
     the Duchess of Lennox. Again she heard her old nurse warning of danger should her
     choices not be wise.
    How can choosing Will and his love be unwise when it feels like my true destiny?
    …
    In a lifetime of loving obedience to his father, Will had never wished for more than
     Lennox had bestowed upon him. Now Elizabeth stirred emotions and desires which defied
     everything he had ever believed possible.
    The joy on the duke’s face as he roused him and led him back to Laurel’s chamber lightened
     Will’s heart. He lingered outside the chamber door, watching Elizabeth, remembering
     the feel of her body in his arms, the taste of her skin and lips.
    He straightened his shoulders. He had not forfeited the gift of this day but the pride
     and the loyalty he owed his father demanded he must now stay away from her. Must somehow
     destroy these feelings, this bond which connected them more completely than anything
     he had ever known.
    “The delicate Laurel lives, I see,” Carlyle drawled behind him.
    Aware of his brother’s fear that Laurel would produce another heir after all, Will
     turned, taking a protective stance before the door.
    Carlyle laughed. “Fear not, brother. I wish your sweet Laurel no harm. I have new
     plans. My bride brings a richer dowry than any know.”
    Unable to stop himself, Will again gazed at Elizabeth and back to his brother.
    “Ah, you have fallen under Lady