Moonstruck Madness (51 page)

"Try not to think about it, Sabrina," Lucien advised as he took the tea tray off her lap and placed it on a table nearby. "The poor fool is better off dead."

"I
keep remembering how he saved my life so long ago, only now to try and take it," Sabrina said sadly. "Do you know,
I
won't be sorry to leave
here.
Once I would've given anything to have been able to return to the Highlands, but now all I want is to return to Camareigh and Rhea."

"And me?" Lucien asked softly. "Would you want to return to me?"

Sabrina looked up into his sherry eyes, humbled for the first time in her life. "I would like to return to you, if you want me.
I
know you do not love me, but," Sabrina hesitated, swallowing painfully, "it does not matter as long as
I
can be with you. Lucien."

"Oh, Sabrina, little love," Lucien spoke against her ear as he pulled her into his arms and held her against his breast.
"I
have loved you since we kissed in the fields at Verrick House."

At her start of surprise
he
laughed. "I was all kinds of a fool, and I knew in your anger you would never believe that
I
would've married you even if my inheritance had not depended upon it."

Sabrina's violet eyes were wide with astonishment as she Stared at him.

"I decided not to pressure you, to give you time to learn to love me all over again, only your stubbornness and pride stood in the way, as well as my temper." He put his hand under her chin and held her face to his. "I love you, Sabrina, and I will not live without you. Do you think you can find it in your heart to forgive me?" he asked gravely, his eyes clinging to hers, waiting for an answer.

Sabrina clasped her hands around his neck and looked deeply into his eyes, her violet eyes mirroring her deepest feelings. "I missed you desperately, Lucien, and I longed for you to come to me. I thought if ever I got back to Camareigh I would do anything to try and make you love me. My pride
be
damned, life isn't worth living without you, Lucien," Sabrina confessed, then touching her lips to his softly, whispered, "I love you, and if you'll have me, this time I'll gladly give you a son."

Lucien laughed, holding her close to him, loving the feel of her soft body against his. "The sun is indeed shining in the Highlands today, for Richard has found his treasure, and I. . ." He paused, kissing Sabrina lingeringly. "I have found mine."