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All Morena’s worries were for naught. When she awoke the next morning, she discovered that familiar damp stickiness between her legs.
In a state of elation, she passed the day helping the sisters bake and clean. In the early evening, she swept the halls, pushing the grit out the front door of the nunnery and into the piazza where the wind carried it away.
Eager to see Amoro, she hurried to change her clothes for their private dinner. For the first time in months, Morena dressed with a smile.
Her heart pounded as she made her way to the cloister. The setting sun created a soft canopy of rose and peach.
Amoro sat on a chair, his elbows resting upon his parted knees. A candelabrum, flask of wine, and two silver goblets decorated a small linen covered table beside him.
At first sight of him, her heart flooded with warmth. “Amoro,” she called in a low tone.
He raised his eyes at her approach, face aglow with happiness. When she came within reach, he captured her mouth in an urgent kiss. His hands glided over her back and hips as he pulled her close. A tremor shot through his solid physique when she arched into him and wrapped her arms about his neck.
Moments later, Amoro withdrew his lips and disengaged her arms from around his neck. He gazed at her, eyes brimming with love.
“You’ve never kissed me like that before, and in a sanctuary of all places.
If I had known these surroundings would unleash such wantonness from my bride-to-be, I would have brought you here long ago.”
A laugh escaped from Morena’s throat. “I go where I please as you are aware. I doubt I would have accompanied you here if you demanded it.” She jumped playfully out of his reach.
“I disagree,” he asserted. He advanced and she retreated. “In the beginning it took far too much effort on my part to convince you of my sincerity, but I’m sure that now, you would follow me anywhere.”
“I think you err. It is you who would follow me anywhere.” Morena scooted behind a rose bush.
“True, but from this day forward, I refuse to let you out of my sight.”
“That would give me great pleasure,” she rasped as she dashed around him, once again beyond his reach.
“Even at night, I’ll keep you by my side.”
“I, I don’t blame you.” Morena shot a glance at the door to measure the distance.
“Don’t attempt it,” Amoro warned.
Morena saw the ardent gleam in his eyes. With capricious happiness, she tried to turn and run. Amoro caught her by the arm and whirled her around to face him. Her heart sang with love and anticipation. She regarded him with adoration and flung herself into his arms.
For a moment, Amoro stood motionless. His body softened as he raised his hands to encircle her waist before he pulled her against his full length and nearly crushed her with the force. “I love you,” he declared.
He buried his face in her hair and rested it there. Then he pushed her gently away from him and caressed her face with his hand. “I think our bruises have sufficiently healed. As you can see, I can move my arm and shoulder. What say you if I were to take you home to Genoa and make you my wife?”
“I would say that it’s about time.”