Quotes From "His Stolen Bride" By Shelly Thacker

The only thing that can hurt me now is the thought of never knowing this feeling again. To never be able to touch you this way again... Shelly Thacker

I must remember to be troublesome now and again, else you are going to be impossible to live with. And by what magic did you find the gown and the horse?"" Scottish fairy magic." His grin widened." Do you mean that fairies are real in Scotland? Shelly Thacker

He watched her emerald eyes darken with need until they were the color of the Highland hills warmed by the summer sun. Shelly Thacker

At first, I did not tell you any of this because...you were not supposed to mean anything to me. And later..." His voice became rough with emotion. "Later, I did not tell you because you mean so much to me. Shelly Thacker

He cleared his throat. "I wish I could take back what I said." He looked away. "I behaved like a thoin aiseal."" What does that mean?"" A donkey's arse." She glanced down at the furs, found herself fighting a smile. "And how do you pronounce that? I somehow suspect I may have need of that phrase again. Shelly Thacker

He drew her into his arms, gathering her close, and dusted kisses over her cheek, her hair. Wrapped in his embrace, Laurien closed her eyes, murmuring a sigh of exquisite satisfaction. A delightful drowsiness overtook her and she gave in to it, snuggled securely against Darach's chest, lying on a stolen wolf pelt, in the hold on a ship of thieves. Shelly Thacker

She clenched her fists. "I believe, milord, that I have endured my full limit of male tyranny." "I am afraid, milady, that you will have to become accustomed to it. It is the way of things, here in the world beyond your cloister." He turned her forward and nudged her to continue down the stairs. "This world would fall into chaos if women were allowed to do whatever they wished. Shelly Thacker

Rolling onto his side, he drew her close. "Sleep, milady. I will keep you warm tonight, and safe." He pulled the blanket over her, wrapping one arm around her waist as he settled beside her on the furs. "And for one night, at least, neither of us will be alone. Shelly Thacker

She lifted her chin and returned his unyielding gaze. "Do what you will." His blue eyes darkened to the color of a moonlit sky. "You should be careful, milady, about issuing such an invitation. Shelly Thacker

He covered her mouth with his ---and she felt as if she had suddenly been enveloped in a cascade of sparks. The tingling warmth from his touch did not compare to the sensations that whirled through her as his lips moved over hers. It was as if every part of her body had at once become brilliantly alive. His beard was a startling, silky roughness against her skin. His other hand came to rest at her waist, drawing her in tight, and her body seemed to meld to his hard, lean lines, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. Her thoughts scattered. A sound escaped her, soft and deep, unlike any sound she had ever made in her life. Then his tongue touched her lower lip and she gave a startled little squeak. Her suddenly lifted his mouth from hers, his eyes midnight blue, his voice husky. "You have never even been kissed before, leannan. You are as innocent as the day you first set foot in the convent. Shelly Thacker

Lauren closed her eyes, remembering how desperate she had been this morn in Chartres, how she had prayed for divine intervention to stop her wedding. She had never expected that intervention to be riding a black horse and wielding a sword. Shelly Thacker

As I have said, milady, I mean to keep you safe, not harm you. And it is not my habit to force myself on unwilling maidens."" Aye, pilgrim?" she asked dubiously. "Next you will tell me you are as chaste as a monk." She backed toward the door. A grin slowly eased the hard line of his mouth. "I did not say that. Shelly Thacker

It had seemed entirely sensible at the time. A simple way to test the truth of her claim that she had lain with de Villiers. To show her that lying to him was useless. To make a point. Instead, he had ignited a desire that burned him like none he had ever felt before. He had expected Lady Laurien d' Amboise to be a timid little convent mouse. Quiet and passive and pliant. Easily manageable. Instead she was outspoken and strong-willed..and stunning in a way he could not even describe. An innocent beauty caught up in a deadly game that was none of her making.. Malcolm rose to leave, chuckling." And what is there to laugh about?" Darach gave his jovial friend a dour look. Malcolm stopped just long enough to do his best imitation of Darach. "'Simple. Kidnap one French lass, hold her for a fortnight, and return her to de Villiers after he meets our demands. Perfectly simple. Shelly Thacker

She frowned at him. "Not every man thinks constantly of... of..." Darach grinned. "Aye, they do, demoiselle. Every man, from the time he is about ten until the day he dies, thinks frequently of that. Shelly Thacker

Camhanach, it is a bargain as old as the world itself." He chuckled." Women want protection...men want a willing lass to warm their bed. Shelly Thacker