Lair of the Lion

wish. Your trust in me when I have you all to myself."
    "You always bring me such pleasure, Nicolai," she said softly. His hands were kneading her buttocks, her thighs, caressing the small of her back. She loved every new lesson he brought to their bedchamber. She felt lazy and content, as sated as she could possibly be, yet when he bent his head to kiss the side of her breast, his hair spilling across her body, she shivered in reaction.
    He heard the drowsy note in her voice. It teased his senses, heightened his pleasure even more. She was nearly purring with contentment. Nicolai settled close to her, his hand cupping her breast, his thumb sliding over her nipple. "Sleep, amore mia, for now. You'll need to rest. I'm not finished this night." And he knew he wasn't. Her body was warm and soft. Her trust in him, her acceptance of him, her complete giving of herself into his hands, was becoming as necessary to him as breathing.
    Isabella drifted to sleep with a smile curving her mouth. She awakened twice during the night to his lips moving erotically over her body, his hands exploring, memorizing her intimately, his body taking hers. No matter how he possessed her, fast and hard or slow and tender, he ensured she found that ultimate rush of pleasure and then he would kiss her back to sleep.
    Her body was deliciously sore when she awoke in the early-morning hours. She felt well used, happy. Nicolai had crept out, not disturbing her, and the first rays of light were just beginning to slip through the colors of her window. Isabella took her time dressing, often touching the pillow where his head had rested. Their bodies had remained tangled together throughout the night. She knew it was right, meant to be. She belonged with Nicolai. They shared something deep and intimate and well worth fighting for.
    She relieved Francesca, who looked very tired, having spent the night trying to entertain Lucca. He had been restless, coughing, sometimes out of his head with fever, other times teasing her and telling her stories. Isabella watched Francesca tuck the covers around her brother before slipping out to get much-needed rest. Isabella settled down to her sewing.
    Her tea and breakfast were served to her in her brother's room, and the morning passed quietly until Lucca woke.
    He smiled at her, his dark eyes alive with love. "You did it, Isabella. You saved my life.
    A miracle. But have I tied you to a monster? What is he like, this don who has claimed my sister?"
    She blushed, feeling the color climbing up her neck. "You've met him. He's wonderful."
    When he continued to stare at her steadily, she sighed. She had never been able to lie to him. "The stories are true, Lucca. Of the legend, the lions, the man. It's all true. But I love him and want to be with him. He tries to protect me, but in truth, we haven't discovered how to defeat the curse." She blurted it all out to him, every last detail, other than the fact that she had already lain with the don.
    He rubbed his temples, his dark eyes reflecting his inner turmoil. Lucca never wasted time on regrets, on circumstances one couldn't change. "If I can arrange your escape, would you leave?"
    She shook her head. "Never."
    "I was afraid you would say that." Admiration crept into his gaze. "Then I guess I have no choice but to get well and guard your back. What of Francesca? I can't imagine her slinking around trying to murder you. She has shown me every kindness."
    Isabella looked at him sharply. There was a note in his voice she had never heard before.
    "She is a remarkable woman, different, with extraordinary gifts. You be nice to her, Lucca.
    I see that teasing light in your eyes when she's around."
    He grinned, unrepentant. "She rises so beautifully to the bait, how can I resist?" His smile faded. "Go carefully, Isabella, until I'm stronger and can aid you. If we think this through together, we should be able to find a way out of it."

    "I won't leave him," she declared staunchly.
    Francesca entered with the briefest of knocks. "How are you this morn, Lucca? I awoke and thought I'd come sit with you if you want the company. Isabella, do you have things you wish to be doing?"
    Isabella saw the quick, welcoming smile on her brother's face for the don's sister. She stood up with a small sigh. Lucca had no land, nothing to offer should he decide he wanted Francesca, and she carried the DeMarco legacy in her blood. "Grazie, Francesca." She kissed the top of her brother's head. "I