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The bird was large and intimidating, and yet it seemed so gentle. It let out a strange purring sound as it finished eating the nut, and then, to Dominic’s amazement, it walked up Amelia’s arm. Worry laced through him as he saw those sharp talons move from the protective glove to the fabric of Amelia’s dress. He could see how easy it would be for it to rip through the silk and shred his wife’s arm.

But Amelia stayed calm and unbothered as she whispered words of praise to the large bird until it reached her shoulder. When it did so, the bird nuzzled its head to Amelia’s and made that strange purring sound again.

“I thought you said that these birds were not yet tamed?” He asked, taking a cautionary step toward her.

“They are not,” Amelia replied, turning her gaze toward him. A small, mischievous smile graced her lips.

“But I discovered I am quite good at calming wild beasts.”

EPILOGUE

A month and a half later

“Very good.”

Dominic’s whispered praise tickled Amelia’s ear, and even though she knew she was supposed to be concentrating on her target, her mind and body reacted to her husband’s deep voice.

She turned her head slightly and slowly grazed her eyes over him.

Dominic chuckled as he lifted a hand to her chin, and turned her head forward once more.

“No distractions, love,” he scolded, “Keep your eyes on your target like I told you.”

“Even if you are the distraction?” She teased.

Dominic pressed himself even closer to her body, and she could feel the smile on his lips as he kissed her neck.

“Especiallyif I am the distraction,” he replied, his tone dripping with seduction. “Now come, show these fools what I have taught you.”

Amelia shook off the growing arousal that had clouded her thoughts, and took a steadying breath. She raised her arms and found the center of the target with the sight. Keeping her body loose as Dominic had taught her, she found her center, and pulled the trigger of the Derringer.

The loud shot rang in her ears as the small recoil reverberated through her arms. The scent of fresh gun powder stung her nostrils. From behind her she heard Dominic’s holler of victory, and she smiled wide as she lowered the pistol and took in the perfect hole at the very center of her target.

“Well done, darling, well done!” Dominic praised, pulling her fully into her arms to smother her neck with kisses.

“What did I tell you, old boys? My wife is a natural!”

Amelia giggled as she sat the gun carefully down on the table, and turned in Dominic’s arms to hug him.

“I do not like this,” Everett grunted. “Women shooting guns? What is next?”

“Do not even think about it,” Tristan said, turning his head to Theo.

Amelia giggled as she saw her friend frown at her brother.

“I will think about whatever I like, thank you very much,” she retorted, pushing at his arm.

“Besides if you will not teach me Dominic will. Won’t you, Dominic?” Theo asked.

“Me first, me first,” Ophelia insisted, already rising from her chair.

She walked with excitement toward Amelia and Dominic and reached for the pistol. Before she could lay a hand on it though Dominic snatched it back.

“Ladies, please,” he scolded, his tone full of sarcasm, “Pistols are not to be played with. You can’t just go snatching them up as they were a purse or pair of gloves.”

“That sounds a bit outdated, Your Grace,” Theo retorted, joining them. “According to my blue-stocking meetings, women can do anything a man can.Andthey certainly should not be categorized to objects such as purses or gloves.”

Tristan groaned and covered his face with his hands.