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Taking her by the hand, he towed her toward the bed. She trembled like a leaf, but wanted to push past her fear.

There was no greater sacrament than the union of souls expressed between mates. She wanted to please him more than she desired any personal pleasure from the act. As the male, he would be the head of the household, and as the female, it was her duty to act as the heart.

Together, their hands would lift each other’s sorrows. Her body would welcome his seed. And if God was pleased, He would bless them with many children. She found comfort and strength in such teachings, trusting God’s plan to guide her so that she may fulfill her true purpose.

Glancing down at the bed, fully aware of her naked body as he watched her—still clothed—she took a deep breath. Lifting her chin, she faced him.

“I offer my body and full compliance so that your duty may be done.”

He chuckled, the sound hitting like a wave of self-conscious doubt . “Grace, it is my duty but also my pleasure.”

Was he mocking her? Her guard went up, but he caught her hand before she could turn away.

“My pleasureandyours.”

“I don’t like when you laugh at me,” she told him. “I’ve never done this before.”

“I’m sorry. Your words took me off guard.” He smiled, but resisted the urge to laugh again. “I want a mate who thinks for herself and comes to my bed out of desire, not merely a sense of duty.”

She scowled. “I’m quite capable of forming my own opinions, and I happen to have a lot of them.”

“Good. I look forward to hearing them.”

Her eyes narrowed at the hint of amusement in his eyes. “Why are you smirking?”

“I’m happy. I’ve waited a long time for this. What happens in this bed tonight… Don’t cheapen it by labeling it like some burden. It is a blessing. Yes, we were called here by destiny, but I stand here by choice, not because of duty.” He pulled her closer. “You’re breathtaking.”

Vanity was a form of pride she knew little about. “While your sentiment is flattering, it’s also distracting.”

This time his laughter escaped. “Sorry. Sorry.” He glanced away and composed himself. “Sometimes distraction is good. What am I distracting you from? Your nerves? Your shyness? Your sense of obligation? If that’s the case, then bring on the distractions.”

“Ihave a duty to serve you, do I not? I do notwant to cloud my judgement with unnecessary emotions. This is a special night.”

“Yes, it is a special night, which is exactly why I don’t care about anything anyone else has told you. Here, in this cabin, it’s only you and me that matter. I want to learn you, Grace, not control you.”

“I have nothing to teach in this department. I’m ignorant.”

He withdrew his touch and she swayed in confusion, bereft of his nearness the moment he stepped away. Could he not understand how difficult this might be for a female?

When he paced to the hearth and gripped the mantle, she asked, “Did I say something to disappoint you?”

He forked his fingers through his hair. “You did not disappoint me, no.”

“But I’ve upset you?” She was making a mess of things.

“No, you did not upset me either.”

“Then what? I told you I have no experience with these things. I’ve only been kissed?—”

“Who kissed you?” His sharp stare pinned her in place, a dark, predatory gleam swirling in the black of his eyes.

Her voice abandoned her under the weight of fear. She backed up, but there was nowhere to go. When the bed hit her knees, she steadied herself but he was there, moving faster than she realized he could.

“Is there something you need to tell me?” Hetowered over her, forcing her to arch backward until her shoulders touched the pillows. Their mouths were a mere inch apart.

She shook her head nervously, not trusting the territorial glare in his eyes. “N-no.”

“I assumed you were innocent. Was I wrong?”