What Rumours Don't Say by Briana James Page B

manage to procure this book?”
    “I stole it,” Reeve answered.
    “You didn’t!”
    Reeve grinned. “I was merely jesting. As it so happens, there was something I could offer to Lord Elmsmoor which was worth more than the book.”
    “What did you offer him?” Axelle asked curiously.
    “Just a small investment,” Reeve said. “At any rate, he agreed to part with the book and now it is yours as it is rightfully.”
    “You did that much for me, my lord?”
    “Consider it a token of my affection.” Reeve stroked her cheek tenderly.
    Axelle smiled, clasping the book to her chest. “How ever can I repay you, my lord?”
    “I have an idea.” Reeve gave a mischievous grin. “Open the book.”
    Axelle did and when she saw the illustrations on the page, she closed the book at once, her eyes wide with astonishment.
    “My lord, this book…”
    “Clearly, you have not read this book before,” Reeve said, still grinning as he traced Axelle’s lips with his fingertips. “And I am glad because now you can read it and only share the knowledge you have gained from it with me.”
    Axelle’s lips curved into a smile, her grin eyes glistening with mischief and promise. “Well, I shall endeavor not to disappoint you, my lord. I am very good, after all, at learning from books.”
    He, too, smiled, feeling more joyous than he ever had in years. “I look forward to it, my dear wife.”