Amanda Quick
 Desire

Upon her father's death, beautiful, headstrong Lady Clare knew that she must wed, for the protection of the Isle of Desire now fell to her. Yet when her guardian's choice of prospective husband rode through her castle gates, she felt utterly betrayed. All sinewy muscle and savage steel, Sir Gareth of Wyckmere was not the poet she'd requested but a fearsome knight whose only interest was in war.
Legions of robbers had fallen beneath the Hellhound of Wyckmere's sword, and now this bold warrior was certain that he could tame one willful wife. Yet even Gareth could not deter Lady Clare from trying to mold him into her ideal... until their clash of wills ignited a passion that set them both aflame... and a treacherous plot put their love and their lives in deadly peril. 

 

(...) - My requirements in a wife are simple, madam. I believe that you will satisfy them. -
- Because I hold lands and the recipes of a plump perfume business? You have obviously lived an adventurous exciting life, - Clare persisted - Will you find contentment in the business of growing flowers and making perfumes? -
- Aye, madam, I will, - Gareth said with soft satisfaction.
- Tis hardly a career suited to a knight of your reputation, sir. -
- Rest assured that here on Desire I expect to find the things that are most important to me. -
Clare lost patience with his reasonableness - And just what are those things, sir? -
- Lands, a hall of my own, and a woman who can give me a family. - Gareth reached down and pulled her to her feet as effortlessly as though she were fashioned of thistledown. - You can provide me with all of those things, lady. That makes you very valuable to me. Do not imagine that I will not protect you well. And do not think that I will let you slip out of my grasp. -
- But... -
Gareth brought his mouth down on hers, silencing her protest (...)