Lair of the Lion

Isabella, come out of the rain this minute!"
    Isabella glanced down at her wet gown, showing entirely too much beneath the now nearly transparent material. "I'm getting married now, like this?"
    Nicolai bent his head to hers, his mouth inches from hers. "I'm giving you a bambino tonight, wed or not. If you prefer unwed and an audience…" he added wickedly.
    Isabella tried to look scandalized, but she couldn't copy Sarina's expression. Happiness was blossoming, the realization that she had a future with the man she loved. She leaned close to him and tilted her head to look up at him. "Unwed is fine, Nicolai, and if we must wait much longer…" There was pure seduction in her voice.
    His eyes glinted at her for a long moment. He raked a hand through his hair in agitation, making it wilder than ever. "Betto!" he roared it, ever the lion. "Where is that priest?"