Total pages in book: 55
Estimated words: 50898 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 254(@200wpm)___ 204(@250wpm)___ 170(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 50898 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 254(@200wpm)___ 204(@250wpm)___ 170(@300wpm)
How could she already feel the press of his absence? How could one man occupy so much of her thoughts? He was her husband, yet there was so much more to him. He infuriated her, demanded, commanded. And yet, when he looked at her, when his arms claimed her, she felt… safe. Wanted. Cherished. And dare she think… loved.
Fawn shook her head, rubbing her palms together for warmth. She turned back to her creatures, speaking low as if they could sense her unrest.
“He’ll need to learn,” she said softly, “that to love me, he must love you as well. And maybe…” her lips curved faintly, “maybe he already does.”
Sprig gave a drowsy mewl from his basket, and the fire crackled in easy answer.
For the first time since leaving her cottage, Fawn began to believe she might build a life here. Not only for herself, but for them all.
The heavy door to his solar closed with a dull thud, shutting out the sounds of the keep. For a moment, Rhodes stood still, one hand braced against the oaken panel, the other clenched at his side.
Her taste lingered on his lips and her defiance lingered in his thoughts.
He cursed softly, running a hand through his dark hair before crossing the chamber in long strides. The fire in the grate burned low, but he hardly noticed as he poured himself a tankard of ale and downed it in one swallow.
What had he done, letting her beneath his skin so quickly? He had meant to remind her of her place, of his claim, yet somehow it was he who had been shaken. The feeling of her pressed against him still burned along his palms. And worse, the fear that had twisted through him when she’d vanished from the hall earlier still clung to his gut.
He had known women before. Desired them, bedded them, sent them on their way. None had occupied his thoughts beyond the moment. But Fawn, his wife, his curse, his salvation? She filled every corner of his mind.
He set the tankard down hard, staring at the flames.
He couldn’t help but wonder again if the witch had a hand in this.
He scowled at the thought. The witch had threatened to end his power, yet he felt no weaker, only more restless. And if it was true that someone dared challenge him, dared to strike at his sheep with wolfhounds, then perhaps his enemies believed the witch had succeeded.
A dangerous mistake.
Still… his jaw tightened. He would find her, the shadow in the woods, and see if she was in any way involved in this. And if she thought to rob him of what was his, she would learn the folly of crossing him.
He dragged in a breath, forcing his shoulders to ease. The scent of roasted meat from the kitchens drifted faintly through the door, a reminder that the evening meal drew near. His mouth curved into a slow smile. He had plans for tonight and they didn’t include sharing Fawn with anyone.
He stepped out of his solar and made his way to the kitchen, servants turning wide-eyed after stepping aside for him to pass, since he never went to the kitchen. The chaos of supper preparations went silent when Rhodes entered. Eyes rounded and mouths set agape at his unusual presence.
“See that my and my wife’s supper is brought to our bedchamber and see that there is extra wine as well,” Rhodes commanded, then turned and left.
It took a while before anyone moved and then whispers started circulating.
Rhodes entered the turret, and for a moment he stood motionless, the sight of the room catching him off guard.
The fire cast a warm glow over the chamber, the baskets settled in place, the creatures resting quietly as though they had always belonged there. A faint, sweet scent lingered in the air, herbs steeped in the hearth’s heat, the kind of fragrance that spoke of comfort and home.
Her comforting touch, he thought grimly. Already she had transformed the space, claimed it, made it hers. And the realization stung him with a sharp, unexpected jealousy. This place, these animals, these simple comforts, they held her heart as surely as he did.
He strode forward, sweeping her into his arms before she could react.
“Rhodes!” she gasped, her arms instinctively circling his neck.
“You best be done,” he said, walking toward the door. “Now you are all mine.”
She didn’t protest, which led him to believe her task was done and she did not object to time with him. He carried her through the corridors, his steps purposeful. Servants scurried out of his way, casting curious glances that he did not bother to return. He reached their bedchamber, pushing the door open with his shoulder.
Inside, the last of the servants were laying out dishes, setting a jug of wine within easy reach. At the sight of their laird carrying his wife, they bobbed their heads quickly and fled, leaving the chamber to them.