I grimaced with a heavy sigh. “Yuck, I forgot about the lessons.”
“Yuck? I thought you would enjoy fencing. Do you hate it that much?” Emrys sounded surprised, and looked a bit unhappy.
“I’ll enjoy it more once we get past all the exercising and lunging. My legs were so sore last time. But no, I don’t hate the lessons. I really do want to learn.” I watched his expression; he listened to my thoughts to see if I had exaggerated, or only pretended to like fencing.
“Alright. Then that is what we shall be busy with tomorrow - as long as Elizabeth can keep up with me and my brutal exercise regimen.” He did not succeed at hiding his grin.
“Oh you’re on, mister. I can keep up with you any day of the week!” No one could get away with challenging me like that. Now I’d have to prove myself no matter how tired I got, or how much my legs ached. “Come on; let’s go have a duel right now!” I stood up in front of him and egged him on saying, “Let’s go!” I pulled on his arm but couldn’t budge him an inch. We all started laughing and Emrys had a hard time maintaining his stoic look, but he gave it a good, hard try. Eventually he caved in and cracked another smile.
“Bear in mind, my love, I have witnesses now.” He raised his eyebrows up and down playfully. “I expect no complaining out of you, no matter how unmerciful a taskmaster you think I am!”
I plopped onto his lap and put my arms around his neck, kissed his cheek and chanted, “Ooh, another challenge? I accept!” We laughed and kissed again, a little more passionate than just a peck.
“And, that is our cue to leave,” Melinda said, jumping up and extending a hand to Gavin. “Come on, everyone, let’s leave these two lovebirds alone,” she chortled. “The more they bicker, the mushier they get! Get a room, guys!”
I turned to face our little group, laughing, and said, “I’m glad you guys all came to visit us. I really enjoyed this.” I glanced from face to grinning face.
“It was nice. Thanks for having us,” Gavin replied. He stood close to Melinda and put his arm around her shoulder. I noticed that she looked quite comfortable with his touch now. Fiona and Rufus, still hand in hand, also stood together.
“Yes,” Rufus agreed, “it was good to catch up. Perhaps next time we can have everyone to our place. Fiona and I would love that, wouldn’t we, dear?” He gazed down at her adoringly.
She smiled happily, and said, “Of course! Maybe I could try out that recipe I got from Barbara Lee. Double tomato Bruschetta; you guys will love it.” Her focus was aimed mainly at Lindy and me as she nodded, smiling and wide-eyed.
We walked them to the door, and after a few minute of small talk, said our good-byes. I hugged Fiona first. And when I held my sister in my arms I whispered in her ear, “Say yes to the guy already. You know it’s the right thing to do.”
She pulled back and gave me a very pointed gaze, a slow nod, and said in complete sincerity, “I know.”
Just before Emrys closed the door I overheard Gavin say to Lindy, “What was that all about?”
With a grin on his face and a gleam in his eye, Emrys said, “Imagine what it would be like to be a fly on the wall in their place tonight.”
“Emrys! I never pictured you as a busybody!” I giggled. “But, oh yes, I would love to see how my sister handles that conversation!”
* * *
As we soaked in the hot tub, the oil of lavender candles gave a soft, sweet radiance throughout the room, and gentle piano music played in the background. We were surrounded by a cloud of honeyed calmness and tranquility. I rested my head against Emrys’ shoulder and sighed. “You know, I just realized that we will never be able to play a game of chess together.”
There was a long pause before he spoke, the room quiet, except for the constant bubbling of water.
“I thought about that earlier when Fiona went on and on,” he stated, sounding vaguely displeased. But I picked up instead on what he said, not how he said it.
“Do you think Fiona talks too much?” I mused.
“Sometimes,” he admitted. “But she certainly fills the void that Rufus was feeling, and he is the one who has to listen to her for the rest of time.” He gave a slight chuckle.
I laughed, “That’s true; but back to chess. You really enjoy the game, don’t you?”
“I do.”
“Guess you’ll have to continue to play with your sister or whomever else is a worthy opponent. Even if I was any good at it, you’d know my every move before I even touched one of the chess pieces. I’d never be able to strategize at all.” I sighed again, “It’s not fair, though. I’d like to think I could win at something with you, but there really isn’t anything; any sport, any game, nothing I’d be able to win, is there? I won’t ever be able to surprise you, not even for your birthday.”
I felt his shoulder move as he shook his head. “Hmm....I guess not; unless I am asleep... or not within close range.” His words were slow, and soft. “But, you have won my heart…”
He rested his head on top of mine and, by the weight of it; I could tell he was getting drowsy now. His breathing was deep and heavy, and I assumed he was at least half-asleep. Smiling to myself at his sweet sentiment, I pondered the ways I’d ever be able to surprise him, when all of a sudden he gave a loud snort, and said, “Yes, that would work.”
His unexpected comment startled me out of my reverie. I had been thinking about making a list of things I’d like to buy him, send Kelsey out shopping, and have her wrap only one of the gifts without telling me which one it was. It was silly; he’d still know it was one of the items from my list, and it wouldn’t be as personal as if I bought it myself. I took a deep breath and blew out slowly, trying to keep from feeling so negative.
Emrys lifted his head and said, “It is the thought that counts, my dear wife.”
“Yeah, literally in my case.”
We both yawned at the same time and he said, “Let us go to bed, shall we?”
We changed the sheets before climbing into bed, and as I stretched out on the crisp clean linen, I realized just how exhausted I really was. Even though I had slept most of the day away, it felt fantastic to be back in the comfort of our bed. We nestled close together, cozy and relaxed, and my thoughts drifted back to my sister. I wondered how she was doing, if she had told Gavin her true feelings, if they had the conversation about marriage yet, and what his reaction might be.
Emrys snuggled even closer pressing himself up behind me. He reached underneath my nightgown and began to explore with arousing fingers; his breath came louder and heavier. His warm breath sent shivers of currents all through me as he whispered into my ear, “Well, personally, I love being married - and all the benefits that go along with it.”
He kissed and nuzzled my neck lightly while he continued his caresses; my whole body trembled in readiness. Turning around to face him, I guided him to the place of ecstasy. Warm, tingly, electrical energy surrounded the two of us and we became lost in the moment, no longer chatty. It seemed like seconds later, I was swept away into a sweet, perfect, flood of intense pleasure.
Catching my breath, I whispered, “Oh, yes, I agree. And I will never tire of the benefit package. No pun intended.”
Breathing heavy, he let out a small, gratified moan and then chuckled softly. “Satisfaction noted.”
A while later we readjusted ourselves to our normal cozy positions - completely relaxed in sleepy contentedness. I told myself it didn’t matter if I heard any noises or felt uncomfortable, no matter if the fever came to reclaim my body or the house burned to the ground, nor if wild and freakish dreams tried to rouse me. I did not plan to leave Emrys’ side or the safety of our own dwelling any time soon.
Before sleep took hold of me I burrowed deeper under the blankets and quilts keeping as much of my skin touching his as was possible. Feeling his heartbeat on my back became a calming, reassuring refuge, and his arm wrapped around my middle – my security blanket.
Just before I nodded off, Emrys whispered into my ear,
“I love you, Elizabeth.”
Already half-asleep, I could only breathe a soft, peaceful sigh. I was far too exhausted to even open my mouth, but I knew he could hear my silent response.
“I love you too, my husband.”
He gave me a tender squeeze, nested his head closer to mine, and the last thing I heard was his subdued voice murmuring, “For all eternity.”
Safe, satisfied, cozy, and warm, I slept like a baby.
In my dreams heard him saying, “I would love to kiss you.”
End of Book Two
RAVENSWYND VISIONS
Book Three
By
SHARON RICKLIN JONES
Copyright © 2013 Sharon Ricklin Jones
All rights reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the written permission from the author.
Cover Artwork for Ravenswynd Visions
By Amela M. B. at Madhoshi Arts
Background Image: copyright © 2011 by Gareth Edwards | synflame.blogspot.com
For my sisters
Pam, Jean, Laurel,
Nina, Amy, & Carmen
♥
A sister is a gift to the heart, a friend to the spirit, a
golden thread to the meaning of life.
~ Isadora James ~
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The author’s profound gratitude to…
My awesome editor Barbara Secklin
My fantastic beta-readers: Laurel Johnson and Lisa McFerren
An enormous thanks to my brother Richard - for forging the way in self-publishing and encouraging me to take the risk and join him in this all-consuming, yet exhilarating adventure.
I will be forever grateful to my small, but enthusiastic group of fans who cheer me on with their rave and colorful reviews on Goodreads, Amazon, and Facebook. You guys rock!
And lastly, to my husband - without whose constant support would have made this endeavor nearly impossible.
I love you all.
“And you, my pretty little liar - if you wish to keep your head, you can stay on as my mate. No one else will want you anyway.” A satisfied sneer stretched across his mouth. “You can be damaged goods, or you can be dead. It doesn’t matter to me.” His eyes were malevolent, crimson, and full of hate.
“I wouldn’t be your mate if you were the last damn Raven on earth,” I said, seething. I yanked my arm free and tried to cover myself, crossing my arms again. I had never felt so vulnerable in my life. He took a quick step forward and caught my wrist, pulling me firmly to him. Wedging himself up against me, he pressed his mouth down on mine. I tried to turn away but he released my wrist and grabbed a handful of my hair, yanking me back with a jerk. His mouth was pungent, tasting of alcohol, and his groping hand was rough and unrelenting. I flinched forward as the cold metal of the gun raked across my back…
His breath was hot and his eyes were full of lust… I was scared to death that this time, he might actually succeed…
CHAPTER 1
COUNTRY GARDENS
I have no idea what possessed me, other than my irritation at the incessant whispering at the breakfast table, but I jumped up and cleared my throat with a loud determination. It was not like me at all to make a spectacle of myself, to draw everyone’s attention this way, but I felt a new bravery welling up, and was compelled to clear the air. I assumed that everyone had a million questions, and I’d rather they asked me than whisper behind my back. Even though I had specifically said that I didn’t want to discuss my abduction yesterday; today was a new day.
“Could I please have everyone’s attention?” I announced, feeling bold. “I realize you’re all speculating about what happened to me the other day - or the other night. Whatever...” Everyone’s eyes turned my way and all the whispering stopped. I took a quick peek at Emrys. He seemed surprised at my sudden and quite unusual public discussion, but did nothing to stop me. Looking back into his cup; he continued to stir the sugar into his tea.
“Some of you know the whole story,” I said, gazing across the table at my friend, Fiona; her green eyes widened as she stared at me. I glanced beside my chair at my twin, Melinda; her mouth hung open in shock, and she put a soft hand on my arm. Ignoring her, I continued. “And some of you have only heard bits and pieces.”
Amrita caught my eye and gave me a warm, almost apologetic smile. I couldn’t imagine how this made her feel; after all, my abductor, Rohan was her half-brother, even if he never did acknowledge her as part of his family.
I went on then, feeling even more fearless, inspired by Amrita’s smile, and said, “I don’t want anyone to feel like they can’t ask me questions about the kidnapping and I certainly don’t want anyone to feel sorry for me.”
A disconcerted hush engulfed the table. When Emrys suddenly stood, his noisy chair scraping across the floor was sharp and nearly earsplitting. I had been wondering how long he would let me go on before he broke in.
“My wife is indeed quite courageous, but I know her well enough to say that she really has no desire to be the center of attention in this despicable matter,” he started with a raised brow. “Perhaps everyone might be a little more attentive to what goes on around Ravenswynd. If you could keep your eyes and ears open; we would very much appreciate it. Most of us sitting here know what Rohan is capable of, and the traits he has apparently inherited from his father, Idris. More than anything I would like to resolve the problem once and for all, but sadly, it appears that the only time he shows his face, is to our women.”
That’s because he’s really a hideous filthy coward.
Emrys gave me a quick nod to my silent derogatory observation. I had to assume that his ability to read my mind could sometimes be somewhat of a distraction to him and I snickered to myself.
I watched as my sweet assistant, Kelsey became more unnerved with each word Emrys uttered, and after a moment of hesitation, I decided to sit back down. Perhaps I shouldn’t have said anything in front of her, but it was too late, and now I felt terrible. She looked embarrassed and ashamed but when she glanced at Royal, her new, albeit secret, love - he shook his head slightly, letting her know it wasn’t her fault.
Everyone knew that Rohan had deceived Kelsey for years; using and abusing her, playing with her heartstrings. And now, Royal’s love for Kelsey was evident as he kept his eyes on her through Emrys’ whole speech, conveying with his expressions, empathy and acceptance - an apparent attempt to bolster Kelsey’s self-esteem. I wondered if I was the only one in the room to notice this as Emrys went on. Catching Fiona’s eye for a moment gave me my answer. A quick nod and eyebrow raise was all I needed. She’d noticed it too.
“Please bring it to my attention immediately if you hear or see anything. Rohan must not be allowed to continue to harass my wife, or anyone else in our family for that matter.” Emrys turned his attention to me, lovingly reached out his hand, and cupped my cheek, saying, “She did nothing to deserve this, and already he has assaulted her three times.”
Kelsey started to cry, and with much effort she said, “Master Emrys… I should have told you when he last came to me. I should have warned you then. I am so sorry.” She hung her head, covering her face with her hands and her shoulders shook as she became even more hysterical.
“It is not your fault, Kelsey,” both Emrys and I said at the same time.
And then all hell broke loose.
Priscilla became downright vehement as her face crumpled and she pointed at her daughter with her pudgy, shaking finger, yelling, “I told ye years ago he was no good! What did I say? Some day he would bring such shame on you as ye never thought possible! He’s a rotten egg, that one. It’s a wonder we don’t smell him coming before he gets here.”
Kelsey sobbed harder and louder, a few onlookers gasped aloud, and Amrita boomed, “Stop it, Priscilla!”
I hissed, “Priscilla!” at the same time a
s Amrita scolded her, both of us completely appalled at her unhelpful and mean outburst.
Priscilla glared at me through squinty eyes and shouted back, “Well, you know yourself; the rogue wants to get into your knickers as well! He can’t be satisfied with ruining me only daughter’s life. He’s bound to ruin as many as he can! The sodding half-wit.”
“Enough, woman!” Emrys yelled, slamming his hand down on the table - rocking the entire set of plates and glasses. The loud clanging metal of the silverware echoed as everyone fell into a shocked silence, and he fixed his angry eyes on Priscilla.
But she was right. Rohan was a half-wit.
Priscilla clammed up but did not manage to wipe the bitter look off her face. Kelsey continued to whimper quietly. I cleared my throat to get Emrys’ attention and made a silent suggestion regarding Kelsey. When I saw him nod, I was once again glad of his ability to read my mind.
“Kelsey, you may be excused to gather yourself together. Would someone please help her?” Emrys asked in an unbelievably calm voice.
Priscilla started to get up, but Emrys stopped her, holding up his hand. She sat back down without comment, her expression ashen and chagrined.
Royal jumped up and said, “I will.” He came around to Kelsey’s side of the table and put one hand on her elbow and the other around her waist, “Come on, Kelsey, and let’s go sit in the parlor.”
As she stood slowly with Royal’s help, Lindy handed her a napkin. “Here, sweetie.” She accepted it and wiped her nose, nodding at Melinda through her tears, but hesitated.
Fiona chimed in, “It’ll be ok, Kelsey. Go with Royal.”
The Ravenswynd Series - Boxed Set Page 49
