“That I do Abby. You can't live here all your life and not believe in a bit of magic.” He smiled and continued to watch the road. “Why do you ask?”
“Just curious.” She didn’t notice the side-glance he offered her or the smirk that crossed his lips. “Do you mind if I close my eyes for a bit?” She had started feeling a bit dizzy and assumed it was due to all the hours of travel.
“Not at all, please rest. I will wake you up when we arrive.”
Abby leaned back against the seat and closed her eyes.
She was running. Her breath came out in icy gusts as the storm raged around her. It was so dark that she couldn’t see what was in front of her. The branches whipped at her skin and tore at her clothes as she passed them, but she hardly noticed.
She slipped and fell in the mud crying out when she felt the pain in her hands and knees. She turned her head and looked behind her. The light from the lantern shone through the trees and his laughter rang out through the darkness. She stood and took off running again. She had to keep her eyes forward had to push herself as far as she could. He had to know what had happened to Isleen, needed to know about the baby. Tears stung her eyes as she pushed on. She just had to reach Aengus she couldn’t fail.
“Miss?” Abby woke and found Sheamus staring at her. “Are you alright? You seemed frightened.”
She sat up straight and rubbed her eyes. “Yes, I’m fine. Just a bad dream, must be the results of jet lag.” She smiled weakly at him and looked out the window. “So how much further?”
“We're here Miss.”
“Oh. Well great!” Nightmare forgotten, she yawned and pushed open the car door.
Abby gaped at the house that stood in front of her. It was much larger than she had predicted and looked as though it belonged back in the 1800’s. Two equally large windows flanked the large red door and bushes with brightly colored flowers lined the entire front of the house. She counted the windows as she looked up at the impressive structure and guessed it had to be at least three stories, possibly four if the attic had been converted as well. Ivy climbed its sides as much a part of the walls as the stone and mortar that had been used to build them. The roof rose up and met in the middle right over another large window.
She felt as if she had stepped right into a lovely Irish fairytale. It was absolutely the most beautiful house she had ever seen and she filed the image away in her mind so that she could paint it later. She took her time memorizing every detail, the way the moss climbed up to the front steps without actually overtaking them. The way that although the house seemed intimidating, she had never felt more welcome anywhere in her life, and she hadn’t even stepped inside.
“This is absolutely amazing.”
“It is the most beautiful house in all of Ireland, I am convinced.” He beamed at her. When the door opened and his eyes lit up, she could see it wasn’t only the beautiful house that had him in awe. The woman who stepped out was absolutely stunning. Her hair fell down her back in a single dark braid, while long bangs framed an angled yet, elegant face. Her eyes were a deep blue and they too lit up when they met Sheamus's. When she smiled Abby felt a strange feeling of deja vu, as if she had seen her somewhere and just couldn’t quite place it.
“Hello, Sheamus. This be our lovely Miss Kelly then?” She almost danced down the stairs and Abby got the impression that the woman was just as excited as she was.
“Just Abby, please.” She reached out and shook her hand. When their hands met, Abby felt a moment of recognition and had the feeling again that she had met her before. She shook it off and continued. “You have a lovely home here.”
“Thank you, Abby. It is very near and dear to me since my parents left it to my brother and me.” She smiled and released her hand. “How was your trip?”
“She did have a bit of a run in with a strange fellow at the baggage claim area,” Sheamus began, “but by the time I got there he had already disappeared.”
“Oh, that was nothing.” Abby shook it off. “There are strange people everywhere aren’t there?” She laughed not seeing the look exchanged between them.
“That there are.” Her hostess smiled warmly at her.
“I’m very glad to be here finally, your views are amazing. I am so grateful my assistant found you guys.”
“It is lovely here in the country. The big city certainly has its charms, but I find it to be much too busy. Especially nowadays.”
Sheamus came around with her bags and headed towards the house.
“Come on in Abby, I’m sure you would love to get settled.”
Abby followed Sheamus into the house and stood awestruck in the doorway at her first look at the inside. She had thought the outside had been impressive and couldn’t have prepared herself for the magnificent interior. The door opened to a large living area that seemed to span half of the downstairs. A large stone fireplace held a roaring fire and surrounding it were couches that looked like you could just sink into them. Paintings and tapestries had been hung on the stone walls giving the room an amazingly warm feeling. Dimly lit lamps sat on each end table next to the couches giving the room a warm, welcoming feeling. The large rug that sat in the center of the living area had Abby wanting to kick her shoes off so she could feel if it truly was as soft as it appeared to be.
She could stay here forever, she thought to herself.
“I’m sorry, I don’t think I got your name.” Abby turned to face her hostess.
“Oh, my. I am so sorry! I must have gotten caught up in the moment. I’m Myria O’Brian.”
“Myria this is ama-” The words along with her breath caught in her throat when he walked in the house. She felt him before she had even seen him, couldn’t explain how but had sensed his presence as if she had known he was going to be there. Her heart thumped in her chest and she felt herself get dizzy. Butterflies took over her stomach and she did her best to gain control. When their eyes met, a wave of emotion hit her and she went from excited to distraught so quickly the rush alone made her want to pass out. A deep buzzing filled her brain as if her mind was desperately trying to make the connection as to how he could possibly be standing in front of her.
She watched him as he walked towards her from a room that she assumed must be the kitchen. His dark hair curled just over his ears and he had the shadow of a beard that said it must have been a few days since he had picked up a razor. His eyes were a dark blue and she knew they lit up when he laughed. Knew that when he smiled a dimple showed itself right next to his handsome mouth.
She knew that he would taste dark and spicy and that when he ran his hands over her, they would be gentle. Abby knew all these things because she knew him. He was the man of her dreams, literally.
Her vision began to fade and she suddenly saw him dressed in clothing from another era, saw the entire house transform in front of her very eyes. She reached for the edge of the couch to steady herself, but missed and fell to the floor.
She felt his arms come around her and pull her back into him as they had so many times before. She set her duster down and let him lift her from the stool she was using.
“Aengus, what if we get caught?”
“So what if we get caught? I want all of Ireland to know how I feel about you Aine.”
“How’s that?” Her heart jumped in her chest as he turned her around to face him. She closed her eyes as his fingertips brushed her cheek and he lightly touched his lips to hers.
“I love you.” He whispered it against her mouth and she thought she might explode from the happiness she felt. No matter how many times he said it to her, it always felt like the first time.
“Oh, Aengus. I love you too.”
He took her mouth in a heated kiss that melted every bone in her body. She molded to him perfectly and for a moment allowed herself to be lost in everything he was.
But when reality set in she pulled away. “How can this be though Aengus? I am not of your status level, your parents would never allow it. It would reflect
poorly on your family.” Tears began to fill her eyes as she thought of being torn away from him. Of being forced to watch as he married another, a woman who was of the same standing as he was.
“Hush now.” He whispered gently. “You are so much more than anyone I have ever met. Status be damned. You are mine and I give myself to you. No one will ever hold my heart the way you do.”
She looked up into his eyes and he brushed her unshed tears away.
They heard the door open and he released her.
“They will accept you, just you wait and see.” He kissed her hand and turned away.
“Miss Kelly?”
“Aengus?” She whispered his name and opened her eyes to stare straight in his.
They just watched each other for a moment. She saw the sadness in his eyes, the worry over her and she wanted desperately to wrap him in her arms and hold him until it went away. She couldn’t explain how, but she knew every expression those eyes could hold. She had felt a jolt of recognition much like she had with Myria, but this ran deeper. It felt as if someone was squeezing her heart and kicking her in the stomach at the same time.
Her face flushed with embarrassment when she realized that both Sheamus and Myria were watching them intently. Aengus pulled her to her feet and she brushed her clothes off, pulling away from him and her strange feelings as soon as she was able to.
“Well that’s a hell of a first impression isn’t it?” She laughed nervously. “I’m Abigail Kelly, or rather just Abby.”
“Aengus O’Brian. It's nice to meet you, Miss Kelly.” His voice was deep and rich, as she had known it would be, and his accent was thick.
“Please call me Abby.”
“Abby.” She had heard hundreds of people say her name, but it never made her feel the way it did when he said it.
“Would you like to see your room?” Myria interrupted and Sheamus cleared his throat.
“Oh yes please.” She laughed. “That would be great.”
“I'll show her.” Aengus lifted her bags with ease and carried them towards the stairs.
She took one last look at Myria and Sheamus and followed up after him, not noticing the smiles exchanged between the two.
“So how many guests are staying here?” She asked once they had reached the top of the stairs.
“Just you. All the other rooms are empty, so if you aren’t comfortable in the one we gave you, you are more than welcome to switch.”
“I’m sure I will love it. I would like to explore a bit if that would be okay? Since there are no other guests. This house is fascinating to me.”
“Of course. I am in the room on the far end of the hall. Myria and Sheamus both have rooms on the bottom floor, off the kitchen. So if you need anything, one of us will be close.”
She swallowed hard. He was going to be sleeping mere footsteps away. That was definitely going to take some getting used to. She wondered what he would sleep in, and then mentally punched herself for thinking about that. How was she going to get any relaxing done with him so close?
He pushed open the door to a bedroom at the end of the hall. Her jaw dropped at the sight of what was to be hers for however long she wanted it to be.
“This is amazing!” She exclaimed and bolted in the room. She spun around astounded at so much beauty in one place. A large four-poster bed stood on the far wall, lace drapes surrounding it. The bedspread was a sea foam green and matching curtains hung from the windows surrounding large balcony doors. The walls were dark brown wooden planks and tapestries hung on them as well. A fireplace stood in front of the bed and flames leapt making the room warm. She knew this was the place for her. She made a mental note to send Molly some flowers, and looking at Aengus, who stood in the doorway behind her, added a raise as well.
She pushed open the doors to stand on the balcony. She stood in the fresh air and stared out into the lush green forest of Ireland. Below her was a barn where two horses stood in their paddocks looking up towards her. Her view was of trees, horses and the most beautiful skyline she had ever seen. She could most certainly live here.
“I placed you in this room because it has the better view.” And it was furthest from his room, he added silently. It was going to be difficult enough to have her so close at first. Especially since she seemed to retain little to no memory of their past.
“Oh, Aengus. It is perfect!” She ran over to him and lifted to her toes to kiss him on the cheek. She pulled back and stared into his eyes, which held her gaze. How had she dreamt of him all those years when this was the first she was meeting him? Her life had been so much easier when she could assume she had made him up. She knew she was going to face it, whatever it was, and figure out what was going on. Who knew? Maybe she could put an end to the dreams and the nightmares.
His gaze broke away suddenly and he practically bolted for the door. Was it possible he had dreamt of her too? Is that why he was retreating so quickly?
“I'll just set your things down. Dinner is at six. The kitchen is just past the living room on the other side of the fireplace.”
“Thank you.” She smiled at him as he left.
Abby moved to stand next to the balcony again. She had never been one who ran from her problems and now that she knew her dream guy was actually a living breathing person and not just a figment of her imagination, she had every intention of facing it head on. She was going to get to the bottom of it regardless of how crazy it made her feel. And who knew? Maybe she would get to feel his hands on her somewhere other than in her dreams. This was her vacation after all, and she was in Ireland of all places. Even though she had never put much thought into magic, Abby couldn’t deny that this was a land where it seemed anything was possible.
Chapter Five
After he was out of her sight, Aengus allowed himself to take a deep breath. He walked slowly to his room and once behind the closed door, he rubbed his hands over his face. He had felt her presence the moment her plane had touched down. All the emotions he had been holding in for the last two hundred years had hit him like a ton of bricks.
She was finally here. After all this time he got to look upon her face again. Oh, it had taken everything in his power to not scoop her up and kiss her. To put his hands on her, he needed his hands on her. Needed to feel her, to know that she was truly there.
Aengus wanted her to be close to him, he would have put her right next door to his room had he believed he possessed the strength to give her the time he knew she needed. When she had kissed his cheek he had very nearly grabbed her and tossed her on the bed, made love to her right there. He was afraid he wouldn’t be able to help himself if she came that close again. He had to give her time to remember. If he told her now, she would be sure to run and then they would all be damned.
He thought of his sister, if it was only his soul on the line, he might risk it. But he couldn’t do that to her. Especially not when she had finally found someone who made her happy. He moved to stand by his window. He had a view of what was left of the gardens his mother had once been so proud of. The stone walls crumbled around a barren circle of land. Nothing had grown there since Aine had died. Maybe now that she was back, he could try and make them beautiful again.
Aengus turned and sighed at the knock on the door, he had been expecting her.
“Come in Myria.”
“Aengus it’s her!” She whispered loudly as she shut the door behind her. “After all this time she came back! She actually came back!” She smiled at his amused expression. “I mean I knew she was coming, but she’s finally here! Oh isn’t it wonderful?” Myria did a little dance and then narrowed her eyes at her brother. “Why aren’t you happier?”
“I am happy.” He did his best to smile at her. “It's just not easy having her this close and yet, I can’t hold her, can’t tell her how much I have longed for her. It's painful Myria.” He moved to sit on the edge of his bed.
“Aengus I told you that she would not have all of her memories. She was too near death when we
got to her.” She sat down next to him and put her arm around his shoulders. “She will come around, Aengus. She loves you. You can see it in her eyes, even now. Besides, how else do you explain that faint she had, and her knowing your name?” Myria kissed her brother's cheek loudly. “Now how about we get some whiskey and see what we can do about dinner.”
He said a quick prayer that Myria was right, and that she would come around. She had said his name. It had been him she had called out for when she began to come around. That had to mean something! He sighed. They had six months until the two hundred years were up. He knew that if they could just get her to remember, that they could end the curse together and live the life they had been robbed of. The life Caipre had stolen from them. He just hoped Caipre hadn’t been made aware of her presence, and that he continued lurking in whatever crevice it was he had been living in.
Chapter Six
Caipre jumped up and down in the stone cavern he had made his home. She was here! He had seen it with his own two eyes. She had finally come back to Ireland and was so close he could almost touch her. His eyes lit with fury.
How dare she go to him first? How dare she disobey him that way! Caipre paced the single room angrily. He would see to her punishment. Oh yes, how he would punish her. She dares to flaunt herself like that so close to him and yet just out of reach. And after all, he had done for her! He had cleansed her of her sins, made her worthy of him, and yet she was going to throw it all away! He slammed his fist down on his table and ignored the mug that clattered to the floor.
He stood and straightened the collar of his shirt. He supposed he could give her the benefit of the doubt, after all, that bitch witch had wiped her memories. So how was she supposed to know all he had done for her? He would fix that. Caipre smiled into the darkness. Oh yes, he would fix that.
She would be punished for going to them first. He knew she had dreamt of him, for he had sent her his face while she had been sleeping over the years. No matter how far she ran he would always be able to find her, and when he did, he would make her his.
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