A More Perfect Union--The Complete Boxed Set by Betty Bolte

Author:Betty Bolte
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Mystic Owl Publishing
Published: 2023-02-25T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 13

An owl hooted nearby, waking Amy. She blinked in the near dark, the dawning sun sharing its light with the forest beyond. The fire had died back to red embers, glowing dully against the deep gray of the cave. She recalled the events of the previous day, then the astonishing conclusion with Ben, who now lay beside her, one arm claiming her waist. How had she gotten back inside? She didn’t recall walking in. Ben must have carried her after she’d fallen asleep in his arms, exhausted and spent.

He had possessed her, body and soul, forever laying claim to her. She wore her shift but nothing more. Warmth spread through her at the memory of his gentle touch, his tender kisses that fueled desire to flow again. She couldn’t stay in this luxurious warmth for long, as Samantha awoke early to begin her day. She needed to find her clothes and fast.

Easing his arm from her waist, she padded outside and retrieved her garments, quickly shaking them out before slipping the chilled clothing on. The buttons proved a problem, but she fastened most of them. She crossed her arms, wishing yet again for her cloak, and marveled at the play of light and shadow under the trees as the sunshine intensified. Icarus nickered when he saw her. She walked to him, rubbing his nose in greeting.

A quiet sound alerted her to someone behind her. Man or animal? She peeked over her shoulder and relaxed.

“There you are.” Ben deftly finished buttoning her dress, then turned her to face him. He kissed her lightly, then again more slowly. “We should leave as soon as it’s light.”

“We’re hours from the house.” Amy sighed and patted the horse’s neck. “It won’t take as long to arrive home with Icarus’s help.”

Benjamin untied Icarus and let him graze on the scant grass available on the forest floor. He regarded her for a breath. “Wake Samantha and see what’s left for breakfast. We need to go.”

Amy hugged herself to ward off the morning chill. “Yes, we should hurry.” She turned and went back to rouse Samantha. Fortunately she was sitting up, combing her hair with long fingers when Amy hurried back inside.

“Good, you’re awake.” Amy searched her friend’s features with a practiced eye and then motioned to her to hurry. “Gather your things while I find something for breakfast. We must leave as soon as we can.”

“Good morning to you, too.” Samantha gained her feet. “And I’m doing much better, thank you for asking.”

“Oh, Samantha, you know I care! I can tell from your expression you’re in less pain. Really, I feel it’s urgent for us to get moving.”

“Your feelings seem to rule your every move, my friend.” Samantha wound her ebony hair up into a loose bun. “You should consider what your head tells you as well. Learn to balance the two into one harmonious response.”

“Do you not ever trust your instincts?” Amy stared at her friend, wondering about the changes in her over the last year.

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