Autumn's Magical Pact by Leigh Ann Edwards

Author:Leigh Ann Edwards
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction, Romance
ISBN: 9781957748818
Publisher: Tule Publishing Group, LLC
Published: 2022-06-25T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fourteen

“Why do you insist on staying here, Rhianwyn?” Broccan held her in her small bed after sharing heated intimacies.

“The cottage you chose is lovely. But when you marry, even if I should remain your mistress, I wouldn’t share your bed in a location where your wife could easily discover us and be hurt and humiliated.”

“If it was Hazel, she’d be liable to give me a worthy black eye with her rather formidable height and strong arms.”

She prettily smiled up at him and he held her closer.

“Have you been courting Corliss and Flora as well?”

“I’ve been rather busy of late with you, lovely Rhianwyn,” he said, caressing her breast and kissing her.

“I’m meeting my friends at the market so we can’t linger today.”

He glanced toward the fireless hearth.

“You must be dreadfully cold midwinter and cooking outdoors year-round must be difficult.”

“Many common-born do. I dress warmly and…”

“Come stay with me, Rhianwyn. If not the cottage, there’s the guesthouse. All chambers there have large hearths. You don’t have to stay in the manor house if you’re opposed. Christ, the stables would be warmer than this.”

“This cottage holds memories no other location has.”

“We’ll make our own memories, my sweet Rhianwyn.”

She stiffened at him calling her his. He was well aware it wasn’t just lust he felt. He was losing his heart to her just as Anslem told him he would. She glanced toward her father’s bed.

“You miss him much?” Broccan said.

“I miss them both. Though we drifted apart after Mam died, Father was my family. Do you have family back in Ireland?”

“My father lives but he’s a miserable old codger who thinks wealth and title more important than anything.”

“He sounds like Giles.” She cuddled closer on hearing he wasn’t on favorable terms with his father. “You told me you’ve never been wed, but have you been in love before?”

“Once…nearly, I suppose.”

“Nearly in love…or nearly married?”

“I was probably in love with her. She was a feisty warrior woman, learned with a sword and she had an infectious laugh.”

“Why didn’t you marry?” Rhianwyn asked.

“Something came between us,” he replied.

“Where is she now?”

“I’m not certain. We parted on unpleasant terms.” He cleared his throat, feeling the familiar fury when he thought of Doirean.

“Yet you don’t fear becoming close to another?” Rhianwyn asked.

“People aren’t meant to be alone, Rhianwyn,” Broccan said.

“I find purpose in my healing.”

“But you’re beautiful, young, and healthy; you deserve more than simply serving others.”

“I admit I feel restless when the lustful urges happen…which is partly why I’ve agreed to be…”

“My mistress…so you’ve said numerous times,” he replied, increasingly irked at her insistence of only agreeing to a sexual relationship. “Who would you recommend I marry since you seem set on that and don’t approve of the ladies I’ve previously spoken of?”

She tensed. As much as she claimed she wanted him to marry another, he was beginning to wonder.

“I’m seldom in the company of anyone who’d be the best match for a wealthy lord. Elspeth sometimes serves during large feasts. You might ask her. The king’s advisors could find a suitable match.

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