Page 44 of Knightfall
I leaned up on my tiptoes and pressed my hands against Ryan’s chest, “If you did that, I’d miss Abbas’ visit completely. No ball. I vote for lock up.”
Ryan laughed and pulled my hands off, passing them to Quinn. “You’re gonna kill me.”
Quinn took my hands and spun me out and then back in, as if we were dancing. He pulled my back to his chest, his bearded cheek rubbing against my cheek, arms entwined with mine.
Ryan walked off, smiling and shaking his head.
Hello, wife.Quinn’s sultry mind-voice flitted through my head.
I twisted so I could meet Quinn’s eyes. “You are in trouble.”
He grinned. And his grey eyes sparkled with mischief.So are you.
“What? Why am I in trouble?”
You agreed to consider Lady Agatha’s son, Willard, as a suitor.
Chapter Thirteen
“But … but … I’m already ‘married,’” I whispered as a healer swept down the hall toward my mother’s rooms. My eyes followed the man as he slipped inside. She hadn’t looked bad when I’d seen her. But she wouldn’t have told me about her discomfort anyway. The man wasn’t racing. I’d just seen her. I convinced myself it was a routine visit and turned back to Quinn. “If you all are bound to me … I thought no one could be added after a marriage ceremon—”
You don’t have to speak out loud to me, you know.
Oh.
With the bead, you can just think something … and project it.
I pictured Quinn prostrate on the floor, bowing repeatedly to me.Like that?
You’re more creative than that, I’m sure.
I closed my eyes and imagined Quinn draped in fur, with homemade paper bunny ears clipped into his hair. He sat on Willard’s lap. The chubby man bounced him on his knee and handed him a carrot. “Suck it,” Willard demanded.
Quinn laughed silently, his shoulders shaking.That was a good one.His hand stroked mine as he moved me to his side and tucked my hand into the crook of his elbow, so he could escort me properly.
“I’ve had the unfortunate privilege of seeing something similar in real life,” I forgot to speak in my mind.
Thank you for sharing that trauma with me. I’ll treasure it forever.
I was furious at you this morning, you know. I thought I was delirious.We both paused to nod at Baron White admiring a painting as we went through the main gallery.
I know. Why do you think I avoided you until now?
I pinched the skin near his elbow and he started but didn’t pull away. I sneaked a glance and he was still grinning. That shite. I’d get revenge on him.
Did you hear everything Avia and I talked about?
Do you mean, will I be making my manservant test all my bathing products? And clothing? And brushes? And food? And double check under my saddle for tacks? Yes.
Damn it all. I hate you a little bit.
No, you don’t.He glanced down at me, eyes filled with amusement, and something more.
That something more sent a shiver of nervousness down my spine. I wasn’t quite sure why. Goosebumps rose on my arms as Quinn stopped walking.
He brought his hand up and stroked my cheek with the backside of his fingers.I’ve waited so long to talk to you.
Yes. Four years. He’d shown up to the castle and found no bride.You hate me for leaving, too. I’m sorry. I swear, I didn’t know my mother would block you from other relationships. I never knew. Ryan just told me. I wouldn’t have let her do that to you.
