Page 83 of Sword of Rage
She jerked away from him. “What are you saying?”
“I know your marriage to Lyle wasn’t what you wanted. I think after dealing with him, you deserve better. I refuse to push something on you for my own personal reasons. Otherwise, I’m no better than Lyle.”
Her hands shook as horror filled her. Ackley knew how Lyle had treated her. But then there was that second part about him wanting something—her—but was afraid to push himself on her. If he was asking her to choose him, then she would.
“I want you,” the words slipped out of her mouth.
His forehead creased as he considered her words. Then his face softened. “I was hoping you’d say that.” He kissed her.
“How’s this going to work with us going separate ways?” she asked.
“We’ll figure it out. Once we get rid of the false king, we can sit down and come up with a plan. I promise.”
For the first time in what felt like forever, happiness swelled inside of Harley.
“You have the most beautiful, infectious smile,” Ackley said, running his thumb over her lips. He took hold of her hand, kissing it. “We need to get going before Gytha and Ledger come looking for us.” Not releasing her hand, he led her from the barn.
Outside, Gytha and Ledger had the four horses saddled and ready to go. Which meant they’d been inside the barn when Ackley and Harley were sleeping up in the loft. She hoped they hadn’t seen anything.
“Now that everyone’s here, we’ll set out,” Ledger said. “There’s food in the saddlebags.”
Harley mounted her horse. The sun was already rising, putting the time at mid-morning. Ledger had said he wanted to leave at first light. “How far until we part ways?” she asked.
“About two hours.”
She only had two hours until she said goodbye to Ackley.
The four of them set out, heading into the forest.
No one spoke as they rode.
Harley kept reliving moments from last night. She was sure she had a dopey smile on her face; however, she couldn’t help it. She had never felt this wonderful before.
When they came to an intersection, Ledger stopped. “Let’s take a short break together before parting ways.” He dismounted and led his horse under the shade of the nearby trees.
Harley dismounted and stretched. She let her horse graze nearby while she nibbled on a loaf of bread from her saddlebag.
Gytha drained her water.
“Would you like some of mine?” Harley asked, holding out her waterskin.
Gytha glared at her. “I don’t want anything from you.”
Harley wondered what she did to upset her.
“I’m sorry I didn’t take a turn on watch last night,” Ackley said. “I’ll make up for it tonight. I’ll take watch so you can sleep.”
“Are you sure you have the energy after last night?” Gytha asked, glaring at Ackley.
Harley wanted to disappear into the tree behind her. Gytha knew that Harley had been intimate with Ackley, and she clearly didn’t approve. Unable to tolerate the woman’s piercing glare, Harley turned and walked deeper into the forest, needing some space. There was no reason for the warrior woman to be so upset. Gytha was a soldier, and Ackley was her superior. She had no right to speak to him that way.
Having gone far enough from the road, Harley hugged herself, trying not to let Gytha’s sour mood ruin her happiness.
Leaves crunched not far away, but she didn’t see anyone approaching.
“Ackley, wait,” Gytha hissed. “I just want to talk to you. How could you be so stupid?”
“You’re out of line,” he snapped. “Now leave me be. I need to go and find her.”
