Page 15 of Vengeance Becomes Her

CHAPTER FIVE

Irritation coursed through her when she finally felt strong enough to take her leave.

In an effort to lift her spirits, Rhiannon decided to get some fresh air by going to her favorite place on the grounds, the garden. She found a clear spot in the grass where there was just the right amount of sunlight and laid down on her favorite blanket, its lavender fabric soft and tattered from extensive use.

She’d brought a book to read, but it turned out she wasn’t much in the mood for stories of damsels in distress and gallant heroes. Instead, she closed her eyes and listened to the soothing sound of the nearby fountain, its water trickling softly to a peaceful tune. She rarely found herself able to fully relax these days—it seemed her body was always on edge—but this was as close as it got.

Rhiannon took solace in her blissfully quiet surroundings. Unfortunately, it didn’t last long. As soon as she got comfortable, she heard footsteps approaching. Her eyes flew open at the sound of grass and rocks crunching under a pair of sturdy shoes. Her gut clenched in suspense. She’d asked to be alone. Irritation flared within her once more.

After another moment of careful listening, she deduced that the tread was too heavy to be her sister or mother. She leaned up on one elbow, her other hand shielding her eyes so she could make out the stranger’s face. Her pulse jumped when she realized who it was. Tristain was approaching. She noted that his body language was nervous, his hands wringing one another.

Out in the garden and without the sword at his hip, he looked much less intimidating. Out here, with the sun perfectly lighting his features, it was impossible to ignore how undeniably handsome he was.

She set her face in an expression that she hoped would clearly communicate her displeasure at the interruption. “Can I help you?”

He shook his head as he came to a stop in front of her and crouched down so they were eye level.

“I think we got off to a bad start. I’m sorry if you felt ambushed.” He ran thick fingers through his hair, tugging at the unwieldy brown-black waves. “I know you want nothing to do with me and I don’t blame you, but I believe we can help each other. Or at the very least, you can help me protect other innocent women from ending up like you, or worse.”

He was biting his lip nervously. Her gaze lingered there, admiring how soft and kissable they looked. As soon as the thought entered her mind, she banished it, bringing her gaze back to a more appropriate focus. However, it wasn’t much of an improvement, she found herself distracted by the small orange flecks that ornamented the iris of his eyes, complementing the rich brown in the most hypnotizing way.

“If I’m going to even consider helping you, I need you to make a deal with me. There needs to be complete honesty between us.” The words escaped before she fully formed the thought. Her resolve was softening already and she hated him for it. She should have learned her lesson with Silas, but there was something about him.

Tristain nodded, all seriousness at her mention of potentially helping him.

Wearing this expression, she could see more of the family resemblance. She missed his disarming smile and the small dimples that made her want to smile back.

His willingness to compromise almost made her feel guilty for what she said next. “Well then…to be perfectly honest,” she said, watching the hopeful smile return to his face. “I would love nothing more than to slap that smug look off that pretty mouth of yours and never see you again.” She forced her eyes to shrink into slits of disdain but she fought the smirk that struggled to break free.

He had the nerve to laugh at that, the sound warm and welcoming. He seemed taken aback by her brazenness, but the smile that took up half of his face suggested hemight like it.

“So you think I’m pretty. That is good to know.” Another soft chuckle escaped those lush lips that were quickly becoming her worst enemy.

She rolled her eyes exaggeratedly. “I see arrogance runs in the family.Thatis good to know.”

“Perhaps.” He shrugged, unaffected by her dig. “Well, I’m not going anywhere, just yet. But if I grant your request of a single slap, will you at least hear me out? It seems like a fair trade I suppose.”

A genuine smile played on Rhiannon’s lips, the first she’d felt in a while. Tristain’s gaze was immediately drawn there. She could feel his focus tracing the curve of her mouth. She suppressed the urge to fidget under his appreciative scrutiny.

“Hmm.” She feigned consideration, enjoying the way he seemed to light up at the sound of her voice. “Tempting offer, but my mother would be horrified if I treated a guest like that and I fear I may have already upset her enough for one day.”

He tilted his head, considering her words, a knowing grin revealing those dimples.

He extended his hand, but instead of taking it, she patted the blanket gesturing for him to sit. She wasn’t quite ready to leave the serene spot she’d hardly been able to enjoy. The look of surprise that passed over his face couldn’t be missed, but he clearly wasn’t going to pass up this opportunity. She couldn’t help but wonder if his excitement was partially because he was looking forward to spending more time with her, or solely because he hoped to convince her to assist him by the end of their conversation.

“Don’t think this means I like you or want to help you. I’m just in a good mood for once and this is my favorite spot.” She shot him a sideways glare, to ensure he didn’t mistake her temporary submission to his company as an invitationto be friendly.

He shook his head in disbelief as he laid back, tucking his arms behind his head. “How can someone be so angry, yet so endearing at the same time? It shouldn’t be possible.”

Heat flashed up Rhiannon’s neck, but she ignored the remark, letting the awkward silence linger between them. She laid back down, sinking into the softness of the thick blanket and grass that supported her back. She resumed resting her eyes as she’d been doing before he arrived, acting as if he wasn’t there.

However, tuning him out didn’t last long. She sighed heavily, feeling his eyes studying her intently.

“Can you not just enjoy this temporary truce and the lovely sunset we’re about to see? I can feel all the words just waiting to burst out of you. It’s not very conducive to my relaxation.”

Tristain chuckled and sat up, hooking his arms around his knees.“As you wish.”

Rhiannon ignored the way her stomach fluttered at his words.

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