Page 29 of Vengeance Becomes Her

She thought he might let her off easy today, but he made her keep going until the overbearing rays of early noon beat down upon them. It was an abnormally warm day as they moved intolate September.

Thankfully, they were both on the same page and decided to call it a day. She had to admit that even though she was tired, she had fun with this lesson. Partially because of the thoughtful gift he’d gotten her, but also because she surprisingly loved the feel of steel in her hand. It was resistant to her for now, but she would master it as she got stronger.

Tristain was beaming at her. He moved his mouth to say something but closed it immediately.

“What?” Rhiannon asked hesitantly, hoping he wasn’t going to make her go through one more drill.

“I was thinking maybe, if you felt like it, we could go have a drink at the tavern later?” His hand shifted nervously at his side, opening and closing into a fist as the seconds ticked by while she thought about her answer.

Rhiannon couldn’t help the small smile that found its way to her face. “Sure. What time?”

“Six? That will give you enough time to wash up, you desperately need a bath…a long one by the look and smell of you.”

She gasped in mock offense. She knew she was covered in dust and sweat. “You could say the same for yourself.” She glared at his teasing. “I’ll meetyou out front.”

“Six. Don’t be late.”

With a wink, he turned on his heel and disappeared up the path to the main house, a cocky air in his step.

She couldn’t help the hope that rose within her, bringing a lightness to her step.

---