Page 56 of To Honor

“That sounds very much like something he would say. I was surprised he did not.”

“What else?” Gareth asked. He seemed worried, as if sensing there was more.

“He means to have the marriage annulled,” Alden said.

“Impossible.” Gareth, though clearly angry, was controlled. “He cannot.”

“He has powerful friends,” Evelina said, her worst fears coming true. “Ecclesiastical courts have jurisdiction over marriages, as you know. There are many who would take the case, unfortunately. What does Eamon advise?” she asked.

“To remain here.”

“Not so bad a place,” Roland said as his meal arrived. “Though you are missed at Knight School.”

“By you, no doubt?” Gareth’s humor had not left him even though the news was not good. “Who else will remind you of your lessons?”

“What else is there to do at Castle Blackwood if not attend your lessons?” Evelina asked.

In response, Roland shrugged as if he had no answer. She looked at Gareth and immediately understood. There were enough serving maids there, apparently, to occupy him.

“Remain here,” Gareth repeated. “For how long?”

“For as long as it takes for Eamon to talk sense into Ashcroft.” Alden grabbed his mug and took a long swig.

No one spoke after that. Alden and Roland ate their meals. Gareth leaned back, mug in hand, deep in thought. And Evelina had naught to say. She would remain here indefinitely, but such a thing was not possible. They were too close to Ashcroft Manor, and eventually would be discovered. Unable to take a chance that her powerful former father could see her and Gareth separated, they would have no other choice but to leave.

The tourney circuit. Was such a thing even possible? Wouldn’t Gareth be discovered if he entered, and won, tournament after tournament? And while she truly did not care if they did not have a proper home, being with him the only thing that mattered to her, Evelina could tell Gareth wanted that—if not for himself then for her.

When she looked up, her husband was watching her. But the merriment was gone from his eyes, replaced with a look of concern. Of sorrow.

They’d desperately wanted news from home and, unfortunately, got their wish.

27

He woke with her in his arms. Gareth thought to allow her to sleep, but when he stirred, Evie did as well. Pulling him toward her, Evie’s hand on his chest, Gareth no longer had a desire to get up from the bed.

Instead, a very different desire prompted his hands to set out exploring the curves he’d begun to learn and love. From the curve of her hips to the sides of Evie’s breasts, every bit of her felt welcoming and soft. When she began to moan under his ministrations, Gareth lifted his wife above him. It was the first time for this particular position, and he was happy to show her how to ride him.

No words were exchanged.

Reaching down between them, Gareth slipped his fingers inside her, and found his wife already wet for him. A good thing, because he wanted her. Needed her. Pulling his hand away, he guided himself into her as Evie sat atop him. Guiding her hips, he watched as Evie’s mouth opened. Watched as she slid up and down as he reached for her, using his thumb too.

“Mmmm.” She smiled, but otherwise said nothing.

Their lovemaking was unlike any other time. Slow. Deliberate. With the weight of yesterday’s news, maybe she wanted this in the same way as he did, the two of them knowing they very well may be alone in the world.

Gareth would do it all over again and again to have this moment, yet he couldn’t ignore the voice in his head that said he’d let down his family. He’d completed just one mission as a part of the Guardians knightly order.

Do not think of that now.

Instead, he concentrated on giving his wife pleasure, though it was hardly possible he could give her as much as she did him. Reaching up with his free hand, he cupped her breast, unable to resist touching. Teasing.

She moved more quickly, and Gareth responded. Together they moved up and down, his thumb circling more quickly now.

“Gareth.” Her breathing was getting heavy. She was close.

“Go ahead,” he prompted, using everything he had to ensure Evie would cry out his name. Touching her, loving her.

“Gareth,” she said again.