Going Down in Flames (Going Down in Flames #1)(49)

Valmont was as attractive as she remembered. His single dimple appeared when he smiled. Maybe she could take a knight’s descendant to the dance. Of course, that would mean asking him, which would be awkward and held the possibility of more rejection. Not something she could deal with right now.

“Bryn, how nice to see—what’s wrong?”

She obviously needed to work on her poker face. “I just had a fight with—” Who was Zavien, really? A friend, a mentor, someone who wanted to use her for his cause? She didn’t know anymore. Stupid, angry tears filled her eyes. She cleared her throat and looked down at the table.

Valmont put a warm hand on her shoulder blade. “How can I help?”

She forced a smile. “How about a gallon of lemon ice and a large spoon?”

“There you are.” Zavien’s voice brought a low growl from her throat. Anger flared in her gut, and sparks shot from her nostrils.

“You fought with him?” Valmont confirmed.

She nodded.

“Do you want to talk to him?”

She shook her head. “No.”

“You heard her,” Valmont said. “Leave. Now.”

“We had a stupid misunderstanding.” Zavien attempted to move toward Bryn, but Valmont blocked his path.

“What do you think you’re doing?” Zavien asked.

“I’m fulfilling my vow,” Valmont said in a voice of steel. “The lady doesn’t wish for your company. I suggest you leave.”





Chapter Fifteen Right in front of her eyes, Valmont had transformed from a good-humored waiter into a warrior with a will of iron. He still held a pad for taking orders, but his stance had changed. He appeared ready to do battle.

Zavien retreated a step. “I was rude earlier, and I came here to apologize.”

Valmont turned to Bryn. “Do you want to hear his apology, or should I throw him out?”

While she’d love to see Zavien tossed out on his ass, she had no desire to put Valmont in danger. He was only human, after all. “I may not forgive him, but I’ll listen.”

Valmont backed up and stood beside her chair.

She touched his hand. “Thank you.”

He wrapped his warm fingers around hers. “You’re welcome.”

Warmth suffused her system. Valmont’s posture relaxed. “Do you still want a gallon of lemon ice and a large spoon?”

“A bowl will do.”

“Anything for you?” he asked Zavien in a less-than-friendly tone.

Zavien shook his head.

Valmont went back toward the kitchen.

“Only you could bring out the latent powers of a knight,” Zavien said.

Bryn flung a sugar packet at his head. “Get to the apology.”

He caught the packet and set it on the table. “Ivy pointed out that I might have been insensitive.”

“You think?”

“My intention wasn’t to upset you. I’m sure there are males who find you attractive, but they may not ask you to the dance due to societal pressures. I thought you should be aware so you wouldn’t be disappointed.”

It was still painful to hear but didn’t cut as deep as his earlier comment. “You should have said it that way in the first place.”

Valmont appeared, bearing a bowl overflowing with lemon ice. “Did I mention my grandfather still has several lances? My brothers and I can hit a moving target at one hundred yards.”

“Fascinating,” Zavien said. “Is there any other useless information you’d like to share?”

Valmont tapped his chin like he was thinking. “Let’s see. I’m eighteen. My favorite food is anything Italian. If you upset Bryn again in my presence, I will hurt you. Any questions?”

“No,” Zavien bit out.

“Good. Glad we cleared that up.” He set the lemon ice in front of Bryn and then gave her hand a quick squeeze. “I’m here for you if you need me.”

“Thank you.” Bryn ate her lemon ice and tried not to appear smug. By the time her spoon hit the bottom of the bowl, her mood was much improved. Valmont refused to let her pay. He escorted her to the door, shooting Zavien warning looks the entire way. The expression of disgust on Zavien’s face as they walked to the dress shop had her biting her lip to keep from laughing.

In the store, they found Ivy modeling a pink dress for Clint.

“Thank God you’re here,” Clint said. “She’s tried on six dresses and looked good in all of them. I don’t understand why she won’t pick one.”

Ivy turned in a circle. “What do you think?”

Bryn studied the ruffled dress. “I don’t know why, but that dress isn’t you.”

Clint groaned. “A little help, Zavien?”

“It’s best if I keep all thoughts to myself. Bryn has a knight.”

Ivy clasped Bryn’s hand. “You have a knight? What happened?”

“You remember Valmont: dark hair, blue eyes, one dimple.”

“Yummy,” Ivy added.

Clint and Zavien made noises of disgust.

“Since Zavien was rude, again, Valmont refused to let him talk to me until I said it was okay.”

“I can’t remember the last time a resident of Dragon’s Bluff took on the mantle of a knight.” Ivy’s excited tone didn’t make sense.