The Earl's Entanglement (Border Series Book 5)(66)

With the sun just barely risen, it was quite cold. This time she remembered her cloak before stepping outside, and when Eddard himself appeared at the door of the stables, she stopped short.

“Lady Emma?”

She was not typically one to be up and about so early.

“Good morn, Eddard,” Emma said. She ignored his look of surprise and strode purposefully toward Nella. “How is my girl doing this fine morning?”

She kept her eyes on Nella for fear Eddard would be able to guess at her purpose if he saw her face.

“You wish to ride so early?”

“Please.”

One thing she’d learned from Bryce—the less explanation the situation required, the less one should offer. She walked back outside, hoping to avoid further questions. When Eddard led Nella to her, she thanked him and, without further comment, pulled her hood more tightly about her face and made off toward Clave.

Geoffrey would be furious to learn she’d ridden so far without an escort. Or that she’d traveled to Clave at all. But most of the journey would be on Caiser land, and she planned to ride along the coast for the remainder of the trip. Depending on the timing of her arrival, she may have to wait for the tide to allow her access, but Emma was not concerned about her safety.

What would happen when she found Garrick?

That was a different sort of worry entirely.



Garrick needed to get out. Since the party’s arrival yesterday, he’d not had a moment to himself, and before he spoke to his mother, Garrick needed time to himself. Time to think through what could be the most foolish decision of his life. After first informing Mable of his intentions and his whereabouts, he hurried away from the castle. The previous day had been disastrous, and today would undoubtedly prove to be much worse. If it was rude to be absent from the midday meal, then let him be guilty of neglecting his unwanted guests.

Leaving the keep in Mable’s capable care, Garrick strode down the path that led to the stables. He’d considered taking a ride to clear his head but had dismissed the idea. Though it was still low tide, the waters would soon rise, and he couldn’t be away for very long. So instead, he took the path that led beyond the stables toward the training yard. It would be empty, of course, but it was the place he felt most at peace.

Garrick was about to turn a corner when he heard voices behind him, at the entrance to the stables. It wasn’t the groom’s voice that gave him pause, but the woman’s. Clearly he was hearing things. It couldn’t be her.

“There’s no need for escort,” she said. “But I thank you for your offer.”

Nay, it was not possible.

“But the guards—”

“Knew well that Caiser is a friend to Clave. Do lead the way.”

Emma.

They turned the corner and froze.

“Leave us,” he said to the groom, who seemed all too eager to do just that. With a quick nod of his head, he hurried off.

Emma’s expression matched Garrick’s own feelings at seeing her.

“Caiser may be a friend to Clave, but he’d never let a stranger approach without escort. Even a lone woman.” He reached her in three strides. “Most especially a woman.”

He took her arm and guided her in the direction he’d been headed.

“Am I a threat then?”

He couldn’t stop looking at her. “You are.”

More than she realized. He’d best concentrate on getting them to the training yard. It wasn’t far, and since he’d given his men the day off, a rare boon in honor of their guests, the armory should be abandoned.

Garrick couldn’t reach the building fast enough, though he did wish he had somewhere more fitting to bring her. The small stone structure would be dark and cold, hardly a place for a heartfelt reunion.

“I’ve never been considered a threat before,” she said.

He pushed open the door.

Empty.

Garrick closed it with one hand and pulled her toward him with the other. “Very dangerous indeed.”

He kissed her passionately, wanting to devour her, wanting to make her his in every way. He’d done just that in his dream the night before, and the memories rose up. When he grasped both sides of her face, her hood fell back, exposing the mass of black waves.

“I need you, Emma,” he murmured against her lips.

Their heavy cloaks made it impossible to get close, but Garrick needed more. She opened for him and their tongues danced together. His cock strained, hard and willing, desperate to be inside her. Her full lips slanted across his own as the pressure grew. It was like the rising tide washing away every remnant of the shore, consuming every last grain of sand.

Something snapped in him, and reality intruded on their unexpected reunion. “Are you alone?” How had he not thought of that earlier? “Did you really come here without escort?”

She pulled back, startled. “You’re angry?”

“Nay, love. Never. Surprised. Worried. But not angry.”

“I had to come.”

“You could have gotten—”

“Nay, I can’t bear to hear such talk from you too. Just kiss me, please.”

He didn’t need another invitation. Garrick did kiss her then and guided her toward an empty patch of wall. The clang of an errant sword rang out against the silence.