Categories > Original > Romance > UNTOLD
CHAPTER TEN
The sound of the ocean seemed a great roar in the silence. Then, Diego spoke softly. “If we end the matter here, I will feel you did not give my proposal due consideration. If we do not, you shall feel I do not believe you know your own mind.” His bright eyes held a wounded look that tore at my heart. “Might I suggest, given my sincerity, and your shocked reaction, we might agree temporarily to let the issue rest?”
My enormous relief should have appalled me for its implied cowardice. “Aye.”
“Then, come and kiss me.”
I crawled to him, yet without my usual grace, took his jaw in my hands and kissed his hot damp mouth. He pulled me across his lap and his cock grew hard against my bottom. The scent of his body had intensified from our lovemaking. I found myself much aroused by it. As I kissed him, I ran my hands over his body.
I wanted him. That, I could not deny. Wanted him more than ever I had a man. Even Roth. However, my emotions toward Roth had taught me a valuable lesson about self-protection and careful detachment. What he had evoked in me, in the end, amounted to little more than powerful girlish hero worship.
I did not care to examine my feelings for Diego.
The entire situation had already grown too complicated.
#
The following morning, very early, a knock at our door woke us. My head throbbed and my mouth seemed dry. Mayhaps I had consumed too much wine. Getting to his feet beside the bed and dragging on his breeches, Diego answered, just opening the portal a sliver.
I heard Mr. Alverez’s voice. “Apologies, Don Diego.”
“Think nothing of it.” Diego asked, “What is it?”
“A ship that arrived six days hence has spread fever. One of the maids in this house has contracted it. You and your woman are at risk.”
My heart twisted in fear. Fevers filled graveyards. Sitting up in bed, I attempted to manage my panic.
Diego returned, “We have already endured exposure. If you’ve no objection, we shall stay.”
I wished to flee.
Mr. Alvarez fairly sighed. “Apologies again.”
“Think naught of it, sir, and my thanks.”
#
In the night I woke to fire burning my flesh. Surely, I had died and the Devil had me.
I heard a man’s voice. “Dougless, my love. I am here.”
It continued. “Drink, love. Just a sip. Sip again. Please love, swallow.”
Porto Blanco burned. I burned in the flames. “My parents.” I swallowed hard. “A burning barrel struck our door. My parents caught fire before me.”
I heard Diego’s deep, accented voice. “I have you. I shall not leave you.”
I roused through the haze enough to know I had to vomit. Burning up and almost unseeing, I fell to the wood floor and crawled to the chamber pot behind the screen. Diego appeared. He held back my hair as I emptied my belly into the vessel.
I shivered. “Diego.” My bones had reduced to jelly. My throat burned and I knew nothing of time or place. A cool goblet touched my lips. I sipped soothing water. In my haze, I realized he tended me. “You must leave me. Save yourself.”
“I shall save you, Dougless. I love you and wish to give myself to you.”
Oblivion wrapped me in its unrelenting arms.
#
An ache deep behind my eyes roused me. I felt hollow, dry and feeble. Rousing slowly, I recognized the room in St. Augustine. I licked my lips, turned my head to see Diego in the chair beside the bed. Stubble darkened his face. He looked too lean and haggard.
Limbs weighted, I whispered, “Diego?”
His bright brown eyes opened and he knelt beside the bed. “How do you feel?”
“In need of water and rest.”
He smiled, wide, white and lovely. “I can fix that.”
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Diego tended me at my bath with more attention than Sara. He washed my hair and even dried me. Afterward, he used my lightly-scented oil to massage away the ache of fever combined with inactivity. I had lost weight and I felt a little self-conscious. He seemed to sense it and assured me of my beauty in his eyes. The honesty in his voice reassured me and I luxuriated in his attentions.
“How fared the household,” I asked, stretched out upon my belly. I sighed as his big, strong hands worked upon my back.
“The maid who carried the fever died despite attempts to save her life. Our host couple nearly succumbed. Mr. Alverez remains very weak and at times loses lucidity. Physicians are few and in terrible demand in the aftermath.”
I rolled over, my drowsiness evaporating at once as delayed fear struck. I reached up to touch his face, run my hands over his bare torso. “You fared well?” He too looked a bit lighter and as if he had not slept in days.
“All is well now I see you delivered from danger.”
My heart fairly twisted in my chest. “You stayed with me,” I said, wonder and some powerful emotion filling and humbling me. “At risk of your own life, you sought to save mine.”
His gaze moved over my face. “In your delirium, during the late watches of the third night, you told me you returned my love. I cautioned myself the fever spoke, not your heart.”
I felt the tears welling. “I do. Oh God, what will become of me now?” This threatened everything I had fought and worked to achieve. It felt as if my world crumbled.
His expression swiftly changed and he pulled me into his lap, kissing my damp hair, my eyes, nose, cheeks and lips. “You marry me and let me spoil you until you’re unlivable.”
The entire situation appeared impossible. “I am far beneath your station. Your family will never accept me.”
“They will.”
“Even if the rest do,” I argued leaning back to see his eyes, “Roth’s wife would sooner shoot me than suffer my presence.”
“She loves me and would do much to keep peace in the family.”
Shaking my head, thoughts jumbled as I struggled to adjust, I pointed out, “And you have paid a king’s ransom for my services in advance.”
“Nay.” He held me gently, as if fearful of breaking me. “I ransomed my queen.”
#
We stayed a few more days to see my strength recovered and help the Alverezes. I had agreed to sail back to Savannah right away and face my former client’s frightening wife. After what violence she did before, I imagined the torments she would visit upon me.
When Diego deemed me fit for travel, we departed. We stopped at some settlement a day’s sail up the coast to load supplies from a safe source. That night, after we dined on a delicious, thick stew of seafood, vegetables and rice, I had a very small helping of brandy as I sat in Diego’s lap. I wiggled my bottom a little and felt him harden.
Tone firm, yet velvety, he said, “I will happily make love to you with my mouth and hands, Dougless. But you have not sufficiently recovered for aught else.”
It went straight to my heart, his selfless concern for me. Too my surprise and disgust, I burst into a torrent of tears as I clung to him. For the first time, in a long time, I did not face the world alone.
#
My body recovered rapidly. I even discovered my stays a trifle tight. Diego kissed me all over and told me every day how he worshipped me. A subtle pad of flesh had developed around my naval and he adored it. He forever caressed my belly, breasts, bottom and praised my beauty. I wanted him with a hunger that bordered upon addiction, and with each passing hour, my headlong tumble into deep and passionate love increased.
One evening, not far out from our destination, I lie awake contemplating my future. Now that my mind had become focused, I realized I’d no wish to not have my own money. I could sell my house, take what I had saved and the thirty thousand, invest part and place the rest within easy reach. Adopting the role of passive wife repelled me. I required challenge and stimulation.
The large hand stroking my collarbone in the dark startled me. “What robs you of slumber, Dougless?”
Before I even knew I intended, I said, “I insist you continue the arranged payments.”
For a moment, he did not reply. “It had not occurred to cease.”
Emboldened, I stipulated, “As well, I insist upon serving some function in your livelihood. I am no domestic.”
“I would welcome your business sense in my enterprise. We have a family firm, but you could manage my schedules and finances. Clearly you’ve a talent for it.”
“Another matter,” the words burst from me, “I do not wish children.”
“Our family abounds in them. Do I require dandling one on my knee, I have but to request a loan.”
In the dark I rolled over and shifted atop him. I held his face in my hands, seeking to know his sincerity. “What of your title and holdings?”
“I shall leave them to my nieces and nephews.” A humorous note colored his voice. “I have many to favor.”
Intrigued and in love, I smiled. “What juicy bit amuses you?”
“Recall the Alsteads?”
“Of course.”
“They, Roth and Braxton share beds. The Alsteads’ son is a nephew to me also.”
My mind could not accept this. “Braxton nearly beat me when I arrived to see Roth.”
Diego chuckled and the rumble of his chest vibrated me. “They four share a special love. While I cannot understand fully, I admire completely.”
CHAPTER TWELVE
We arrived at Savannah, and my nerves felt raw. Diego petted and reassured me constantly. However I, not he, faced the wrath of that intimidating and warlike woman. I visited my house and told Sara my news. She lost her servant’s reserve and hugged me. I hugged her back saying, “If you wish to get a house and settle, I shall set up a household and write whatever references you require. Or you may come with me until such time a better opportunity arises, or you feel more ready to begin housekeeping on your own.”
“I knew he was different,” she sniffed through happy tears.
Diego knocked at the door a few moments later. Sara and I had moved onto putting the house up for sale, selling furniture and arranging for severance and references for the rest of the staff. I bathed and changed with Diego’s bright eyes tracking every movement from his seat in the chair.
As I dried off, he rose to assist. I asked, “What transpires behind those beautiful eyes.”
A little line appeared between his brows as they drew together. “That is the first time you have remarked upon my appearance. While I knew my body pleased you, I confess, I languished like a love sick stripling over your lack of comment.”
Delighted with my power over him, I winked. “I spoke only of your eyes.”
He chuckled, and taking the cloth from my grasp, attended me. “Minx.”
I chose my clothing with care, not wishing to appear flashy or provocative. My hair, Sara brushed and braided, then coiled at my nape. She secured it with two large pins. To Diego, I only half-jested, “At least I shall have some manner of weapon.”
“I sent word ahead,” he replied. “All shall be well, Dougless. Let me tell you now, my mother began as a courtesan and advanced to owning her own house of pleasure.”
I rose from where I had sat under my maid’s care, marched to where he stood in the open balcony doors, made a fist and punched his belly. My wrist and several knuckles popped and I ached from fingers to shoulder. Shaking, then cradling the offended limb, I snapped, “You might have shared this with me sooner.”
He caught my wounded hand. “I feared you might take offense at my background.” He smiled. “I could not risk your rejecting me.”
Relief flooded through me. I had but to survive Roth’s spouse.
#
We arrived via carriage Diego provided, with an emblem of a shark on the door. By such time as he stepped down and offered me a hand, I wondered what the hell I had gotten myself into agreeing to this.
At the front door, the butler and footmen received my escort with open affection, myself, horror.
I longed to bolt.
Roth came down with a mayhaps four- or five-year-old child on each hip, his arms full. His gaze lit upon me and I wondered what he thought. “My goddess remains up in our private rooms. Plead your case there, cousin.”
Diego kissed me. “All shall out and be well.”
I wanted to beg him to stay. Instead I stood primly, awaiting my fate.
Roth set down the very beautiful children. “James, Lilianna, say hello to Uncle Diego’s fiancée.”
They walked to me, speaking with their childish candor.
James said, “I thought Uncle Diego did not like ladies.”
Lilianna giggled. “I believed him too handsome to settle.”
The fierce intellect fascinated me. “What clever children.”
Roth laughed. “We call them precocious and beyond governing.”
“Nay. You must burst with pride.”
A door upstairs opened and closed. I heard Braxton yell, “Send her up, Diego.”
I cowered. My Spaniard descended. “Do not let her fire fool you, my dearest love.”
Dread filled my heart as I ascended the stairs. I followed the sounds of industry to a half-open door. Pushing it wide, filled with trepidation, I entered. That very tall and powerful woman stood mid parlor, dressed in a spectacular gown, her shiny black hair loose, gray-green eyes alive with emotion.
She spoke abruptly. “Let us have frank discourse.”
Something inside me emerged and I surprised myself. “I agree so long as I may do so first.”
Her eyes narrowed at me and I suffered the force of her will. “Very well.”
“I apologize again for what transpired here. I did not know he had a wife. As for what happened on that island, I can only plead foolish, arrogant orphan.” Meeting her gaze, I added, “I can not ask forgiveness for either. Your resentment and recourse was just.” I inhaled, sought to gather my wits, “I desired Roth in the past out of a girlish notion. Now, I love Diego with a woman’s heart.” Daring to walk to her, I held out my hands. “I wish only peace for him and his. I understand if you hate me. Still, please do not cause strife for him due to my transgressions.”
She gazed down at me from her impressive height. Slowly, she took my hands. “I shall watch you for any sign of unworthiness.”
Relief made me almost weak. “I welcome it. Will you accept my gratitude for your generous understanding?”
She broke our contact. “Nay.” Walking to the door, she glanced over her shoulder. “All the same, in future, I might.”
EPILOGUE
Roth and Diego took me for a tour of the house. Upstairs, one particular bedroom had most all original woodwork, whereas the rest of the house appeared more recent. When I asked, Roth walked over to a place on one wall and pointed to initials carved there. “JTG. James Thomas Garrett. My sire. This room belonged to him as a boy.” He gave an enigmatic almost smile. “Although he is gone. The touch of his knife remains.”
I thanked he and his wife for seeing us this evening. Roth and Diego embraced like brothers, with an intimacy that told of the deep love and friendship between them. Roth gallantly kissed my hand and welcomed me to the family. I curtsied to Braxton. She inclined her head formally and I felt lucky to have gotten that much.
We stayed at my house that night. In bed, his lovemaking brimmed with tenderness, while his body vibrated with fierce passion. I felt completely adored and desired.
Afterward, lying sideways, on my back, sideways across the bed with my head on his hard belly, I asked, “When did you know you loved me?”
“I knew I felt something different for you almost at once. Every time I visited, it grew stronger. Then, during the sail to St, Augustine, I fell so hard, I knew myself entirely at your mercy.” After a moment, he murmured, “Might I inquire as to the same?”
I knew it that moment I need concern myself he might take me for granted. “I realized I might have a problem when I began looking too forward to the hour of your arrival. But the moment I truly admitted myself sunk, was when it dawned you had risked your life for mine.”
He stroked my loose hair, spread it up his chest to play with it. “I wish I could marry you on the morrow.”
“Why can you not?” In my experience the man did precisely as he pleased.
“You deserve a large ceremony, with the feasting and dancing. I would not cheat you of the attention.”
I laughed, flattered and yet amused at his courtliness. “I have but my maid and you, Diego. Let me assure you a quiet joining with only we three would mean much more than a fairy tale fete with strangers.”
“You make me so happy, Dougless.”
All too pleased to devil him, I teased, “Just you make those payments on time and -” I found myself hauled atop him and kissed very thoroughly. A bit dazed afterward, I summoned my grit. “As I was saying …”
His deep chuckle rumbled low in his chest and I smiled.
The sound of the ocean seemed a great roar in the silence. Then, Diego spoke softly. “If we end the matter here, I will feel you did not give my proposal due consideration. If we do not, you shall feel I do not believe you know your own mind.” His bright eyes held a wounded look that tore at my heart. “Might I suggest, given my sincerity, and your shocked reaction, we might agree temporarily to let the issue rest?”
My enormous relief should have appalled me for its implied cowardice. “Aye.”
“Then, come and kiss me.”
I crawled to him, yet without my usual grace, took his jaw in my hands and kissed his hot damp mouth. He pulled me across his lap and his cock grew hard against my bottom. The scent of his body had intensified from our lovemaking. I found myself much aroused by it. As I kissed him, I ran my hands over his body.
I wanted him. That, I could not deny. Wanted him more than ever I had a man. Even Roth. However, my emotions toward Roth had taught me a valuable lesson about self-protection and careful detachment. What he had evoked in me, in the end, amounted to little more than powerful girlish hero worship.
I did not care to examine my feelings for Diego.
The entire situation had already grown too complicated.
#
The following morning, very early, a knock at our door woke us. My head throbbed and my mouth seemed dry. Mayhaps I had consumed too much wine. Getting to his feet beside the bed and dragging on his breeches, Diego answered, just opening the portal a sliver.
I heard Mr. Alverez’s voice. “Apologies, Don Diego.”
“Think nothing of it.” Diego asked, “What is it?”
“A ship that arrived six days hence has spread fever. One of the maids in this house has contracted it. You and your woman are at risk.”
My heart twisted in fear. Fevers filled graveyards. Sitting up in bed, I attempted to manage my panic.
Diego returned, “We have already endured exposure. If you’ve no objection, we shall stay.”
I wished to flee.
Mr. Alvarez fairly sighed. “Apologies again.”
“Think naught of it, sir, and my thanks.”
#
In the night I woke to fire burning my flesh. Surely, I had died and the Devil had me.
I heard a man’s voice. “Dougless, my love. I am here.”
It continued. “Drink, love. Just a sip. Sip again. Please love, swallow.”
Porto Blanco burned. I burned in the flames. “My parents.” I swallowed hard. “A burning barrel struck our door. My parents caught fire before me.”
I heard Diego’s deep, accented voice. “I have you. I shall not leave you.”
I roused through the haze enough to know I had to vomit. Burning up and almost unseeing, I fell to the wood floor and crawled to the chamber pot behind the screen. Diego appeared. He held back my hair as I emptied my belly into the vessel.
I shivered. “Diego.” My bones had reduced to jelly. My throat burned and I knew nothing of time or place. A cool goblet touched my lips. I sipped soothing water. In my haze, I realized he tended me. “You must leave me. Save yourself.”
“I shall save you, Dougless. I love you and wish to give myself to you.”
Oblivion wrapped me in its unrelenting arms.
#
An ache deep behind my eyes roused me. I felt hollow, dry and feeble. Rousing slowly, I recognized the room in St. Augustine. I licked my lips, turned my head to see Diego in the chair beside the bed. Stubble darkened his face. He looked too lean and haggard.
Limbs weighted, I whispered, “Diego?”
His bright brown eyes opened and he knelt beside the bed. “How do you feel?”
“In need of water and rest.”
He smiled, wide, white and lovely. “I can fix that.”
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Diego tended me at my bath with more attention than Sara. He washed my hair and even dried me. Afterward, he used my lightly-scented oil to massage away the ache of fever combined with inactivity. I had lost weight and I felt a little self-conscious. He seemed to sense it and assured me of my beauty in his eyes. The honesty in his voice reassured me and I luxuriated in his attentions.
“How fared the household,” I asked, stretched out upon my belly. I sighed as his big, strong hands worked upon my back.
“The maid who carried the fever died despite attempts to save her life. Our host couple nearly succumbed. Mr. Alverez remains very weak and at times loses lucidity. Physicians are few and in terrible demand in the aftermath.”
I rolled over, my drowsiness evaporating at once as delayed fear struck. I reached up to touch his face, run my hands over his bare torso. “You fared well?” He too looked a bit lighter and as if he had not slept in days.
“All is well now I see you delivered from danger.”
My heart fairly twisted in my chest. “You stayed with me,” I said, wonder and some powerful emotion filling and humbling me. “At risk of your own life, you sought to save mine.”
His gaze moved over my face. “In your delirium, during the late watches of the third night, you told me you returned my love. I cautioned myself the fever spoke, not your heart.”
I felt the tears welling. “I do. Oh God, what will become of me now?” This threatened everything I had fought and worked to achieve. It felt as if my world crumbled.
His expression swiftly changed and he pulled me into his lap, kissing my damp hair, my eyes, nose, cheeks and lips. “You marry me and let me spoil you until you’re unlivable.”
The entire situation appeared impossible. “I am far beneath your station. Your family will never accept me.”
“They will.”
“Even if the rest do,” I argued leaning back to see his eyes, “Roth’s wife would sooner shoot me than suffer my presence.”
“She loves me and would do much to keep peace in the family.”
Shaking my head, thoughts jumbled as I struggled to adjust, I pointed out, “And you have paid a king’s ransom for my services in advance.”
“Nay.” He held me gently, as if fearful of breaking me. “I ransomed my queen.”
#
We stayed a few more days to see my strength recovered and help the Alverezes. I had agreed to sail back to Savannah right away and face my former client’s frightening wife. After what violence she did before, I imagined the torments she would visit upon me.
When Diego deemed me fit for travel, we departed. We stopped at some settlement a day’s sail up the coast to load supplies from a safe source. That night, after we dined on a delicious, thick stew of seafood, vegetables and rice, I had a very small helping of brandy as I sat in Diego’s lap. I wiggled my bottom a little and felt him harden.
Tone firm, yet velvety, he said, “I will happily make love to you with my mouth and hands, Dougless. But you have not sufficiently recovered for aught else.”
It went straight to my heart, his selfless concern for me. Too my surprise and disgust, I burst into a torrent of tears as I clung to him. For the first time, in a long time, I did not face the world alone.
#
My body recovered rapidly. I even discovered my stays a trifle tight. Diego kissed me all over and told me every day how he worshipped me. A subtle pad of flesh had developed around my naval and he adored it. He forever caressed my belly, breasts, bottom and praised my beauty. I wanted him with a hunger that bordered upon addiction, and with each passing hour, my headlong tumble into deep and passionate love increased.
One evening, not far out from our destination, I lie awake contemplating my future. Now that my mind had become focused, I realized I’d no wish to not have my own money. I could sell my house, take what I had saved and the thirty thousand, invest part and place the rest within easy reach. Adopting the role of passive wife repelled me. I required challenge and stimulation.
The large hand stroking my collarbone in the dark startled me. “What robs you of slumber, Dougless?”
Before I even knew I intended, I said, “I insist you continue the arranged payments.”
For a moment, he did not reply. “It had not occurred to cease.”
Emboldened, I stipulated, “As well, I insist upon serving some function in your livelihood. I am no domestic.”
“I would welcome your business sense in my enterprise. We have a family firm, but you could manage my schedules and finances. Clearly you’ve a talent for it.”
“Another matter,” the words burst from me, “I do not wish children.”
“Our family abounds in them. Do I require dandling one on my knee, I have but to request a loan.”
In the dark I rolled over and shifted atop him. I held his face in my hands, seeking to know his sincerity. “What of your title and holdings?”
“I shall leave them to my nieces and nephews.” A humorous note colored his voice. “I have many to favor.”
Intrigued and in love, I smiled. “What juicy bit amuses you?”
“Recall the Alsteads?”
“Of course.”
“They, Roth and Braxton share beds. The Alsteads’ son is a nephew to me also.”
My mind could not accept this. “Braxton nearly beat me when I arrived to see Roth.”
Diego chuckled and the rumble of his chest vibrated me. “They four share a special love. While I cannot understand fully, I admire completely.”
CHAPTER TWELVE
We arrived at Savannah, and my nerves felt raw. Diego petted and reassured me constantly. However I, not he, faced the wrath of that intimidating and warlike woman. I visited my house and told Sara my news. She lost her servant’s reserve and hugged me. I hugged her back saying, “If you wish to get a house and settle, I shall set up a household and write whatever references you require. Or you may come with me until such time a better opportunity arises, or you feel more ready to begin housekeeping on your own.”
“I knew he was different,” she sniffed through happy tears.
Diego knocked at the door a few moments later. Sara and I had moved onto putting the house up for sale, selling furniture and arranging for severance and references for the rest of the staff. I bathed and changed with Diego’s bright eyes tracking every movement from his seat in the chair.
As I dried off, he rose to assist. I asked, “What transpires behind those beautiful eyes.”
A little line appeared between his brows as they drew together. “That is the first time you have remarked upon my appearance. While I knew my body pleased you, I confess, I languished like a love sick stripling over your lack of comment.”
Delighted with my power over him, I winked. “I spoke only of your eyes.”
He chuckled, and taking the cloth from my grasp, attended me. “Minx.”
I chose my clothing with care, not wishing to appear flashy or provocative. My hair, Sara brushed and braided, then coiled at my nape. She secured it with two large pins. To Diego, I only half-jested, “At least I shall have some manner of weapon.”
“I sent word ahead,” he replied. “All shall be well, Dougless. Let me tell you now, my mother began as a courtesan and advanced to owning her own house of pleasure.”
I rose from where I had sat under my maid’s care, marched to where he stood in the open balcony doors, made a fist and punched his belly. My wrist and several knuckles popped and I ached from fingers to shoulder. Shaking, then cradling the offended limb, I snapped, “You might have shared this with me sooner.”
He caught my wounded hand. “I feared you might take offense at my background.” He smiled. “I could not risk your rejecting me.”
Relief flooded through me. I had but to survive Roth’s spouse.
#
We arrived via carriage Diego provided, with an emblem of a shark on the door. By such time as he stepped down and offered me a hand, I wondered what the hell I had gotten myself into agreeing to this.
At the front door, the butler and footmen received my escort with open affection, myself, horror.
I longed to bolt.
Roth came down with a mayhaps four- or five-year-old child on each hip, his arms full. His gaze lit upon me and I wondered what he thought. “My goddess remains up in our private rooms. Plead your case there, cousin.”
Diego kissed me. “All shall out and be well.”
I wanted to beg him to stay. Instead I stood primly, awaiting my fate.
Roth set down the very beautiful children. “James, Lilianna, say hello to Uncle Diego’s fiancée.”
They walked to me, speaking with their childish candor.
James said, “I thought Uncle Diego did not like ladies.”
Lilianna giggled. “I believed him too handsome to settle.”
The fierce intellect fascinated me. “What clever children.”
Roth laughed. “We call them precocious and beyond governing.”
“Nay. You must burst with pride.”
A door upstairs opened and closed. I heard Braxton yell, “Send her up, Diego.”
I cowered. My Spaniard descended. “Do not let her fire fool you, my dearest love.”
Dread filled my heart as I ascended the stairs. I followed the sounds of industry to a half-open door. Pushing it wide, filled with trepidation, I entered. That very tall and powerful woman stood mid parlor, dressed in a spectacular gown, her shiny black hair loose, gray-green eyes alive with emotion.
She spoke abruptly. “Let us have frank discourse.”
Something inside me emerged and I surprised myself. “I agree so long as I may do so first.”
Her eyes narrowed at me and I suffered the force of her will. “Very well.”
“I apologize again for what transpired here. I did not know he had a wife. As for what happened on that island, I can only plead foolish, arrogant orphan.” Meeting her gaze, I added, “I can not ask forgiveness for either. Your resentment and recourse was just.” I inhaled, sought to gather my wits, “I desired Roth in the past out of a girlish notion. Now, I love Diego with a woman’s heart.” Daring to walk to her, I held out my hands. “I wish only peace for him and his. I understand if you hate me. Still, please do not cause strife for him due to my transgressions.”
She gazed down at me from her impressive height. Slowly, she took my hands. “I shall watch you for any sign of unworthiness.”
Relief made me almost weak. “I welcome it. Will you accept my gratitude for your generous understanding?”
She broke our contact. “Nay.” Walking to the door, she glanced over her shoulder. “All the same, in future, I might.”
EPILOGUE
Roth and Diego took me for a tour of the house. Upstairs, one particular bedroom had most all original woodwork, whereas the rest of the house appeared more recent. When I asked, Roth walked over to a place on one wall and pointed to initials carved there. “JTG. James Thomas Garrett. My sire. This room belonged to him as a boy.” He gave an enigmatic almost smile. “Although he is gone. The touch of his knife remains.”
I thanked he and his wife for seeing us this evening. Roth and Diego embraced like brothers, with an intimacy that told of the deep love and friendship between them. Roth gallantly kissed my hand and welcomed me to the family. I curtsied to Braxton. She inclined her head formally and I felt lucky to have gotten that much.
We stayed at my house that night. In bed, his lovemaking brimmed with tenderness, while his body vibrated with fierce passion. I felt completely adored and desired.
Afterward, lying sideways, on my back, sideways across the bed with my head on his hard belly, I asked, “When did you know you loved me?”
“I knew I felt something different for you almost at once. Every time I visited, it grew stronger. Then, during the sail to St, Augustine, I fell so hard, I knew myself entirely at your mercy.” After a moment, he murmured, “Might I inquire as to the same?”
I knew it that moment I need concern myself he might take me for granted. “I realized I might have a problem when I began looking too forward to the hour of your arrival. But the moment I truly admitted myself sunk, was when it dawned you had risked your life for mine.”
He stroked my loose hair, spread it up his chest to play with it. “I wish I could marry you on the morrow.”
“Why can you not?” In my experience the man did precisely as he pleased.
“You deserve a large ceremony, with the feasting and dancing. I would not cheat you of the attention.”
I laughed, flattered and yet amused at his courtliness. “I have but my maid and you, Diego. Let me assure you a quiet joining with only we three would mean much more than a fairy tale fete with strangers.”
“You make me so happy, Dougless.”
All too pleased to devil him, I teased, “Just you make those payments on time and -” I found myself hauled atop him and kissed very thoroughly. A bit dazed afterward, I summoned my grit. “As I was saying …”
His deep chuckle rumbled low in his chest and I smiled.
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