Page 306 of The Daughters of Avalon
“Bedamned! If that is true, then love for this woman has compelled you where I could not, and now you have endangered everything!”
“Indeed, I suppose I have,” he said without much concern, leaning forward in his saddle, with a shrug.
Still nursing his hand, Jack emerged from the thicket, and if Cael had witnessed Rhiannon’s act of defiance, he must have approved, because he glanced at Jack with lifted brows, then turned a devastating smile toward Rhiannon and winked.
That small gesture of approval sent heat surging through Rhiannon’s veins and a slow burn crept into her cheeks. Even so, she kept her feet planted behind Marcella, uncertain what to do.“We are not aligned,”he’d said.
So how was it possible they suddenly were?
They were not.
So why is he here?
To return her to her mother?
Never!
She daren’t believe a word he said.
He stabbed a thumb over his shoulder. “I’m guessing this was your work I spied by the brook?”
He directed the question to Marcella.
“The bloody fool recognized her,” said Marcella, though she didn’t lower her sword. “What else would you have me do?”
Cael’s grin widened, and Rhiannon watched the pair closely. Cousins, they most definitely werenot. She recognized the heated look they exchanged, but Cael’s gaze cooled at once, and Marcella groaned as he swung his leather-clad leg over his mount and slid to the ground. Still, he made no move to unsheathe his sword, and finally, Marcella lowered hers.
“I meant every word I said, Cael. I am tasked to keep Rhiannon safe, and I wouldst do so on pain of my life—no matter what you say, I’ll not be swayed!”
“I warrant she can take care of herself,” said Jack darkly, sucking on a finger.
Cael approached them, still making no move to retrieve his sword. “As I’ve said, I’m here to help.”
“Why?”
“Because she’s my wife, lest you forget.”
And with that, he met Rhiannon’s gaze, begging her to…what? Understand?
Her heart did a little leap in her breast, though she didn’t know what she was supposed to say, much less feel, or do.
Indeed, they were man and wife, but in name only,and yet…
And yet…
And yet…
She lifted a finger to her lips, remembering his impassioned kiss, and Cael grinned like a well-satisfied cat.
“Why should I trust you?” persisted Marcella.
Hardening his voice, his gaze returned to Marcella. “Ever once, have I lied to you?”
Marcella’s tone was rueful. “Nay.”
“Why would I begin now?”
For a long, long moment, the pair glowered at one another, and then Marcella conceded. “Swear to me you are not here in the service of Morwen!”
