Page 18 of The Gargoyle’s Glade (The Gargoyle Knights #3)
“In truth, I didn’t want you to move in here, not at first,” he admitted, but quickly held up a hand, wide-eyed.
The briefest ache of rejection stabbed through me.
“But I didn’t really want anyone here. Like I said, I’m used to being alone.
I was, for a very long time. My isolation here came with its own problems, I recognize that.
But I don’t mind you here, Merry. I swear it.
You’re welcome in the glade for as long as you want to stay. ”
“Thank you.” The sting faded as quickly as it had come.
He dropped his chin to his chest, rubbing his temples with his fingertips.
“The noisiest part of all the construction is finished, and you’re working with the crossroads demon about the animals.
There are no plans to move anyone else in right away that I know of.
I’ll have some quiet again. It’ll be alright. ”
A pang of guilt shot through me. I understood all too well how hard it was to adjust to so much change, the desire for some peace. A great many things had happened in his space after a long stretch by himself. It was no wonder he was short when dealing with others sometimes.
“That wasn’t so painful, was it?” I teased gently, seeing that the huge man was still incredibly out of sorts by having such a conversation.
He scowled. “Guess not.” I laughed, shocking him yet again. “What were you doing by the pools today? Why were you sleeping out on the stones?”
“I was worn out. The gardening, plus all the work I did at the crossroads.” I shook my head. “I think it just caught up to me. I had a headache?—”
“Do you need a remedy? I have some things.”
I flushed hot at his abrupt, genuinely concerned offer.
“No, I’m fine, thanks. I took something before we went to plant at Hailon’s, and then after we were done, I soaked a bit.
I didn’t intend to nap, but I laid down on the warm stones to dry off and closed my eyes.
” His panicked tone, the terror on his face as he held my arm in his hand flashed through my mind.
“Why were you so scared when you found me?”
He folded his arms over his chest, fingertips tapping on his upper arms. “Who said I was scared?”
I raised an eyebrow. “The tone of your voice when you called my name.”
Irritation crept into his words. “Well, it’s not every day I find a woman unconscious by the hot springs, is it?”
“I suppose not. For what it’s worth, I appreciate your concern.” I stood, and began to clear the table. “About the garden blade, my safety here alone, today. But I really can take care of myself, Coltor. I’m no youngling. Haven’t been for a very long time.”
“So you’ve said.”
“Well, it’s true.”
A faint smile lifted the corner of his mouth. “Oh? How many harvests have you seen, Merry?”
I appreciated how he phrased the question but couldn’t resist a tease. “Which one? Spring? Summer? Winter?”
He twitched a grin. “Lady’s choice.”
“Thirty-four. You?”
I was rewarded with a full, genuine smile. It stole my breath. He really was very, very handsome. High cheekbones, strong jawline. Expressive eyes and enviably long lashes. “One hundred and fifty-one.”
I blinked. It shouldn’t have been a surprise, but it still left me speechless. “Ah.”
Coltor chuckled, the sound vibrating into my bones.
He looked toward the ceiling and sighed.
“I know you can care for yourself, Merry. You and Hailon remind me quite a lot of my sisters in that way. All the women I know are impossibly independent and terribly capable.” His fisted hand rubbed lightly against his thigh. I couldn’t help but laugh in response.
“Lucky you.” He grunted. “Apology accepted.” He was fidgeting still, looking unsettled. “Is there something else?”
“I…” He shook his head, clearly at war with himself.
“You can tell me. I won’t be upset.”
“It’s just that I…” His face scrunched up. “Someone got hurt at the construction site. I had to take him to the conclave for healing.”
“Oh! That’s terrible. I hope everything’s alright.”
“He’s fine.” He nodded, but his jaw flexed. I could feel that wasn’t all, but he wasn’t talking, and I didn’t know the best way to push. His voice was startling in its softness when he added, “Please be careful, Merry.”
His dark eyes met mine and there was deep sorrow there that hit like a blow. “I will. I am.” I dipped my head and added. “If it helps, I’m rarely alone. Never, actually, if you count the animals.” This seemed to satisfy him, at least for now.
Coltor helped me finish cleaning up, and then I followed him out to my little porch. He’d spent all the words he had for the evening, it seemed.
As expected, the animals were all gathered around, doing their best to settle in for the night. There were even some species I hadn’t seen anywhere outside the mountains back home. I made eye contact with several of the new ones, sharing a quick greeting.
Hello! Pledge bond? Help. Hear? Speak. Friend.
There was no sense of danger from any of them, just expectant attention, like they were trying to communicate something I clearly couldn’t understand. By the time I got my eyes safely back on the dirt, my headache was back like it had never eased at all.
“I’d best get ready for my patrol,” he said.
“Thank you for the carvings. And the apology.” All my anger had gone, replaced by a deep want to comfort him, if only for a moment.
He gave a single nod, and I raised myself on my toes, intending to kiss his cheek.
Coltor startled, and the movement brought my mouth to his.
Committed, I put my hand on his jaw to hold him in place.
To my surprise, his massive palm came over mine, and his lips softened.
The kiss was brief, but clearly rocked us both to the core.
When I pulled away, heart racing, Coltor blinked several times, then stepped down off the porch.
He took a few steps, then turned back twice before managing to speak.
“Pleasant evening to you, Merry,” he said finally, striding off at a hasty pace down the path.
His heavy steps caused several clusters of critters to startle.
“And to you,” I muttered to myself with a smile, touching my tingling lips with my fingers. He was odd but not without his charms. I stayed on the porch, only turning to go inside once I couldn’t see him anymore.