Page 138 of Wedlock

“Since you knew exactly where I was, I assumed you were either thinking of some other way to prevent any possible daughter from being taken by The Families, or rampaging around on a bloodthirsty quest to destroy any future threat.”

I don’t let on that I’d also wondered now and again, if he might have given up on me, on us, although deep down I hoped not. Still, I’d scoured the papers and gossip magazines for any news of a ‘royal engagement,’ relieved every time I didn’t see one. His visit puts an end to that possibility and, although fraught with endless possibilities for terror, eases the ache I’ve had in my heart ever since our last conversation.

He reaches over to take my hand.

“Bloodthirsty questsaremy thing,” he chuckles.

“I know,” I laugh quietly.

I turn from the view to look at him. He’s as handsome as ever, and just as sincere as the last time I saw him. Tonight he’s wearing jeans and a white linen shirt. He looks magnificent, although I notice there are a few lines on the side of his eyes, worry lines, that I hadn’t noticed before. Or perhaps it’s just the light. Either way, my fingers ache to trace them.

Did you dread my visit, Angie?”

“Dread, anticipate,” I murmur, “the feelings seem to go hand in hand whenever I think of you.”

“I feel the same,” he says gently, “I never know what you’re going to say, or do.”

“How frustrating for you,” I quip sarcastically as I roll my eyes.

He laughs.

“On the contrary, I find it invigorating.”

I shake my head and try not to smirk.

“If it’s any consolation,” he changes the subject, “it took me longer than I expected to find out your secret this time, because I’m somewhat rusty when it comes to following trails and leads.”

“You’d usually ask Jag for that, I guess.”

“Yes, and with him telling me he’s ‘too busy being Amish,’ to help, I had to start from ground zero and follow a barely perceptible trail.”

I smile at the idea of Jag actually being Amish, but I know he left Adam’s farm months ago. He left the day we spoke on the phone and they haven’t heard from him since, and neither have I. It’s something that pains me, and I’ve often wished I still had him as a friend to call and ask advice, especially now the twins are beginning to take an interest in blood no longer delivered in bottles. But I know, given his confession that he still loves me, that it’s better we distance ourselves, if that’s what he needs.

Falcon clears his throat, bringing me back to the now.

“Did he tell you I was coming?”

“I didn’t need to be told,” I shrug. “I knew you’d pursue me. You’re not a man to accept being left easily.”

“No,” he murmurs. “I’m not that man.”

“And yet, I meant it when I said goodbye.”

“Circumstances have changed,” he sighs.

“Yours might have,” I shrug, “but nothing has changed for me. Have you considered the offer I made you?”

“Offer?”

“Yes, to have Talon come live with you after my death.”

He frowns.

“Have you considered my offer to abdicate and live an ordinary life with you and the children?”

“I told you, I can’t do that.”

“Angie, surely you don’t fear my mother any longer? I’ve scuttled her plans for you and our daughter and she accepts that. There’s no reason for you not to return to me.”