Another bargain was struck.
Only this time, it was on my terms.
Avalon Warwyk
As soon as Devan arrived home, he’d sent Mrs. McVey on a shopping errand to collect a few things the house needed. She didn’t need to know he’d made up the task in order to have privacy, thus ensuring he could rail to the heavens without interruption. It was simply beyond the pale that the bishop and his brother thought they could manipulate his life without any regard for what he wanted.
Well, damn them to hades because he’d not be forced into anything, particularly marriage to Penelope Rowley because of her lies. Nor would he allow Avalon’s reputation to be tarnished because of Thane’s poor misguided plan to have them marry.
He lowered himself to his chair and rested his head in his hands as he considered his options. His career in the church was finished, which left him without a way to make a living. Besides begging Avalon to allow him to stay on at Warwyk Hall in some type of menial capacity, he could consider settling in Ireland where he still had family from his mother’s side. However, who would welcome a defrocked vicar?
No one.
Unable to contain his restless energy, Devan abruptly stood to retrieve his greatcoat and walk. Where, he had no idea, but the thought of being cooped up in the house alone no longer held any appeal. As he made his way to the entry, a soft knock sounded on the front door. Whoever the interloper was, he fully intended to send them on their way. If it was Gavin, he’d slam the door in his face.
As a second knock sounded, this one a little more insistent, his ire settled somewhat. He’d not turn away a parishioner in desperate need of his help. When he swung open the door, Avalon stood with her head bowed. She raised her gaze and smiled slightly. Instantly, his heart galloped in his chest at the welcome sight.
“What are you doing here?” He looked past her to see if anyone, particularly his brother, had accompanied her.
“I’d hoped you would spare me a few minutes.” She glanced behind her. “I’m by myself.”
“Mrs. McVey isn’t here.” The petulance in his voice was unmistakable.
“Good.” The humor in her voice was a direct contradiction to his peevishness. “That’s fortunate for me as I want to discuss something with you that requires complete privacy.”
He stood aside and waved her in. Without a glance his way, she swept past him and walked to his study. He followed.
Devan closed the door behind them in case Mrs. McVey returned early and interrupted them. However, he relished the alone time with his Warlock. She’d always had an ability to cut to the chase of matters. Perhaps with her guidance, they could find a way out of this mess.
Instead of sitting behind his desk, Avalon chose the small sofa that framed the fireplace where a freshly made fire blanketed the room in a toasty warmth. The flames crackled, sending sparks in the air like fireworks—a spectacular greeting of welcome just for her. He seconded such a salute. For the first time all morning, he felt his mouth tug upward. Only she could make the dreary day brighter.
He sat next to her and rested his arm on the back of the sofa.
A needed distraction, it amused him that the distance between his outstretched fingers and the soft tendrils of hair that had escaped her elegant chignon was mere inches. With a slight stretch, he could grasp one wayward curl and tease it between his fingers.
“Well, what did the ‘powers that be’ decide for my future?” He lowered his voice. “I’ll not marry Miss Rowley. It would be akin to admitting that I was guilty of such an abominable crime.”
“You accuse me of using an excessive amount of d words while you seem to be stuck on a. Akin, admitting, abominable.” Her eyebrows lifted, revealing the enchanting green of her eyes.
He couldn’t help but laugh. Whenever he saw her, he found a brilliance surrounding them that was mesmerizing. Never had he needed such loveliness more in his life than this morning after his whole world had exploded into bits. “I’m so happy you’re here. You make me smile.”
“I feel the same.” She shyly tucked her head as if collecting her thoughts in a neat, orderly pile.
“Tell me what my esteemed brother and His Lordship have decided.” He’d best find out what had happened, though he knew it would ruin this perfect moment.
“They believe you should marry tomorrow.” Finally, she lifted her face, and the sight stole his breath.
The humor and radiance in her eyes held him entranced. For a moment, he concentrated on her and nothing else. Eventually, her statement cracked the contentment that surrounded him. “Mark my words, I’ll not marry her, Avalon.”
“I understand.” She tangled her fingers together. “But that’s not whom they want you to marry.”
“Who then?” He sat up straight and leaned toward her. She had his full attention now. “Who in God’s name would they pick besides Penelope Rowley?”
“Me.”
“You?” The incredulity in his voice fractured the ease between them.
In answer, she leaned back as if slapped. “I didn’t know it would be so repugnant.”
He knew her well enough to recognize the hurt in her voice. He wanted to kick himself. After all she’d confessed in the wine cellar to him about the marquess’s horrid treatment and disdain of her, he shouldn’t be surprised at her response to his outburst. “Avalon, I didn’t mean it that way. I apologize. It’s no excuse, but you took me by surprise.”
She clasped her hands so tightly that he could see the white of her knuckles.
He placed his hand over her clasped ones.
Slowly, she raised her wary gaze to his.
“After our kisses in the wine cellar and music room, look deep inside me. Use your talent to look inside my heart.”
“Now you’re mocking me.” She tilted her head to the ceiling. “I thought we’d be able to discuss this like adults.”
“I’m serious. If I recall correctly, I asked you to marry me once,” he said. “But truthfully, why would you want to marry me?”
“Larkton told me that he’d take Thane,” she said softly.
He released a sigh. “Leave it to my brother to force everyone to bend to his will. Let me talk to him again. You can’t marry me. I’m a low clergyman destined for near poverty.”
She shook her head vehemently. “Stop that. You’re a wonderful man with a bright future. You have a God-given talent to help people.” She turned her gaze back to his. “You’ve helped the people of this village, and me. You’re the son of an earl, and I’m a daughter of an earl. Doesn’t that put us on equal footing?” Avalon waited a moment before she continued, “I think you should listen to what I have to say.”
“Go on.” He scooted closer and clasped his other hand over hers. He adored it when she took charge like this. It amazed him that she thought them equals though the differences in their respective societal positions were wider than the Thames.
“I told both your brother and the bishop that I didn’t think it was right for Penelope to win. I couldn’t live with myself if I didn’t tell the truth of what had happened that night. Your brother asked if I’d consider marrying you, and I said yes, for the right price.”
Devan couldn’t help but laugh. The thought that Gavin would pay for him to marry Avalon was comical, to say the least. “If my brother wouldn’t buy a commission for me, I can’t wait to hear what he said in response to paying you to marry me.” Her gaze shot to his. “Why would he pay if Miss Rowley would do it for free?”
She leaned closer and he wanted to take her in his arms and hold her until this nightmare was over for both of them.
“He was considering mortgaging the earldom for you,” she said softly. “He doesn’t want you to be ruined. But he won’t have to bear the brunt of the finances as the bishop said that he personally, along with the church, would pay for your marriage settlement. He doesn’t want to see your future ruined, and I don’t either.”
The affection in her voice was unmistakable. He felt like a peacock whose display of tail feathers had won the prize peahen. “Go on. I’m intrigued.”
“I’m having my solicitor draw up the papers. They want us to marry by special license by tomorrow. The bishop believes this will help keep the rumors silent.”
“What are the terms?” he asked nonchalantly, though he prepared himself as if ready to receive a punch. “What did they have to offer to convince you?”
“Devan, don’t belittle yourself. I’m not. I asked for twenty thousand pounds, and they agreed.”
“I didn’t realize I was such a catch,” he murmured.
“You’re worth more. And you should know that Larkton said he’d listen to you if I can convince you that Thane should stay with me instead of Eton,” she added with a smile.
“That will be an easy task on your part.” Almost hesitant to ask for fear of her answer, he kept still and continued, “What are you going to do with the twenty thousand pounds?”
This time she leaned closer to him. “Devan?” His name on her lips sounded like a prayer.
He couldn’t help but close his eyes, wanting her to say she’d marry him without any thought of money or other benefit. But he was living in a fantasy world to hope for such a declaration from her. He’d taunted her through the years with that ridiculous nickname of Warlock, and it was only natural she’d be leery of him. She had to protect herself, particularly since she’d been hurt by a husband before.
“It’s none of my business,” he said finally. “Forget I asked.”
“Now I’m asking that you look at me,” she said.
Slowly, he turned to her and waited for the answer. Whatever she said, he promised himself he wouldn’t react.
“I’m giving the money to you.”
His lungs burned with the breath that he hadn’t realized he’d been holding. With an exhale, he relaxed. “Why? You could use it for your charity.”
Her cheeks heated to a beautiful pink, and the sight made him want to lean over and take her in a scorching kiss that would make both of them burn.
“The charity is doing fine, and I’ll have more than enough to help more women and their children.” Suddenly, she clenched her jaw as if girding all her hard-fought resolve. “I have one condition regarding the fortune.” The slightest hint of a tremble colored her voice.
He narrowed his eyes and stared at her, desperate to understand why she felt the need to protect herself. “What is it?”
“If you ever seek the company of another woman, you forfeit all the money to me.” She didn’t flinch as she said the words. In warning that this was a tenuous moment for her, a sudden breeze howled as it traveled down the fireplace, and the flames diminished as if escaping the wind’s wrath. In its wake, a coolness descended through the room.
He nodded ever so slightly, then leaned toward her. “May I hold you?”
Her shoulders relaxed ever so slightly, the first indication that she would let her guard down. She nodded tentatively, then scooted closer to him.
Carefully, he wrapped his arms around her waist and brought her close. She nestled her head under his chin. He pressed his lips against the top of her head where her soft hair tickled and teased his face.
“My wife will never have to worry about that.” He kissed the top of her head again, then pulled away so he could gaze into her eyes. The hint of vulnerability reflected there tore him into pieces. “I’d never hurt you, and I’d never share myself with anyone but my wife.” He’d take a bullet before he’d ever cause this woman such pain.
A breathless sigh escaped her, and her eyes grew misty. “You have no idea how difficult that was for me to say. I know it sounds ridiculous.”
He traced the outline of her mouth with his thumb. The softness called to him to take her in a kiss, and he would kiss her with such tender regard that she’d have no doubt of his sincerity.
But not yet.
Not until she understood completely. “It’d be an honor to share a bed with you, Avalon. But the greatest honor would be to share my life with you.”
She leaned into his touch, and a slight smile replaced her earlier sadness.
“There’s my girl, my Lady Warlock.”
Her soft laugh turned his insides out. He had little doubt that she’d always have the power to turn his world upside down, a true facet of her powers.
“Then there’s only one thing left,” she said.
“Tell me,” he coaxed as his lips brushed hers.
“Will you marry me tomorrow?”
“I thought you’d never ask,” he whispered against her lips.
She moaned slightly, then nipped his lower lip. She pulled him closer and the heat of her body enveloped him like warm sunshine breaking through the clouds. He inhaled her as if consuming her. Every breath of Avalon’s scent intoxicated him, drawing him deeper into her spell. He deepened the kiss and she opened to him. Their tongues tangled and mated in a magic that neither could resist, nor did he want to. He cupped her head between his hands and angled his own to kiss her harder, longer, until he marked her as his.
Avalon broke away and stared into his eyes. Her befuddlement over their kiss pleased him. Gingerly, she touched her fingers to her lips, as if not believing that they’d just shared a kiss that could melt an iceberg in a snowstorm. She appeared cool on the outside but her eyes blazed with the passion they’d ignited on the inside.
From now on, he’d ensure that she knew every day that he burned for her with the same need and fire. He took her again in a kiss designed to leave them both senseless.
The entry door opened, and Mrs. McVey called out in greeting.
Reluctantly, Devan broke away, but not before stealing another of Avalon’s delightful kisses.
She blinked slowly. “What just happened?”
He laughed while nuzzling her neck. “I think we decided to marry.”
“So, is that a yes?” she whispered.
“If my answer wasn’t clear earlier, pardon me.” He studied her red, swollen lips and decided then and there that tomorrow wouldn’t come soon enough. “Let me say it again.”
“You wicked man, stop. Your housekeeper is here.” She straightened her gown, which had become twisted, then patted her hair into place. “How do I look?” she whispered.
“Like you’re ready to be devoured,” he answered.
She laughed. “You’re incorrigible.”
“Thank you. I think that’s the nicest compliment you’ve ever given me.”
She playfully swatted his chest. “I’ll send you the settlement agreement first thing tomorrow.”
“I want to add a term.”
Avalon tilted her head. “Of course. What would you like to have in the document?”
Devan exhaled dramatically, then took her hands in his as he stared into her eyes. “I want it added that tomorrow we both dress with the other person in mind.”
“Meaning?” She arched one perfect eyebrow.
“For our mutual sakes, we should wear clothing that will be easy to disrobe.” He tried his damnedest to appear earnest and forthright.
“You’re simply devious.” She laughed. “I adore it.” She stood and shook her head. “I’ll see you tomorrow. I need to tell Thane.”
“Shall I accompany you and help explain it to him? I don’t want to leave you with such a responsibility alone.”
“That’s very kind, but if you don’t mind, I’d like the evening with him.” Avalon swept her cloak around her. “It’ll be our last night as two. Tomorrow, we’ll be three,” she said with a grin.
“That’s a beautiful sentiment, Avalon.”
Her eyes brightened. “Even warlocks like a bit of sentimentality every now and then.” She opened the door and greeted Mrs. McVey.
As he watched his bride leave, Devan felt a euphoria, one that he’d never experienced before. He had no doubt that he’d made the right decision to save himself for marriage. Life with his Warlock would never be dull.