“What are you doing out here?” a male asked.
Startled, Odessa lost her balance. She flailed her arms out, trying to regain her equilibrium, but to no avail. The ground slipped out from underneath her and she tumbled toward the river. As she rolled down the hill toward the icy landscape, she caught a glimpse of Gavin towering above her. His face had lost all color, making his dark hair stick out in the white world around him. She wasn’t sure how long he stood their staring at her either and couldn’t find a reason to ponder on it. There were far greater things for her to be concerned with. If she didn’t stop herself, she’d plunge right into the river. The ice might do one of two things: break her fall or crack on impact. She wasn’t sure which one she wanted to happen...
GAVIN CURSED AND STARTED down the hill after Odessa. He shouldn’t have startled her. If something happened to her, he’d never forgive himself. Killian would probably strangle him as soon as he found out, and he wouldn’t blame him. Killian was his best friend, and Odessa his adored little sister. Sure, she could be a pest at times, but Killian loved her. Gavin loved her...
He would make sure she was all right no matter what. She was too important to him and to her family. Why she was out in the snowstorm? He and Killian had gone out to help a nearby farmer gather some livestock that had escaped. He was about to head back to the castle when movement near the river had drawn his attention. At first, he’d thought perhaps another sheep had escaped and went to retrieve it. As he’d moved closer, he realized his mistake. There weren’t any animals in the distance—they would have been far easier to wrangle. A female figure had loomed on the horizon, and as she lowered her hood, he’d swore under his breath.
What the hell was Odessa doing out in the storm? The lass was crazy and brave to come outside alone in a blizzard. She might have been all right too if not for his recklessness.
Odessa hit the ice covering the river, hard. Her head bounced across the surface several times. His heart froze inside of his chest and he then he rushed over to her side. “Don’t move,” he yelled. “I’m coming to help you.”
Odessa brought her hand up and pressed it to the back of her head. Her pain filled moans made him curse. He had to move faster before something more dire befell her. So far, she didn’t appear to be gravely injured. Gavin stopped at the edge of the river bank and reached over to her. “Give me your hand and I’ll pull you over. I don’t want to put my weight on the ice because it might break.”
“I’m afraid,” she said. “I don’t think I can do this.”
“Yes, you can,” he encouraged. “You’re the bravest girl I know. There’s nothing you can’t do if you set your mind to it.”
“If I die...”
“Shut your mouth,” he ordered. “No one is dying today. Now give me your hand.”
Odessa reached out to him, but she was too far away for him to grasp her outstretched hand. He swore under his breath and prayed she hadn’t heard the litany of words he’d uttered. She was too young to be exposed to any kind of profanity. “I need you to move a little closer.”
“I can’t.” Her voice wobbled as she spoke. How close was she to tears?
“Don’t be silly,” he said as lightly as he could muster. Gavin couldn’t let on that his own fear was a tight knot inside of his belly. She needed him to be strong, and by God, he would be. “I already told you that you can do anything. Don’t let anyone ever tell you different.”
“All right,” she said. A hint of uncertainty was laced through the words, but she was agreeing to do as he asked. “Don’t let me down.”
“I would never,” he reassured her. “Now slide toward me like the good girl you are.”
Slowly, she inched over to him. His heart raced inside of his chest and nothing would calm it down. Not until she was safe... The time it took for her to move closer seemed to pass by in slow motion. The wind picked up speed and whipped against his face. The cold had seeped into his bones long ago, but now he was numb to it. He reached as far as he could, and finally her small hand hit the center of his palm. He grasped tightly and yanked her toward him as the ice began to crack. Her feet hit the water when a huge chunk fell into the river, but the rest of her landed on him as they both tumbled back against the bank.
“See,” he said, trying to catch his breath. “I’m a man of my word.”
“That you are,” she agreed and wrapped her arms around his neck. “I owe you my life.”
“No, you don’t,” he replied harshly. “It’s my fault you fell in the first place.”
“Let’s not debate fault. If I’d not been a stupid girl and disobeyed my mother, I’d never have been here in the first place.”
“That’s true enough,” he agreed. “Let’s get you inside. Your foot will be frozen in no time from the river. I don’t want you to catch ill from your little adventure.”
He wanted to make sure she stayed safe always. He cared for her deeply and would do anything for her. Killian was his best friend, but Odessa owned his heart. He tried to think of her as a sister, but he couldn’t. At one time that had been easier to do. She’d been a cute cherub when she was a small girl, and he’d thought of her fondly. As she’d grown though he started to see her differently, and he couldn’t stop his feelings from evolving. Odessa drove him mad at times, but he’d forever love her. Even with her recklessly putting herself in danger he couldn’t fully chastise her for it.
She shook her head defiantly. Her dark curls bounced around her head. “Not yet. I haven’t properly thanked you,” she said and pressed her lips to his. He was too shocked to push her away and had no idea how to stop it. The kiss was over before it started. “Thank you, Lord Havenwood. You’ll always be my hero.” He hated the damn title, and he wished he didn’t have the responsibilities of the earldom.
Gavin was no hero...
Lady Odessa was a pretty girl, and when she was fully grown she’d be devastating to behold. She’d stolen his heart the moment he met her, but he’d never tell her that. His family was cursed. Gavin never intended to marry and let another carry that burden with him. One day he’d explain that to her, but for now, he’d settle for getting her home where she could be warm and safe. She was too young, and he had too many problems to lie at her feet.
He didn’t give her a choice after that little demonstration. Gavin lifted her into his arms and carried her back to the castle. Once there, her mother could dote on her and make sure she was taken care of. Gavin would have to be content with knowing she was loved by others because Odessa could never be his.
Chapter One
Ten years later...
Lady Odessa Lynwood stormed into her room and tossed the book she’d been carrying against the wall. She’d had the misfortune of overhearing a conversation between her brother, Killian, and Lord Havenwood—her Gavin. Killian was blissfully in love with his wife, Aubriella, and they were expecting their first child in later spring. Killian had suggested to Gavin he might want to marry and start a family. Her wonderful brother had even teased Gavin about consenting to a betrothal between him and Odessa.
Her heart had sped up in her chest awaiting his reply. What had the rascal said? Something along the lines of he’d rather cut off his left bollock than tie himself to a woman for the rest of his life, and that went double for her. “Men,” Odessa said under her breath, disgusted with that one in particular. “I’m sick and tired of him avoiding me.”
He had feelings for her. She knew he did and couldn’t understand why he wouldn’t admit them. That foolishness he spouted was for show. At least she hoped it was. Odessa shook her head and contemplated her next move. Maybe she should force him to face what was between them. If she could get him to say it aloud... She could go to his estate and have it out with him once and for all. He should already be on his way home, and if she timed it right she’d meet him in the middle. He always traveled the same path back to Havenwood. Besides there was only one thing she wanted during Christmastide—a real kiss from Gavin, and she
’d have it before the season was over. If he confessed his love that would be oh, so wonderful, but she’d settle for a little passion until he was ready.
Not giving herself time to think it over, she grabbed her cloak and rushed out of her bedchamber. She was tying the cloak closed as she exited the castle. The wind whipped around her and burned her cheeks. Her teeth chattered as the cold attempted to settle inside of her. Damn winter... She hated the cold and couldn’t understand how she’d have ever liked it as a child. The snow was a nuisance and made her trek even more difficult than it needed to be.
At least there wasn’t any currently falling down around her. The bitter temperature was enough to deal with, but the sun was high in the sky and almost blinding in its brilliance and the snow glittered underneath its shine, making it difficult to look at. She kept her focus on the path in front of her. The stables weren’t far from the castle and she’d never make it to Gavin’s estate without her horse.
She pushed open the stable door and entered. The stable master, Hamish, greeted her immediately. “Lady Odessa,” He nodded at her. “How may I assist you?”
Odessa stared past him to locate Gavin’s horse and found it already gone. That was good; she could carry on with her plan. It might prove to be her most foolhardy idea, but she committed to it. When she was done, she’d know once and for all where she stood with the love of her life. If he wouldn’t have her... No, she wouldn’t think of the worst possible outcome. After she confronted him once and for all, she’d finally have the truth. With that, she could move on and they’d have a chance at forever.
“I need a mount,” she ordered. “As quickly as you can manage it.”
“My lady,” he said and frowned. “I advise against it.”
She wanted to scream. It was not a good day for a man to tell her not to do something. The stable master didn’t realize it, but he’d pushed her last nerve to the edge. “It’s a good thing I’m not asking for your opinion. Prepare me a horse, now.”
“But...”
“Now,” she screamed.
He held up his hands and backed away slowly. Hamish was a good man, but she couldn’t let him talk her out of her plan. He pulled a mare out and saddled her for Odessa. When he was finished, he turned toward her and asked, “Will you require anything else?”
“No,” she said. “Bring her to the mounting block so I can step up to her more easily.”
Hamish brought the mare to the step and held her still while Odessa eased onto the saddle. “Now give me the reins.” Hamish handed them over to her.
“It’s really not a good time to go riding, my lady,” he said. “A storm is heading toward us.”
She had not seen any indication of the sort as she’d walked over. He only wanted to persuade her to stay indoors. Another man thinking he knew what was best for her, and she’d be damned before listened to his condescending advice. “I’ll be fine,” she told him. “If you’ll move out of my way, I have someplace I need to be.”
“How long will you be?”
What did that matter? She’d never given him a timeframe when to expect her back. This was the strangest conversation she’d ever had with the stable master. “However long it takes,” she said cryptically and pressed her knee into the side of the horse, giving it the direction to start moving.
Odessa didn’t bother to say anything more to Hamish. She was probably being too hard on him. It wasn’t his fault Gavin was being ridiculous, but her mood was quite ferocious. When she caught up to Gavin, he’d rue the day he declared her an unsuitable match. They were meant to be together, and she’d make him see it.
Gavin lived on the other side of Carham, the local village that nestled between Kingsbridge Castle and Havenwood Manor. If she avoided the village, she could take a shortcut to his estate. He always went through Carham. She wasn’t entirely sure why. Today shouldn’t be any different by any means. That gave her some time to plot before their paths crossed.
GAVIN HOPPED OFF HIS horse and tied the reins on a nearby post, then strolled into the local tavern. He could have gotten good and drunk at Killian’s, but then he’d have been obliged to stay. If Odessa wasn’t living under the same roof, that wouldn’t have been a problem... The more he saw her, the more his desire for her grew. He’d loved her for over a decade and nothing seemed to erase her from his heart. If he could claim her, he would have already done so. He wouldn’t bring her into his life and doom her. No woman deserved to be saddled with a curse that would end her life. As much as it pained him, he’d never make Odessa his.
“Your usual?” Gillie, the barmaid asked.
Gavin nodded with a smile. “Of course.”
Gillie was a pretty lass with dark auburn hair and an infectious smile. She’d offered him more than that upon occasion, but he always turned her down. Well, not always... Once, when he was particularly drunk, he’d said yes and regretted it immediately. He didn’t remember a whole lot about the night, and he didn’t really want to. She’d appeared happy enough with the outcome, so he didn’t press. Most days, he could forget about it and move on. Gillie still asked if he’d like more even though he’d never said yes again. Partly because drinking himself into oblivion stopped being a priority. He still imbibed plenty, but not enough to lose his wits.
“Here you go,” Gillie said as she set a tankard of ale before him. “Let me know if you’ll be needing anything else.” She winked at him and left.
If his heart didn’t belong to a raven-haired lass with a viper tongue—maybe then he’d be able to let go and have a jolly good time in Gillie’s bed. No one promised life would be easy, but it’d be nice if at least some things went right.
He blamed Killian for his sour mood. The man was too happy with his wife and a babe on the way. He knew why Gavin refused to marry, yet he still pushed him to try—with his beloved sister no less. Did he want Odessa to die? Maybe he didn’t believe in Gavin’s family curse. That had to be the only explanation for his friend’s blasé attitude.
Gavin guzzled half his ale. It slid down easily enough, and he finished it before he realized what he was doing. Gillie set another tankard before him and he lifted it to his mouth to take a drink. Gavin stared down at the mug and set it back on the table without tasting the ale. He should stop while he was ahead. He didn’t want his mood to cause him to make foolish mistakes. He left the second tankard on the table completely full. He should go home, but there was nothing there for him. No family or loved ones—just unending loneliness.
“Is there something wrong with the ale?”
He glanced up and met Gillie’s gaze. There wasn’t anything wrong with it. The problem was all him, but he didn’t feel up to divulging that bit of information to the barmaid. He kept his secrets inside for a reason. They were dark and burdensome things that no one else should have to carry around with them. Gillie probably meant well though. He just couldn’t talk about what was bothering him. His inner demons brought him to the tavern to have a few drinks from time to time. Somehow, he managed to keep them contained, and he wasn’t about to let them spill out now.
“No,” he finally replied to Gillie’s question and handed her a shilling. “Thanks, but I am done for the night.”
Slowly, he exited the tavern and climbed onto his horse. The ale had hit him harder than normal, but he still had his wits about him. He pressed his leg into the horse, giving it a command to move. The horse settled into a decent canter, so he’d be home soon. The sky darkened overhead and clouds moved over the sun.
“Is a storm coming?”
No one answered. He was alone, after all. Hell, he should never have stopped at the tavern. Snow would be falling around him in no time, and he’d be a wet, freezing mess before he arrived. At least a warm fire would await him when he arrived.
The town disappeared as he made his way toward Havenwood. He turned away from the road and started across a field. It was one of his favorite shortcuts and would ensure he arrived home sooner. The snow he’d predicted gre
eted him by the time he reached the middle of the meadow. A brown blur appeared in the distance. He attempted to focus on it and bring clarity, but failed. White flakes blanketed around him, obscuring his vision, making it impossible for him to focus. Instead of stressing over it, he continued on his well-known path until he reached it.
He pulled on the reins of his horse and frowned. “Odessa?”
“Took you long enough,” she said as her teeth chattered. “What were you doing that delayed you?”
What the hell was she doing so far from Kingsbridge? Did Killian know his sister took off on her own on a regular basis? He wanted to shake her for her lack of sense. Anything could’ve happened to her. What if someone had attacked her? There was no one around to come to her aid.
“More importantly,” he said through gritted teeth, “what the blazes are you doing here?”
Her lips were almost blue from the cold, but she didn’t let that stop her from smiling like a nitwit. “Coming to see you, silly.”
God save him. “If you wished to speak with me, you could have done so earlier when I visited Killian.” It wouldn’t have happened. Gavin would have done anything and everything to avoid her. He’d become quite skilled at it over the years. Ever since he saved her from a winter storm a long time ago—that ill-fated kiss that had been burned in his memory. He wished he could reenact that day. No, he didn’t want her life in danger, but he wanted to be her hero and claim her lips once again. Some things couldn’t be, and his love for Odessa was at the top of that list.
“Can we have this conversation someplace warmer?” Her whole body shook as she spoke. “I’m cold, and this is something that will take a while.”
Unwrapping a Rogue: A Christmas Regency Boxset Page 42