Her mother jerked back as if she’d slapped her. “I...”
“Don’t worry, Mother,” Odessa said. “I don’t expect you to be mourning me or something similar. This isn’t the first time I’ve disappeared, is it?”
She had a penchant for running off. It had driven her mother crazy when she was younger. After a while, it had become normal. Killian was the only one who continued to try to locate her. “Right,” her mother said with a hint of relief in her voice. “You always do come home, don’t you?”
This was the same mother who forbade her from going outside in inclement weather. Was the whole world falling apart? Normally, her mother would be lashing out at her for her recklessness. Perhaps something had changed while she was away. Gavin had given up on her, and now it appeared like her mother had as well. Honestly, she was surprised she hadn’t done so sooner.
“Would you like some tea?” Aubriella asked graciously. “I can summon a maid.”
“No,” Odessa said. “It’s been a long day, and I think I want to take a nap.”
More like curl up in a ball and cry until she had no tears left. She’d had so much hope and determination when she’d left the castle. She was going to make Gavin admit he loved her, and in that regard, she had. He loved her, but not enough to be with her. She walked out of the salon, having done her duty to report her return. Killian would let her rest and deal with her adventure later. She was almost to the stairs when she heard her name.
“Odessa, wait.”
She turned to meet Aubriella’s gaze. Sadness seemed to reflect back at her. Aubriella stepped forward and wrapped her arms around her. “I’m so sorry,” she said.
“You have nothing to be apologize for,” Odessa told her. It wasn’t her fault Gavin had broken her heart. She wasn’t responsible for Odessa’s reckless behavior.
“I know I don’t,” she stepped back. “But you’re hurting, and I couldn’t ignore it.”
Odessa blinked several times, fighting the tears that threatened to come again. Killian had mentioned something about Aubriella being sensitive to emotions. She hadn’t fully understood what that meant.
“How?” she finally asked.
“I thought Killian explained it to you.”
Odessa sighed. “You know my brother. He’s not exactly the talkative sort. He said something about your sensitivities. I took that to mean I shouldn’t hurt your precious feelings.”
Aubriella laughed. “I do love that man, but you’re right. I should have explained it to you sooner. Come sit with me in the library, and we can have a nice, long chat.”
Odessa didn’t exactly have anything else to do, so she followed Aubriella to the library. At least her mother wasn’t in the room, and she didn’t have to placate her. She sat down and waited for Aubriella to do the same.
“What your brother didn’t say is that I’m an empath,” Aubriella began. “I feel emotions strongly, yes, but I also sense the emotions of others. Most of the time I can block them from exploding through me, but sometimes it’s impossible. You were projecting rather hard earlier, and with my pregnancy, my shields haven’t been the strongest. Do you want to tell me what happened while you were away?”
She had a good relationship with Aubriella, but wasn’t sure she wanted to share the details of her night with Gavin. She did need someone with common sense to talk to though. So she explained Gavin’s curse problem, and how he’d married her but left her at the castle.
Aubriella nodded. “He does love you. I’ve always sensed that. As to the curse...” She tilted her head. “Did you say his mother got sick after he was born?”
“Yes, is that important?”
Aubriella nodded. “I don’t know. It might be. It sounds like she had the birthing sickness, as some might call it in this time.” She tilted her head and scrunched her eyebrows together. “I think she had postpartum depression.”
She said the strangest things sometimes. Killian took it in stride, but every now and then, Odessa had to ask her what the blazes she was talking about. This was one of those times she had to come out and tell her she made no sense.
“I don’t understand,” Odessa said.
“Some women’s hormones...” She waved her hand. “Forget about that. Let’s just say that, after a woman gives birth, it’s a super emotional time and not all are able to bounce back from it. Gavin’s mother was sick, and there wasn’t anything that either his father or Gavin did wrong. It’s a part of who she was.”
That made a little bit more sense. How could she make Gavin believe that though? He wouldn’t take her word for it. “That’s nice, but Gavin isn’t going to listen. That is only one explanation for one person in a long line of tragedy. Deep down, he knows his mother was sick, and I don’t think he’s going to realize anytime soon that we belong together because, in his mind, it just proves his family is cursed and he’ll lose me in the end.”
“Don’t give up on him,” she said. “He might come around. I’ll leave you alone for now.”
Aubriella left her in the library. It gave Odessa time to think about what she’d said. Maybe she shouldn’t give up on Gavin yet... Aubriella gave her insight into what might have happened to Gavin’s mother at least. Maybe that was something she could use to convince him they belonged together. At this point, she’d try just about anything.
GAVIN DIDN’T GET FAR before he realized he’d made a mistake. He couldn’t leave Odessa. He was terrified of what might happen, but he wanted to at least try to have a good life with her. He owed it to himself, but mostly he had to make things right with her. She’d believe in him when he’d lost all hope of ever having even a glimpse of happiness. He turned his horse around and headed back to Kingsbridge. He met Killian along the way.
“Gavin,” he called in greeting. His voice had an edge of worry in it. “Have you seen my sister?”
He nodded. “Aye, she’s back at home.”
Killian cursed. “She’ll be the death of me one day. Always running off and finding trouble.”
Gavin should explain that Odessa was no longer Killian’s concern, but knew that wasn’t true. Killian would always look out for his sister. She was Gavin’s wife though.
“She’s a hellion,” Gavin agreed. “Always has been.”
“That she is,” Killian said and grinned. “Were you heading home?”
“I forgot something at the castle,” Gavin said. Something he never should have left behind. He was a bloody idiot. Odessa should skin him alive for being a moron. He’d make it up to her if she let him. Gavin wouldn’t blame her if she never forgave him.
“Must be important,” Killian said a bit intrigued. “Never know you to return when you could retrieve something another day. You’re at the castle enough.”
Gavin nodded. “It’s more vital than breathing,” he said. “I couldn’t live without it.”
They rode in silence after that. Killian didn’t talk unless he had something to say. Gavin was grateful for it too. He wasn’t ready to explain he’d married Odessa and then abandoned her. He wouldn’t easily forgive that slight.
After they stabled the horses, they headed inside. Aubriella greeted Killian with a hug. “Don’t worry about Odessa. Go change. Dinner should be ready soon.” She looked at Gavin and said, “She’s in the library, and if you grovel enough she might forgive you.”
Killian narrowed his eyes and glared at him. “Please tell me I don’t have to murder you.”
He shook his head, hoping Killian wouldn’t want a long explanation. He had to go to Odessa and try to win her back. When Killian didn’t show any signs of demanding answers, he took it as a sign to go find the woman he loved. He didn’t say a word and left Killian and Aubriella in the foyer as he went in search of his wife. He found her exactly where Aubriella had suggested she would be. She stared at a fire in the hearth. Her face was white and emotionless. He wanted to hug her and make her smile. He’d done this.
“If you want, I’ll punch myself in the face,” he at
tempted to charm her.
“I doubt you’d do a good enough job. It would have to hurt a lot to match the pain in my heart.”
He swallowed the lump in his throat. At least she was talking to him. He could work with that. “Perhaps the fireplace poker—you could hit me in the head with it.”
She met his gaze. “I don’t want to hurt you.”
He didn’t deserve her, but if she gave him a chance, he’d work every day to make her happy. Odessa had always owned his heart. He shouldn’t have let a family curse stand in the way. “I hate that I caused you pain. Can you forgive me?”
Odessa remained silent for several heartbeats. He was starting to lose hope. He’d been too late, and she wouldn’t be able to let him back into her life. Gavin didn’t blame her.
“When I first walked in the door, I’d have said no to that question, but now that I’ve had time to calm down, I’m more open to the possibility.”
Hope flourished inside of him. He cautiously stepped closer to her until he stood directly in front of her. Gavin dropped to his knees and laid his head on her lap. She brought her hand up and caressed his cheek.
“I’m not going to lie to you,” he said. “I’m terrified, and I will probably hold it inside of me every day. Maybe, in time, I’ll be a little less afraid of losing you, but I can’t live without you.”
She leaned down and kissed his cheek. “I’m glad I didn’t have to hunt you down again. It wouldn’t have been pretty.”
He chuckled, lifted his head and clasped her hands in his. “Will you spend the rest of your life with me?”
“I don’t know,” she said lightly. “I might find a better offer in London. Maybe a man with less baggage.”
He pinched her side. “Don’t be cheeky.”
Odessa’s laugher floated through the room. “You wouldn’t have me any other way.”
She was right. Odessa was the one pure thing he had. He’d never change her because that would be like removing everything good in his life. Without her, he’d have no reason to go on. That was what truly frightened him and also made him realize he’d made a huge mistake. He needed her, and if he turned his back on her he’d lose her.
“I love you, Lady Havenwood. Please come home with me.”
“After dinner,” she said. “I’m hungry and we have to still explain all of this to Killian. He might want to call you out for compromising his sister. You owe him the chance to shoot you.”
Gavin laughed and got to his feet. He held his hand out to her. “Civilized men duel with swords, my dear, and as I’ll be the one challenged, I get to choose.” He pressed his lips to hers. “I’d never deny Killian a good sword fight. I know how much he loves it.”
It wasn’t going to be easy, but they had a chance of a good life together. As long as he kept reminding himself that he’d have nothing without her. Their love would be the one that survived. He had to believe that. His soul had recognized hers, and after that there was no turning back. Their love was worth any risk, and he’d do everything in his power to ensure it thrived. He’d never hurt her again.
“I love you,” Odessa said. “I’m glad I waited for you.”
So was he... Some love was worth fighting for. “Not more than I am,” he told her. “You’re my heart, and I am glad I gave you mine.”
Sometimes, a leap of faith was the only thing needed to find a happy ending. There was no way to know what the future might bring, but he wanted it to be with Odessa. He wouldn’t have it any other way.
Epilogue
A cool breeze brushed over Odessa’s heated skin. The early summer sun warmed her cheeks. She ran her hands over the green grass brushing against the blanket she lounged on. Next to her on the blanket her two year old daughter, Hyacinth’s giggles spread happiness within her soul. In the distance her five year old son, Elijah laughed as he chased his new puppy. Her life was perfect in every way and everything went much better than she could have hoped it would.
“There’s my beautiful girls.” Gavin plopped down beside her on the grass. He leaned over and kissed her cheek before glancing at Elijah running around the lawn. “Do you think that puppy will wear him out?”
“I hope so.” Odessa groaned. Her son tended to run them until exhaustion sank deep into their bones. “He’s been quite lively for days. That puppy may just be our saving grace.”
She hadn’t been prepared for what was involved raising two small children. Other people in their class would have hired a governess by now, but she wanted to do as much as possible herself. Gavin had agreed. He’d missed out on so much from his parents when he was a boy. He refused to do the same with his own kids. He still had issues from time to time about his family curse, but for the most part he’d been able to let it go. Old habits were hard to break entirely, but each day that went by without incident was one more step to finally healing.
“I never imagined I could have this.” Gavin stared at Elijah almost wistfully, then glanced back at Odessa. His eyes shone with love. He’d fought his love for her for far too long. They could have had this happiness much sooner if he hadn’t believed in curses and his family’s doom.
“A family?” Odessa asked him with a teasing tone. “Love?” She shook her head. “Darling you need to stop doubting this. We’re good—they’re excellent. The curse isn’t real, and even if it was I wouldn’t let it take you from me. You’re mine now.” And she wouldn’t give him up for anything. Fate would not be stealing him from her.
Gavin pulled Odessa into his arms and nuzzled her neck, then pressed light kisses upward until he reached her lips. Once there he deepened the kiss and immediately desire flooded Odessa. It was always like this with them. One touch and her whole body lit up with need. He leaned in and whispered in her ear, “Maybe we should rethink that nanny decision.”
Odessa laughed. She’d had a similar thought as he’d started bestowing her with kisses. There was no man she could ever love the way she did Gavin. He was her heart and joy. She’d been born to love him. “Because you want some alone time with me?”
“More than anything...” Gavin kissed her again and all thoughts left her mind. “Say you want it too and I’ll make it happen.”
“How?” Her body hummed with desire. She needed him as much as he desired her. They were destined to be together and she was glad he’d finally realized it too.
They really didn’t have a lot of options. There were servants of course but they had other duties to see to. Maybe it was time to hire a governess or a nanny—maybe both. Elijah was old enough to start learning his numbers and letters. Hyacinth could be rather demanding and it would be heaven to sleep the night through. The dear girl was still waking up in the middle of the night and it was driving Odessa mad.
“Well...” Gavin tickled her. “I was thinking they haven’t had an extended visit with their favorite uncle in a while.”
“You want to send them to Kingsbridge?” Odessa lifted a brow. “Killian might murder you. He has his hands full with Scarlett and Julian.”
Julian was Killian’s son and six months older than Elijah. Scarlett was eight weeks old and routinely giving them hell. She was fast becoming the newest hellion of the household. Odessa couldn’t be happier to pass on the title to her niece. That particular female was going to give her brother a hard time, and she couldn’t wait to watch it play out.
“You’re right of course,” Gavin agreed. A wicked smile filled his handsome face. “But wouldn’t it be fun to watch all the emotions that will cross his face. It would be worth it.”
“I think you have a death wish.” Odessa grinned at him then chuckled lightly. “I’d prefer you to remain breathing for the remainder of our days together.”
How had she managed to get so incredibly lucky? There was a time she didn’t believe they had a chance, but here they were together and nothing was going to pull them apart. She had an unbelievably good life and she didn’t see how it could ever be better than this moment.
Gavin sighed. “
I suppose we should go wrestle that boy and put him down for a nap.”
“Who is this we you are speaking of?” She lifted a brow. “It’s your turn to catch him. I’m going to take little miss up to the house and lay her down. When you’re done with Elijah come find me.”
His gaze held an edge of heat in them that called to her. She sucked in a breath but didn’t hesitate from moving away from him. Good things came to the patient. Odessa planned on having something far better than good when she found her husband alone next. She’d even dare say they would be downright decadent if she had her way...
She carried Hyacinth up to the nursery and laid her down in her cradle. Her sweet baby face was so innocent in sleep. She leaned down and kissed her cheek. “Sleep well my angel.” At least for a couple hours... She slept better during the afternoon then she ever did at night.
Elijah’s wails reverberated through the halls. Gavin was going to have an interesting time putting him down for a nap. Their son would give in eventually. He had to be exhausted from playing with the puppy all afternoon. Odessa roamed out of the nursery and headed to their bedchamber. She started unlacing her dress in preparation for her afternoon nap with Gavin—not that much sleep would be involved.
Not much later Gavin entered the room and closed the door shut with a soft click. He leaned back against it as a sinful smile grew on his face. “Well, hello...”
“I’ve been waiting for you.” Her voice had a sultry hint to it. “These stays won’t take themselves off.” She turned her back to him and glanced over her shoulder.
“Madam.” His voice was husky. “I’m at your service.” He loosened her stays and slid them off of her then reached around and cupped her full breasts in her hands. “You’re so beautiful.”
Odessa leaned back against him letting her head fall into the crook of his shoulder. “Love me,” she whispered.
“Always,” he answered. “You’re my reason for everything and loving you is the one thing I can do without question. I’m so glad I set my fears aside and built a life with you. I promise I won’t let anything like that come between us ever again. It’s time to set that curse aside forever.”
Unwrapping a Rogue: A Christmas Regency Boxset Page 47