Set in Stone: A Contemporary Adventure Romance Novel (Legend Book 1)

by Kylie Stewart

  “Do you want me, Your Grace?” I spoke in his ear, allowing my lips to graze his earlobe.

  All of his muscles tensed. His chest rose and fell at a faster rate, and large hands gripped my waist.

  “No, I do not. With that said, I cannot help but have a physical attraction to you.” He put a good few inches of space between us. “You are a beautiful young woman, Alexandria. So bloody beautiful.” He pushed a loose strand of hair behind my ear.

  How had he evaded me? But looking in his eyes, I saw the walls between us. Only now, it was a wall and a moat. I had failed. He had known what I was trying to do to him.

  “So you don’t want me?” My eyes narrowed. “Please tell me. Because you do a lot of close talking and manhandling of me, sir.”

  “I believe you enjoy it, my lady.” His thumb traced my parted lips, and the heat rose in my face. “In fact, I believe you play an innocent, good girl, and all you want is to be tied up and used.”

  His nose brushed against mine. I could taste the whiskey on his breath.

  “You’re wrong. I hate this. Why do you insist on playing games?”

  I tried to move away, but his hand on my lower back held firm.

  “Because when I play a game, I play to win.” He changed at that moment. Avalon went from gentle to rough. With a snarl, he added, “And you cannot beat me at my own game. I see what you were trying to do, Ms. York. Do not think me blind. A woman like you should not offer herself so easily to a man like me. You will only be hurt. You will only be left wanting.” Pushing my back against the wall, he raised my arms over my head. The brush of his lips against mine made me gasp. “And you will lose.”

  I allowed him to do as he pleased. A part of me yearned for him to do as he’d said. Take me. Tie me up. Would he hurt me?

  Get a handle on yourself!

  “Now, let us go back into the gala and finish with appearances. Then we shall go home.” He let me go, straightening his suit.

  I couldn’t say anything against him.

  Avalon had overtaken me easily.

  He possesses.

  He’s a dragon.

  Defiantly raising my chin, I tried to act as if nothing happened and left him standing alone in the dark hall. I would not lose myself in him anymore. I wouldn’t waste my energy trying to understand a monster.

  Twelve

  Avalon

  How I longed to kiss her lips. How I wanted to wrap her in my arms and keep her there. How I desperately needed her to understand me. How would I convey all of this? As I watched her walk away from me, I could feel a shift in her. Alexandria was becoming more aware of not only me but also of herself. This woman—this real, honest, raw woman—was driving me mad.

  She was no longer coy or standoffish or hesitant. She was forward, blatant, and cunning. She almost had me curled around her fingers just then. Alexandria had no idea that for one moment in time she held all power over me.

  Allowing that familiar ice to reform and calm my pounding heart, I followed her. We were cordial to each other for the rest of the night. I kept my hands off her, and she didn’t seek out my guidance. The long drive back to Caliburn was enough to make anyone insane. We sat in the back of my Aston Martin and not one word or even a glance was shared. She busied herself by staring out the window at the black nothingness.

  I would be a liar if I didn’t admit I wanted to reach over and take her hand—to apologize for my actions—but we were too far gone for that. I had a war on my hands, and I didn’t know how large it would become.

  We went our separate ways once inside. I listened to the echoes of her heels on the floor until they disappeared down the corridor. M stood behind me.

  “Did something happen, sir?” he asked.

  I turned to glower at him. “You already know.” I angrily stalked to my rooms, pulling off pieces of clothing one by one. By the time I entered the sanctuary of my bedroom, I had tossed the jacket, tie, and belt on a chair. The rest came off in a flurry.

  I messed up my slicked back hair, letting it fall where it wanted. I stared at my reflection in the mirror, pressing my hand against the glass. I didn’t know what to do. Should I go to her in a dream? No. I needed to stay away.

  I shuffled over to my bed and sat down in a huff. I took the rosary beads from their resting place on top of the worn, leather Bible and played with the small crystals. I had so many questions. So bloody many.

  Why did I, who followed you so closely, Lord, end up cursed like this?

  I clutched the crucifix until it cut into my hand. I prayed. For what, I still wasn’t sure. All I knew was that I needed to find a way to win her. I needed to be shown how.

  The night was cruel. I tossed and turned, nightmares keeping me from ever fully drifting to sleep. Every time I dreamt, I saw her face, saw Mordred’s face. Every time, in every scenario, I lost her. Once to the fire and once to her desire. She laughed at me or called out for me. She hated or loved me.

  I woke with a start, scanning the dark room for any sign of movement. I peeled the covers off and walked over to the decanter on the dressing table. I poured myself a glass, allowing the burn to soothe the fears gnawing at my soul. I would win this time. I had to. Once the drink was gone, I opened a drawer and pulled out a black violin box. I unsnapped the worn leather flaps. The instrument within beckoned for me to play. The rich mahogany finish reminded me of the color of Alexandria’s hair.

  I’d make her and this violin sing. Taking it out of its box with care, I found resin and ran it along the horsehair bow. I had a routine for before and after playing. It helped to calm me. I hadn’t played in a very long time. The full moon could be seen clearly from my formal receiving room, so I went there.

  I put a sweater on before I stepped out onto the balcony steps off the front room and began to play. I caressed the strings and let my fingers dance across the neck. A low, sorrowful sound cut through the night. I closed my eyes and allowed my heart to speak, making up the lament as I played along. Sad tones followed by hopeful, lighter ones assembled into a gorgeous piece of music.

  I could see her. I could see me. In a different time. In a different place. We would be together. Nothing would stand between us. Not God or man. Yet we were here. I was here, and I was alone.

  As I let the last note linger until it dissipated, I sensed her presence. She had heard me and was standing in the crack of the door. Sighing, I dropped the violin to my side.

  “Don’t just stand there; come in.” My voice sounded low, defeated. I didn’t really give a damn either.

  I heard the heavy oak door creak open and then shut behind her. “You play the violin?”

  “Yes, obviously.” I raised the bow in my hand, giving a little salute. My back was still facing her.

  “It was lovely, what you just played.” Alexandria’s voice was quiet in the night.

  What is she getting at?

  I met her eyes through the darkness. “I told you not to come here when you first arrived.”

  “I’m sorry; I was just trying to find out where the music was coming from.”

  She wrapped her arms around herself. She was wearing a long-sleeve shirt and yoga pants. Her long hair was pulled up in a messy ponytail.

  Could she not sleep either?

  “It is what it is. Now you know.”

  I waited, thinking she would take that as a cue to leave. She didn’t.

  “What?” I was getting annoyed.

  “Why didn’t you tell me that Morgan was your sister?”

  Her question came as a shock. I could have lost my temper. I could have reminded her how she wasn’t supposed to ask about my family. I could have chased her out the door. Instead, I sat heavily in an overstuffed armchair.

  I sneered. “Does it matter?”

  “It matters to me. When someone tells me to ‘beware’ of her own brother, I get a bit concerned.” Alexandria stepped closer.

  “You saw her at the gala, didn’t you?” I raised my eyes to look up at her.

/>   All she did was nod.

  “Let me make one thing clear, Ms. York. That woman is a viper. She is only my half-sister, and envy has driven her to try to pull me down.” Standing, I squared up to her smaller frame. “You can choose to believe her or me. I pray to God you choose correctly. Or else she’ll ruin you, too.”

  “Why would she want to ruin you?” The confusion was clear on Alexandria’s face.

  “Why not? I have the title; I have the lands. I hold the power, Alexandria. She’s always been this way, even as a child.” I cursed under my breath. “My apologies, Ms. York.”

  “It’s fine,” she whispered.

  We stared at each other for what seemed like hours. There was always a slight burning for her deep in my core. Yet tonight, I had cooled. Tonight, she had taught me a valuable lesson I forgot only she was able to administer. Power. I couldn’t let her have that much control over me again.

  “You should get some rest. It’s late. I don’t need you falling asleep and making a lopsided sculpture.”

  “What is it that you’re after, exactly, Avalon?” Her tone was serious.

  I was after so many things, and she was number one on that list.

  “All I am after is simple.” I stepped close to her, reaching up and pulling her hair free. I let my fingers stroke through her soft tresses, looking down into hooded blues. “All I want is for you to build that statue.” My voice was a seductive whisper as I let my nose brush hers. Our mouths were so close; I could feel her warm breath. I teased us both, and her hand gripped the wrist of the hand that caressed her cheek. Leaning in to whisper against her ear, I put the nail into our coffin. “And if I win your affection in that time, I shall consider myself the luckiest man in the world.”

  I pressed a soft kiss to her cheek, pulled back, and waited for her reaction.

  She was silent for a moment, mouth open and eyes wide in confusion.

  “Win my affection?” Her voice was soft.

  I offered her a smile. “I am not the beast so many make me out to be.” I tapped the end of her nose with my finger gently. I lowered my voice. “Perhaps in the bedroom, though, I am just that and much more.”

  I walked away from her frozen form and hid in the solace of my bedroom.

  My heart raced.

  My muscles coiled.

  If I had waited a second longer to leave, I would have made both of our dreams a very vivid reality.

  Thirteen

  Alexandria

  I leaned back to survey my work, wiping my hands on my pants. The metal structure gave me a base to work off, and the mesh was responding just how the clay needed it to. So far, I was on track to finish this piece in only a few months. The sooner I could get out of Caliburn and away from Avalon, the better.

  His words last night had shocked me as if he had reached out and slapped me across the face. Last night had been a strange mixture of highs and lows. High because, for a moment in time, Avalon and I had worked well together, and low because of what I had realized. The truth spoken in the dark made it all the more real.

  I looked out one of the many windows. The sun was set high in the sky. I looked back down at my clay-covered hands, a heavy feeling settled in my chest.

  Why did I want to get to know Avalon, anyway?

  He was confusing and bold and so damn handsome.

  I became lost in thought, and I imagined him and me together. My cheek still burned where he had touched me. Shaking my head, I turned back to the task at hand.

  Another hour went by before I called it a day. I cleaned up and began the long walk back to my rooms. My feet slowed when I passed the hall that led to the other side of the castle. Avalon’s rooms were down there. I ignored the urge to snoop. Lord knew where the man was. He crept around this place like a ghost.

  I took my time with a hot shower. After, I pulled my hair up into a clip and began rummaging around my room. The drawers held interesting heirlooms and trinkets. Pieces that were so old, I was baffled. Why weren’t they accounted for? Old mirrors, silver brushes, lockets, and gems. It made no sense for such precious things to be left for just anyone to have access to.

  My phone vibrated in my pocket, alerting me that dinner was ready. I blew a strand of hair from my face. Lovely, I had to face Mr. Wonderful. If the Duke of Avalon hated me so much, why had he brought me here?

  I walked with my chin raised stubbornly as I entered the dining hall. There he sat at the very end, only glancing up when M announced my presence. I made sure my glare made its mark. Harsh gray eyes met the challenge. I sat down in my usual seat, placing the napkin in my lap and taking a sip of red wine.

  I never said hello. I didn’t want to speak to him. I planned to give him the cold shoulder for a very long while. Try as I might, when a black velvet box settled beside my plate, I had to look up.

  “A gift, Ms. York, from the Duke of Avalon.” M offered a soft smile.

  My eyes went from M to Avalon, narrowing.

  My heart skipped. “I cannot accept such gifts.”

  “You have no option, Ms. York. Just open the box. I am sure you’ll enjoy the contents.” Avalon smirked, but it was a mean smirk. He knew things like this bothered me.

  I pushed the box away from me. “No. I refuse.”

  It was his turn to look irritated. “Open the box. Now.”

  Something in his voice made me jump. Danger lurked behind every punctuated word. Making sure my face showed disdain, I reached over and took the good-sized box from the table. My eyes widened, opening it slowly.

  On a bed of black velvet lay a diamond and ruby necklace, glittering and casting little rainbows of light on my shirt. Gorgeous matching earrings sat in the middle. I touched the jewels carefully, chewing my lower lip.

  “I don’t understand?” My patience was growing thin, and my frustration gaining ground. I bit back tears of utter loss. “Why are you doing this to me? You said—Last night . . .” I squeezed my eyes shut and counted to ten. “I cannot accept them. They are beautiful, but I cannot.”

  Avalon’s head tilted to the side, his chin resting on bridged fingers. He nodded at M, and M took the box from me and left the room. The door shut. We were alone.

  The Dragon stood, striding toward me like a wolf stalking its prey. I didn’t care anymore. My head was swimming.

  I didn’t understand his games, and I didn’t wish to play anymore.

  “Ms. York, you will accept the gifts I give you. You will also wear them when you accompany me tomorrow night for a dinner in honor of one my charities.” He was too close. “You will do this for me without question. Understood?”

  His arrogance.

  His pride.

  His assumptions were tipping me to the edge.

  The rage building since last night resurfaced with a vengeance.

  “No, Your Grace, I will not. I will not do any of those things.” I didn’t look at him. I stared blankly across the table at the opposite chair. If I stood, my fists would fly. I’d mess up that pretty smirk on his face.

  “Excuse me? Ms. York, I believe I misheard you? Would you dare to try again?” He leaned over me, placing one hand on the table and one on my chair.

  I watched his knuckles turn white. I was pissing him off. That made two of us.

  My voice rose. “I said no.”

  The chair was pulled from under me, and I quickly rose to my feet to defend myself. I backed away from the wild eyes that threatened to harm me. He was like an animal.

  Had no one ever refused him before?

  Was he used to getting his way?

  Avalon threw the chair out of his path and stormed toward me. I continued to back away; thank goodness, the large room gave me room to run.

  “Did you tell me no, Ms. York? Did you? I’m not asking for much!” His voice rose to a shout. “Did you even read what you signed?”

  “What do you mean? What fine print did you put in there?” What had he written in that damn contract that I hadn’t read fully? What had I signed?
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  “You will work for me and also complete the following tasks: accompany me to galas, events, and dinners when I ask. Ms. York shall be granted gifts as an added bonus for each attended without her complaint!” He was getting closer. “This is for her well-being and career. For I, Avalon, can help her network. I can expand your horizons. Me!”

  My back hit the wall, and I cursed out loud. “Why are you so possessive? Are you mad? Are you insane?”

  Hands slammed on either side of my head. “No! I am merely trying to help you as the blooming artist you are. I want you to succeed.”

  There was a pleading in his eyes. I didn’t understand it.

  “By coming with me, you will have the keys to a world unknown by so many. Let me help you.”

  “Why must you help me? Why me and not some other artist?” I was afraid. I was truly afraid of him this time. “This isn’t about helping me—this is about possessing. You’re so infuriating! You can’t make me do anything.”

  “You signed the contract. It’s legally binding, Alexandria.” With an irritated sigh, he practically snarled. “You are coming with me to the damn dinner tomorrow, and then we can revisit the contract to rewrite it.”

  “No! I want to revisit it now.” Tears slipped down my face. I wanted to go home.

  “You have no choice,” he hissed.

  My hand rose on its own, and I felt the hard sting resonate through my palm when I slapped him. I had hit him hard . . . harder than I had ever hit anything. It had such a force behind it, Avalon’s head had snapped to the side. His fingernails dug into the wood next to my head, his shocked, uneven breathing. He had even grunted on impact.

  When he looked back at me from the corner of his eye, I wasn’t sure if the red mark would bruise or not. Cold fear swept over me.

  Oh, God. He will kill me. No one will know for weeks.

  “Please, Avalon, I’m scared. Please stop, you’re scaring me.” I slid down the wall and sobbed. “This is not how you will win my affection.”

  He stayed there, silent. I had obviously jolted something for him to take so long to recover. I was afraid, alone, and unwanted. Through tears, I watched as he slipped to his knees in front of me. Looking through watery eyes, I saw the shame on his face. He reached a hand out to touch me, but I shied back. Avalon’s fingers curled in the air, hesitating before withdrawing.