“Ethan, this is all my fault.”
“No, it’s not. I knew better. We should have had back up.”
“What are we going to do?”
“We’re going to pull ourselves up to the top.”
“And then what?”
“One step at a time Cadence. We can do this.”
****
Cadence had never known such fear. They were going to die, and no one even knew where they were. The story Dominic had told them about his brother kept trying to resurface and each time she tried to push it away it came back.
She’d asked for too much, and the universe was going to punish her. She and Ethan should have set off three days ago to find Dominic. What were they doing climbing inside a cave?
“I can feel the top with my hand, Cadence.”
The relief in Ethan’s voice filled her with hope, but the next tremor forced another loud moan from her. They both struck the rock and Ethan grunted. Cadence was terrified he would get hurt and then they’d be trapped. She didn’t have enough strength to pull herself up let alone both of them.
While they waited for the rock to stop falling, a light flashed. At first Cadence thought it was lightning but that was impossible. They were inside a cave. Had the ceiling fallen away?
“What was that?” she asked.
Ethan didn't answer. He panted with exertion as he tried to pull them up. The light flashed again and a hand appeared over the top of the ledge. Ethan grabbed for it and Cadence felt herself being pulled up.
When she landed on her back she looked up, but had to shield her eyes from the blinding light in her face.
“Are you all right?” A concerned voice loomed over her.
“I’m fine. What happened?”
“I saw your horses outside the cave. When the earth tremors started, I came inside to find you.”
“Dominic…” Cadence got to her feet, wincing from the pain in her shoulders. Dominic moved his lantern aside and there was his face, blue eyes dark and full of concern.
“Come on. We need to get out of here.”
She clung to Ethan’s arm as the three made their way toward the entrance, stopping each time a tremor shook the cave. A large boulder fell, barely missing Dominic’s head. It seemed like hours before they finally emerged. Bright sunlight assaulted her senses. They collapsed onto the ground, still breathing hard. Cadence felt her heart would never stop beating so wildly.
“How did you find us? What were you doing there? I don’t understand.”
Dominic sat up and she did the same, grasping his outstretched hands. “I was halfway home before I realized I couldn’t leave without trying to explain to you. I stopped here to rest before continuing to the castle. Cadence, I’m so sorry I lied. It was wrong. I came to meet you under false pretenses.”
He flicked his gaze to Ethan before continuing. “I don’t expect you to understand this or forgive me, but I only wanted to seduce you. I was bored at home and curious about you.”
A wave of nausea overtook her. “The drawing. My mother told me it was found among your things.”
He nodded, sadness filling his eyes. “Yes. Cadence, I swear to you this started out as a lark, but I grew to care about you. Everything changed after we made love. I should have told you.”
“Yes, you should have. Right away.”
“I know. I can’t go back and change that. All I can do is beg your forgiveness.”
“Did you care for me at all?”
“I love you. I should have told you before I left, but I was afraid of your reaction.”
Cadence swiped at the tears on her face. She wasn’t sure if she was crying from a delayed reaction over their experience in the caves or because Dominic had just said the words she had waited so long to hear.
“You braved your worst fear for her,” said Ethan, his voice full of admiration. “You do realize that, right?”
Dominic grinned. “Yeah, I sure do. All I could think about was Phillip. I couldn’t let the same thing happen to either of you.”
“Oh…” Cadence pulled him close and kissed him, not caring they were both covered in dust and sweat. When he released her mouth she kissed Ethan and laughed at the look on his face when she finally pulled away.
“Why do you look so confused?” she asked Ethan.
“This is impossible, Cadence. We both love you, you love both of us… what will your parents say?”
“I don’t care what anyone says. I’m not giving either of you up. I’ve made my choice. I want you both.”
“Are you sure?” asked Dominic, his eyes shining with love.
“I’ve been sure of it since the first night we spent together. But my concern is whether the two of you can deal with such an unconventional relationship.”
“I can deal with it,” said Dominic.”
“So can I. You’re everything I want,” said Ethan.
Cadence pulled them both close, leaning into their strong embrace, completely enclosed by their two bodies. Safe, protected and loved. Her fantasies had finally come true and she would have the rest of her life to make new memories with both of her lovers.
The End
www.carolynrosewood.com
Other Books by Carolyn Rosewood:
The Last Soul
Hunted
Playing for Keeps
Midnight Seduction
Stockings and Suspenders
Virgins Behaving Badly
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Evernight Publishing
www.evernightpublishing.com
The Rebellious Princess Chooses Two Lovers Page 9