by S. L. Morgan
He abruptly brought his attention toward the area of the room where Reece and Lady Allestaine stood. With a nod, he dismissed himself and strode directly toward their location.
“Mother,” he acknowledged. “Reece,” he said with a formal bow.
“I believe Mrs. Oxley would appreciate some fresh water. Please see to it that your wife is cared for, as I must speak with Queen Hamilton about the arrangements we must make for Harrison and Angeline’s celebration when they return from their vacation.”
Levi looked at his mother in confusion. “I was under the assumption it would be at their estate overlooking the seas in Sandari.”
Lady Allestaine arched her brow sharply. “We have decided to have it at their lakeside estate. It was Angeline’s favorite place to vacation as a child.” She narrowed her eyes at Levi. “However, such news should not be nearly as important as the fact that your wife is in need of your services.”
With that, she walked away, leaving Reece face to face with Levi. “I’m perfectly fine.” She smiled politely.
Levi blinked a few times. “Forgive me, but my mother is correct. Allow me a moment to retrieve a glass of water for you.”
Once Levi returned, he stood tall and formal at Reece’s side, looking on as Harrison and Angeline spoke with their parents.
“I’m so happy for them,” Reece finally spoke.
“Indeed,” Levi returned. “I never would have imagined Harrison finding love with anyone, but I believe Angeline suits him extremely well.”
Levi glanced down at Reece, “Was our commitment ceremony done in such a way?”
Memories of their enchanting wedding and of Levi standing at the front of the walkway waiting for her with the most loving expression she had ever seen washed over her. It took everything within her to untwist the knot that raveled in her stomach and restrain the tears of anguish.
“Have I said something wrong?” Levi questioned with concern.
Reece felt the tears in her eyes but smiled past them and looked directly into Levi’s. “You surprised me with the most incredible wedding ceremony. It was a dream come true.”
“I surprised you with,” he paused, “a wedding ceremony?”
Reece smiled. “In the way they are performed on Earth, yes.”
Levi’s brows knit together briefly. “How interesting.”
Reece watched Levi’s expression change at that moment. Great, another frightening revelation for him, she thought, seeing now that anything that regarded the relationship they once shared together made him uncomfortable.
“It was a very happy day,” she confidently returned.
Levi’s eyes roamed around the room, and after a soft exhale, he eyed her water and cleared his throat. “Can I get you anything else?”
“No. Thank you for asking.”
“Very well, then. Please excuse me. There is something I must attend to before Harrison and Angie depart for the evening.”
Reece said nothing. She dismissed him with a nod. And once again, he leaves, she thought, slightly annoyed.
The group finally settled down, giving Reece the opportunity to congratulate Angeline and Harrison. Angeline’s eyes glittered with excitement as she hugged Reece.
“I do hope that when we return for our celebration that Levi’s memories will have returned and we will be able to celebrate that as well.”
“Wishful thinking,” Reece returned. “Don’t worry about us. I’m confident we will be fine, whether or not his memories return. You and Harrison enjoy your vacation. You both have waited longer than you needed to for this.”
“Ladies,” Queen Hamilton approached with a beaming expression. “Please forgive my interruption, but I must help prepare Angie for her departure tonight.”
Reece stepped back. “Definitely.” She reached for Angeline’s hand. “Congratulations on your marriage. Now go and enjoy the best part of becoming husband and wife!” She winked.
After Angeline and her mother had left the room, Harrison marched over to where Reece was preparing to exit the room.
“Leaving so soon?” He arched a brow at her. “I believe your cousin deserves at least a hug for not utterly destroying his vows this evening.”
Reece embraced Harrison and placed a small kiss on his cheek before stepping back. “I was confident you wouldn’t screw anything up.” She laughed. “In all seriousness, I’m so very happy for you and Angie. Enjoy your vacation.”
Harrison grew somber as he guided Reece away from the group. “Angie and I will be gone for almost two weeks. I know you will miss our company greatly,” he said with a smirk, “but now is the time for you to do your part and get my cousin to fall madly in love with you again.”
“Not to worry. I have my own plans to help bring him back to me.”
Harrison embraced her. “You are coping; however, I can see the sadness in your usually brilliant eyes.” He stepped back and studied her. “You must fight past this. See it as a challenge. Know this, Levi has never shown genuine attraction toward any woman but you.”
“Really? Not even Isabelle?” Reece answered, bringing up the relationship Levi had with King Hamilton’s eldest daughter.
“I witnessed their entire relationship, and you must know he only courted her out of duty. He may not understand that due to his memory loss, but it is a fact. You were the one that changed him, and it is essential you know that. After he had fallen in love with you, Levi went from a noble, proper man to a ridiculously sappy romantic. You must trust me on this.”
“Got it,” Reece nodded. “Now, please quit worrying about us. You have a vacation and a lovely wife that awaits you.”
“Indeed, I do,” Harrison answered as he brought his attention to Angeline, who had returned and was saying farewells to her family. “It appears as though my lovely wife is fully prepared to leave, and I speak for both of us when I say we look forward to watching you and Levi enjoying our celebration party when we return.”
“Whether or not Levi is comfortable with me as his wife while we are in attendance, I have every bit of confidence that we will.” Reece went to walk past him. “Have a wonderful time.”
That night, Levi retired early, prompting Reece to do the same. She walked to her bedchambers and slipped into the hot bath Jasmeen had drawn for her. Now, it was time to think. She placed a warm cloth over her face and sunk further into the silky water.
She was confident Levi would remain around the palace now that Harrison was gone. He already informed her he had opted out of guarding on Earth until Harrison’s return. This was good. Now, it was time to ensure she encountered him at any given opportunity.
A horseback ride. He rides every morning, she thought. I’ll be the first one at the stables.
Reece smiled. Harrison was right. It was time to show Levi the woman he fell in love with. He may not have remembered the particular details of what she had done that left him in awe of her, but she did, and she would use that information to guide her—to guide him.
The next morning before breakfast, Reece quickly dressed to ride and walked swiftly toward the stables. Areion hadn’t been saddled, so she knew she was there before Levi. She took a deep breath, knowing he would show at any minute, and remained confident as she put her new plan into action.
“Arrow is saddled and ready for you, Lady Reece,” Javian said as he met her at the mounting block.
“Javian, how many times do I have to tell you I am more comfortable being referred to as Reece?” She arched her eyebrow at him, forcing Javian to laugh in response.
“Forgive me, Reece. I believe I was only—”
“Properly addressing a lady of Pasidian Palace, is that not correct, Javian?” Levi said as he approached.
Reece turned around and sighed with relief at Levi’s humorous expression.
“Of course, Master Levi,” Javian answered before he turned to help Reece onto Arrow. “However, she does insist on being referred to as Reece.”
Levi nodded as he walked toward Reece. “She has
made that clear to me as well.” He nodded toward Reece. “If you do not mind, I will assist Reece. Is Areion prepared for me?” Levi kindly asked.
“The men were saddling him as I was finishing with Arrow. Allow me to retrieve him for you,” Javian said and turned back to the stables.
Levi looked at Reece, and to her greatest delight, he displayed her favorite grin.
I know exactly what’s behind this smile, she thought.
It was the expression that told her he was completely taken with her at the moment.
Plan A seems to be working! Reece thought.
“Allow me to be of assistance to you,” he said as he reached down, gripped her at the waist, and hoisted her up onto Arrow’s back.
To feel his hands on her like this again was exhilarating; fortunately, Reece kept her composure. “Why thank you, kind sir,” she said while smiling down at him.
Levi softly laughed. “May I inquire as to where you and Arrow are heading off to this morning?”
“I had planned to ride him to one of my favorite locations.”
Javian returned with Areion, and Levi was quickly on his back. He looked over at Reece and offered a mischievous smile. “Would you mind if Areion and I join you?”
This was undeniably working out better than Reece could have imagined it would. “Not at all,” she said while turning Arrow to leave. She looked back to find Levi gazing intently at her. She didn’t let the smoldering expression on his face affect her. “I only hope that you and Areion can keep up,” she said as she turned the reins loose on Arrow.
The horses raced rapidly through the countryside and slowed once they were traveling up the road to her and Levi’s estate. Levi halted his horse. “This estate?” Levi asked in confusion. “I have always been drawn to it. Are you acquainted with the owners?”
Reece’s stared ahead. “As a matter of fact, I know them pretty well.”
Levi studied the road. “So your plans are to visit with them today?” He smiled over at her. “I will admit that I would love to meet them.”
“I believe you may enjoy their company,” she said with a wink and let Arrow gallop somewhat faster down the road until they reached the opening that revealed the massive manor she hadn’t seen since their wedding night. Her heart wrenched as she recalled the last time they were here, but she kept her emotions intact. She halted Arrow and quickly dismounted him with Levi following right behind her.
She turned back to find him studying the large house. “Reece,” he softly said her name. “I am somewhat confused. The manor is vacant. Why would—”
“It is our home, Levi. Does anything about being here seem familiar to you?” she asked as she watched an interesting expression play out in his face.
He absently nodded and gazed down at her. “I grew up in a home similar to this before we moved into the palace,” he said. “This is our home?”
“Yes. You purchased it for us to live in once we were married.” She gazed into his brilliant eyes. “Would you care to go inside?”
He studied her for a moment. “I believe I would.”
After Reece had given Levi a brief tour of their house, she walked into the sitting room that flooded her with memories of the intimate moment they shared on the day Levi informed her that this would be their home. She shook the memories off, knowing they would not serve to help her in this situation, and walked directly to the sofa and took a folded blanket from it.
“May I inquire as to why you need a blanket?” Levi asked with confusion.
Reece sauntered past him. “You’re welcome to join me,” she said as she walked out of the room and toward the entry doors of their home.
Excitement flooded through her as Levi walked at her side along the banks of the pond.
“This manor,” Levi started as they walked over the stone bridge that led to the area where Levi surprised Reece with a picnic. “It is truly beautiful.” He laughed. “Purchasing this as our home is one thing that doesn’t surprise me.”
“That’s great to know,” Reece responded as she heard Areion and Arrow following closely behind.
“These horses,” Levi said with a laugh. “This is so out of character for a Guardian horse.”
Reece stopped and turned, prompting Levi and both stallions to do the same. “They act like a couple of kids, don’t they?”
Levi shoved his hands in his pockets. “Indeed. Guardian horses usually remain in the location their master had left them at unless ordered otherwise.”
Reece laughed. “These two have not only proven they are possibly the most fearless and fierce horses the Guardians have ever known, but they both also have funny little quirks in their personalities.”
Levi ran his hand down the center of Areion’s face. “I must admit that I have never encountered these horses having anything but a warrior mentality. To witness a softer side is quite interesting.”
“It doesn’t really help that I spoil them either.” She shrugged when Levi glanced over at her. “Hopefully, that doesn’t upset you to hear, because you did allow me the privilege of doing so at the time.”
Levi grinned. “I do not mind at all; however, I am learning fairly quickly that these beasts are attracted to you, and it is not due to your spoiling them.”
“Why, thank you,” Reece managed through her nerves. Somehow, she felt like Levi was coming around, and all she wanted was to throw her arms around his neck and feel his arms around her again.
She forced the feelings away and turned to resume their walk. Reece strolled over to the exact spot where they’d shared a quiet afternoon before, admiring their home and the solitude of this location. She spread the blanket out on the ground and gracefully sat on it. She looked up at Levi, who stood in silence, watching her.
“You can join me if you like?”
Levi hesitantly sat next to her on the blanket and gazed out at the pond.
“This is my favorite view of our home,” she said as she took in the image of their impressive mansion and the glistening water before them.
Her breath caught when she looked over at Levi and found him watching her with an expression she had never seen on his face before.
If only I could read your thoughts, she internally wished.
“Indeed, this is a lovely area to marvel at the beauty of this location,” he responded. His expression changed, and Levi grew more serious. “Reece, I wish to apologize to you for any awkward moments I may have caused between us. I believe I have been most frustrated with the fact that I have lost nine years of my life.”
“Levi, you don’t—”
“Please,” he said, interrupting her. He twisted some to face her. “You have been extremely patient with me. I will admit that, given the way I have been behaving, I do not deserve your kindness.”
“All that I wish right now is that you were more comfortable with me. I want to be able to help you. I can’t imagine what everything must seem like to you right now.”
Levi stared fixedly at her again, forcing Reece’s breath to halt. She studied his lips, longing to feel them on hers again. She desperately missed his closeness. A soft breeze blew the fragrance of his cologne in her direction, filling all of her senses and giving her a great desire to feel his powerful and strong body on hers. Her emotions came crashing down violently, and it was taking everything in her power not to react to them. Fortunately, Levi sighed and looked away from her and out to the water before them.
“You may not know, but you have served to help me already. I must commend you for being the strong woman that I have come to realize that you are. I have allowed myself to consider what all of this must be doing to you as well. I beg of you to forgive me if I have caused you heartbreak over how I have been treating you. I do not know how I was in our relationship, but I imagine that your burden must be very heavy,” he said with sorrow in his voice as he looked back at her.
To put it mildly. “Levi, I won’t lie—this has been one of the toughest experiences I have ever gone thr
ough in my life. But I will say that I have no option but to believe that the man I fell in love with is still in there regardless of whether or not you know him.”
“May I ask why you chose to sit out in this location?” he cocked his head to the side in question.
“Are you wondering if we have done this before?” she asked, still hoping that sitting in this area would jar something in his memories.
“Yes. It feels familiar to me, and it is nice to finally feel some form of peace right now.”
“I am very glad to hear that,” Reece delightfully returned. “Yes. You and I had a lovely picnic out here in this spot. It was one of my favorite moments that we shared together before we were married.”
Levi smiled widely. “It would appear as though I was quite the romantic gentleman with you.”
“That is the understatement of the century,” Reece said, unafraid to remove her eyes from his.
Levi leaned in toward her, and his eyes roamed over her face, studying her again. She knew this look, and she could not believe that he may, in fact, kiss her. She continued to watch him, not moving one muscle.
“You are a fascinating woman, Reece,” he said in a low voice, his eyes now penetrating through hers. “Your eyes have a certain effect on me that I cannot explain. They are striking.”
Reece swallowed as she watched Levi battle with the desire to kiss her. She inwardly begged him to place his lips on hers. She smiled slightly, encouraging him more. “You used to tell me that all of the time.”
He brought his hand to her face and cupped her chin. His touch was electrifying. His thumb gently traced her bottom lip. “Did I also always tell you that you have an exquisite smile?” he said as he offered her a provocative grin.
She nodded in return, unable to respond. Levi’s hand tenderly caressing her face had her frozen in disbelief that this moment was about to happen. He cupped the back of her neck and moved closer to her. His eyes were focused on her lips as he gently brought his lips onto hers. Reece inhaled deeply, and the familiar and overwhelming masculine fragrance of him filled all of her senses. Her heart was beating wildly out of control, but fortunately, she was able to keep her breathing at a normal rate.