Resurrection: A Historical Adventure Romance Novel (Legend Book 3) Read online

  “He’s American.” I pointed out the obvious, and Avalon erupted into laughter. I was taken aback. It did something to my core to hear the light, melodic tone of his true laughter.

  “Yes, I said the same thing, but... beggars cannot be choosers.” He smacked the priest on the back. Avalon motioned with his hand to me. “Come, we have to introduce you.”

  Nodding to Father John, I left him with Vivian.

  Following close to Avalon, I whispered, “Do you intend to call all the knights back from the dead?”

  He paused in the sea of bodies and noise. “I will call back whomever I must in order to protect you and solve this curse.” Avalon tucked a strand of loose hair behind my ear. “For my sake but mainly for your future.”

  “I understand, but please, don’t think this changes anything.”

  Avalon closed the already thin gap between us. “I know your mind may hate me, but your body deceives you, as mine does.” His lips brush against my ear, allowing his heat to tease my neck. “You love me, and that, my lady, you will never be able to ignore.”

  Avalon started to pull back, but then his hand gripped my lower back tightly, possessively. My breathing came at a faster rate as he molds our bodies together.

  People could see us.

  People would know what we shared.

  Yet people faded away until it was just me in the clutches of a dragon.

  I saw the beast just below the surface, and that dark part of me yearned to be touchedby him. To be taken. To be loved by Avalon over and over again until the morning.

  “I will never be able to rid myself of you, Alexandria. I don’t ever want to.” Avalon’s

  gorgeous gaze narrowed. “I will prove to you that everything I do is for your protection. Sohelp me God.”

  FOUR

  Avalon

  I completely lost my mind the moment I laid eyes on her. Alexandria gracefully parted the crowd like Moses did the Red Sea. Only she was wearing black. Did she wear such a color to mock me? Was this our funeral, and had she come to pay her last respects? Or was she tempting me deeper into our dark desire?

  If driving me mad was her game, she was winning in droves. I couldn’t take my eyes off her. Alexandria was gorgeous as she smiled and met people who would intimidate an average person. Not her.

  She moved around the ballroom the way I always longed for her to. She knew her place—by my side. Only, her mind wouldn’t allow her to give in.

  I must find some way to get her alone, I muse to myself.

  As we stood in the middle of the crowd, I held her close. I didn’t give a damn who saw. She needed to know everything I had ever done was to keep her safe. I bore the marks of a man reborn. I had been resurrected because of her.

  “I shall introduce you. You may say whatever you like. That is all I ask of you.” As I released her, it dawned on me that could have been the last time I held her.

  Alexandria nodded, speechless. I watched her swallow hard as she turned her attention to the front of the statue.

  I jumped up on a small platform made so that everyone could see her over the crowd. I raised my hand to hush the crowd as an usher handed me a microphone.

  “I would like everyone’s attention for a moment, if I may.” The usher helped Alexandria up to stand next to me. “Now, we are all here tonight to have fun, but mainly to honor this talented artist, Ms. Alexandria York.” Applause erupted around us. She blushed and smiled softly at the crowd’s reaction.

  “I have learned a lot from Ms. York in her time here in my home of Caliburn. I can tell you she is every inch an artist.” I licked my lips. “She is also a wonderful, intelligent, kind, and beautiful soul.” I paused to steal a glance at her. “Thank you for everything that you have done for me. I am a better man for it.”

  Another round of applause broke the silence. Alexandria blinked back tears that threatened to spill. I handed her the microphone and stepped down to be one in the crowd.

  “Wow.” She gave a shaky laugh, collecting herself. “Thank you, Your Grace, for honoring me this night.” I saw her pause, her mind trying to find the proper words, but with a shake of her head, she spoke from her heart.

  “This sculpture means so much to me. When I was commissioned to recreate it, I was honored. The story of Eros, the god of love and Psyche, the goddess of the soul is a timeless classic. Eros fell in love with Psyche, who was once just a normal girl.” She spoke with passion—a passion I wanted all to myself. “He chose her out of her sisters and married her. There was only one condition; she couldn’t see his face. Psyche couldn’t see who she was truly in love with.” Alexandria paused, her words capturing everyone’s attention. Especially mine.

  “People started filling her head with lies about who her lover actually was. That he was a monster, a beast …” Her eyes flickered to me. “Perhaps a dragon.”

  My heart seized.

  What is she doing?

  Why is she saying this?

  She looked down at the floor. “We all think we know what love is when it is our first. We are young and blind and fearless in our love. We believe it is the only love for us, the only love that will ever be.” The crowd chuckled. “But when you find a love worth dying for, a soul worth suffering for, a partner and an equal... that is true love. Love never fails.”

  My throat felt tight as she spoke each word with conviction. She believed what she was saying. She was talking about us.

  “So enjoy the party! Love each other, for art is to be enjoyed by all!” The crowd cheered as the music began playing again. I stood frozen, almost missing Alexandria handing the microphone to the usher and practically running toward the ballroom doors.

  I took off.

  You will not leave me again! My brain screamed.

  I ran past servants with prepared food, down the grand staircase, and caught her skirts as she ducked into the tapestry room.

  I heard her sniffling somewhere from the back as I entered.

  “Alexandria?” I pulled out my handkerchief from my breast pocket. She would need it by the sounds of it.

  “Leave me alone.” I saw her slumped in a leather wing backed chair.

  “I told you I would never leave you alone, and I won’t start now.” I strode toward her, offering the ivory cloth.

  “Thank you.” She took it, and in the dim lights, I could see her wiping her eyes.

  “You’re welcome.”

  Silence fell between us. I hated that it was so common. Couldn’t we just be ourselves?

  “I don’t know what came over me.” Her voice broke me from my thoughts.

  “I do.” Standing in front of her, I offered my hand.

  She regarded me before taking it and standing.

  “I see you are wearing the gifts I gave you.” I tried to keep the conversation light.

  Alexandria snorted. “Call it a revenge adorning. I should give them all back to you.”

  “Where are our bands?” I had hoped she didn’t discard them.

  “In my safe at home. I wouldn’t just toss them away, Avalon. I’d give them back to you.” She scoffed. “I’m not that heartless.”

  “I never said you were. I want you to keep them.” I took her chin gently in my hand and forced her eyes to mine. “I’ve missed you.”

  Her red lips pursed, eyes flashing in anger before I saw them give in. “Do you expect me to say I’ve missed you? After what you’ve done?”

  With an agitated sigh, I arched a brow. “Can I explain myself now?”

  “I assume I’m not going anywhere.”

  “No, I won’t let you.” I smirk briefly. “You know me too well.”

  “That’s the issue, isn’t it?” she spat back.

  “I never made that contract.” I wasn’t going to give her any leeway to get out of this. “In a past life, you begged me to create a contract that would bind us. I had abandoned you in that life to Lancelot because death was at your door. So in order to get her to leave, I agreed.”I searched her face f
or any hints of understanding. “I had forgotten all about it until you signed that bloody paper. By pricking yourself with the pen, you unknowingly bound yourself to me in a blood contract.”

  The words came out in a jumble as I desperately stated my case. “Merlin was only trying to assure both of our victory. We didn’t know that my soul would start to degrade. If he had known, M would have never put you in that situation. I swear, on my life, I was angry. So angry, Alexandria.” I clutched her hands. “I never want to harm you or jeopardize your life.”

  Her blue eyes were wide in horror as the truth spilled from my lips. Her own mouth was parted as words eluded her.

  “So you didn’t ask M to make it?”

  “No! God, no!” I stepped away from her, running my fingers through my hair. “I swear.”

  Her hands rested on her stomach. “I believe you…”

  “You do?” Relief flooded throughout my body.

  “It makes sense to me now too. Why M was right there.” Her eyes closed as I saw her sigh. “May I ask if there is a cure to lift it?”

  My blood ran cold.

  No more lies.

  “Yes, we have found one.” I said grimly. “However, you and I are bound in a deeper way.”

  “You mean there are two contracts over us?” Her face fell as I nodded. “Well, can I at least break the one that has me doomed to live for eternity?”

  Walking back to her, I cupped her face in my hands. I braced myself for her reaction. “Yes, you can.”

  “Then let’s do it! Free me, Avalon!” Her smile was a beautiful change to her solemn face.

  I stroked my thumbs over her cheekbones. “In order to break that contract, you must give up all your memories of me.”

  Reality slammed into her eyes. Her blue orbs dilated, and she tore herself from my grasp. Her fists balled in her skirts as she turned away from me. “Is that the only way?”

  My jaw tensed against any emotion. “Yes.”

  I heard her choke back a sob and then she squared her shoulders. Fear engulfed me. What would she say? Was this the death of us?

  Alexandria turned to face me with resolve in her eyes.

  “If I must lose all my memories of you, then I refuse.” She closed the gap between us. “We will just have to break this curse in this lifetime.”

  “You don’t want to forget me?” I snaked a hand around her wrist.

  “I can’t forget you,” she whispered. “I refuse.”

  “May I be frank?” I pulled her closer, possessively.

  “Is there any other way for you to be?” Her tease made my soul feel light again.

  “I really wish we didn’t have a party to get back to.” My hands slid around her small waist, caressing her lower back.

  “Oh?” Her eyes grew half-lidded on mine as I touched her. I enjoyed seeing the reactions I could pull from her.

  “I just want to take you back to my chambers and ravish you.” Our noses brushed, putting our lips dangerously close.

  “I haven’t been able to stop thinking about that one night …” Alexandria’s voice was breathless as I teased.

  “Neither have I, love.” With a groan, I forced myself down before I took her here. The pout visible on her face made me laugh. “Come, let’s entertain people for a moment. Besides, I have a surprise for you.” I led her back into the hall.

  “Wait! How does my makeup look?” She blushed, tugging at my hold. I swiped my thumb under her right eye to fix the smudge of eyeliner before twirling her.

  “You are perfect. Now, come on.”

  She followed me without fear. Her smaller hand laced our fingers together, and my heart jumped for joy.

  The truth had set us both free.

  We danced the rest of the night away. Alexandria was completely content to stay in my arms. There was no place I’d rather have her be.

  At midnight, M walked over to whisper in my ear, and I nodded. I caught Alexandria’s eyes narrow on the lithe man.

  I shot her a look and swept her around once. “Don’t hold it against him. He was only trying to help us.”

  “I know, but it still hurts. Neither of us was even consulted.” She wrapped her hands around my neck.

  “I know but try not to.” I offered a soft smile. “For me?”

  The flush in her cheeks drove my mind insane. I wanted to see that flush all over her body.

  “I’ll try.”

  “Good! Now, Ms. York.” I led her back to the center of the ballroom. The lights dimmed until only a spotlight was on us.

  “Avalon, what are you doing?” I saw the fear in her eyes.

  “Nothing.” With a cheeky grin, I motioned once with my hands, and glitter confetti fell to the floor around us as the orchestra started playing “Happy Birthday.”

  Her jaw fell, and she covered her mouth with her hands. Two of the kitchen staff rolled a two-tiered cake with a mini version of Eros and Psyche on the top. The applause grew as people sang along to the tune.

  Alexandria could hide the tears this time. I held her hand as I sang the lines to her and handed her a slice of cake with a candle flickering on top.

  “Avalon!” She laughed, leaning forward to blow out the candle.

  “Champagne for everyone!” I ordered, and a new round of flutes appeared.

  “You didn’t have to do this.” She shook her head, taking the slice of cake and pulling the candle out.

  “It’s your birthday, and the first one I get to celebrate with you. Allow me this one thing.” I took my own slice.

  “I allow you to do many things, Your Grace.” With a squeal, she wiped the frosting from her candle on my nose.

  “You!” I used my finger to swipe frosting from my own cake on her cheek. I wrapped my arm around her, not caring that people were staring as we acted like newlyweds.

  “Will you stay tonight?” My voice was low so no one could hear.

  I saw her face grow tense, but then she nodded.

  “Good,” I whispered, raising my frosted finger to her lips. She licked part of the sweet substance off, shocking me.

  “It is my birthday. I expect a gift.” Her coy wink made me instantly stiffen. I wanted to keep this woman for eternity. I needed her by my side. And I didn’t care who saw.

  FIVE

  Alexandria

  Avalon and I saw each of the guests out at the end of the evening. Well, now it was early morning. As the number of guests dwindled, my nerves crawled higher and higher. I had come here to say goodbye to Avalon, not stay with him.

  But the truth had shocked me, and his admission rocked me to my core. As much as I had raged against him, and as much as I hated him for lying to me, losing my memory of him was a more painful thought than either of those. Peeking over at Avalon shaking people’s hands, I watched his light and carefree face, which solidified why I couldn’t forget him.

  We were bound now.

  No matter what life did to us, the bond we shared from reforging his soul overrode everything else. He had me, and I had him. His gray eyes stole over to meet mine, and my body warmed.

  His lips twitched, and I knew what he was thinking. My face flushed with heat, and I tried to focus on saying goodbye to people.

  When the last car drove off, I turned and walked back into the castle. I heard Avalon shut and lock the double doors. He was then by my side. As I gazed up at him, he caressed my cheek before walking up the stairs toward his chambers.

  I followed.

  Avalon paused outside the door, looking over his shoulder at me. He swept me from head to toe, his hunger apparent.

  I shivered.

  He waited for me to step into his chambers first. I crossed the threshold from castle to dragon’s lair. He shut the door behind us, bathing us in darkness.

  I heard him move around me, walking to the innermost room where his bed was. The light from the clear sky bathed the four-poster bed in soft light. Stars twinkled and danced. The double French doors were open to the night, allowing the cool breeze t
o sneak through the room.

  This set of doors shut with more finality, and I turned, watching him from across the room. His eyes practically glowed in the dark. They stated exactly what he wanted—me.

  “We can be who we are here.” His velvet voice cut through to my deepest parts. “No masks, no shields... just two people.” He let his coat slide from his shoulders. “Just a man and a woman.” He unclipped his cummerbund and tossed it aside.

  Nimble fingers made quick work of the buttons on his white dress shirt. I couldn’t stop my appreciative inhale as he discarded the article. His body was that of a god.

  His shoulders were broader, his chest wider, and his torso cut. He still held an athletic build, but he had come back healthier than before. I noticed the tattooed wings on the inside of his wrists, as well as what appeared to be a rose on his left rib cage.

  “It’s still me.” He smiled, closing the distance between us.

  “I know …” Forcing a smile, Avalon stood before me.

  “Don’t be afraid of me.” He unclasped the diamond bracelet around my wrist, setting it down on the bedside table. He took each hand, in turn, pulling off the gloves and pressed my bare hand to his chest.

  “I’m not.” I stepped closer.

  “Thank you for being here tonight. I was afraid you were going to skip out on me.” His lips pressed a kiss to my forehead.

  More.

  I needed more of him.

  “You knew I would come. You play dirty.” I looked up to catch his expression.

  With a roll of his eyes, he started pulling the pins out of my hair. “I always play dirty. Have you met me?” With a low chuckle, my hair cascaded down around my face. His appreciative stare was not lost on me.

  “You are lucky I believe you. I could still have my reservations.” I kicked off my heels and padded over to the dresser. I took off my necklace followed by my earrings. Avalon’s arms pinned me forward, leaning his hands against the dresser’s top.

  His lips trailed over my shoulders and along my neck. “Shall I quell your fears?” He nipped at my ear.

  I dug my nails into the oak wood. I could feel his hard length through his trousers. Desire overwhelmed me.