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

  “Arthur … what does this mean?” My voice was half a moan as he pulled me away from the dresser. I could feel his hands working the zipper of my dress.

  “Say that again.” Large hands freed me of the black satin. I felt it fall to my feet as Avalon groaned.

  “Arthur …” I whispered, covering my chest with my arms. I became shy. This time, Avalon and I would wake up, and it would be just another day. There was no imminent threat.

  “Don’t hide from me. Please don’t ever hide.” He nuzzled my neck, hands running along my sides.

  I was glad that I chose to at least wear my black lace thong.

  “I’m not hiding.” Leaning back into him, I allowed him to move my arms down, and he cupped my breasts. I let my head roll back onto his chest as he teased and stroked. A moan escaped my lips.

  “You want to know what this means?” He stepped away from me, walking toward the bed. Undoing his pants, he stepped out of them. I allowed myself to selfishly drink him in.

  “Yes, I do.” I slipped onto the plush mattress, enjoying the feel of the silky sheets against my bare skin.

  Avalon followed suit, drawing the sheer curtain around the bed. He gripped my wrists and pulled me up to him. Carding fingers through my hair, he searched my eyes with his.

  “Be with me.” His voice broke on the words.

  I jerked back a bit. “Wh-what?”

  “I want you to be with me, Alexandria. I want to see where this goes. I can’t just have you for a night and let you go.” He let out a sigh. “I understand if you can’t do that, but I’m offering myself to you. If you will have me.”

  My heart stuttered to a halt.

  Avalon was asking for a relationship. He was flat out asking.

  Lancer had never made any mention of it after our reunion. He had just assumed it would be like before, and in doing so, I had become so confused. I peered at Avalon baring his soul to me, naked and vulnerable, and I couldn’t help but ask.

  “Why me?”

  His eyebrows rose, and his eyes grew wide. “You really don’t know just how beautiful you are, do you?”

  That question hit home. I had always considered myself average. Lancer was the first man who made me feel pretty. But he used words like cute, pretty, and sexy in the bedroom.

  Avalon used a completely different vernacular. He called me beautiful, gorgeous, and intelligent. He saw me as sexy, and I could feel it in his stare. I felt valued with Avalon. I felt like a queen.

  “I do now.” I gave a nervous giggle.

  “You are.” Avalon pressed his lips against mine. “You deserve to be told how beautiful you are and kissed... often.” And just like that, I was sucked back in a hurricane.

  His mouth devoured mine.

  My hands reached around his neck, pulling him close.

  He fell back onto the bed, dragging me down with him.

  I straddled my legs over him as I fought him for control.

  He was too much and not enough at the same time.

  Our lips danced and warred.

  Tongues tangled and teased.

  Flesh slid against flesh.

  Avalon rolled us so that I was pressed against the mattress as his mouth snuck lower and lower. My back arched as he nipped along my hips. My stomach tensed when I felt his fingers hook around my thong and pull my last scrap of clothing off.

  I lay there, face burning and chest heaving as he continued to trail kisses along the inside of my thigh.

  “Arthur … I …”

  “Yes?”

  When I glanced down my body, I caught his stare.

  He was so beautiful. Everything I never thought I could have. The best thing I never knew I needed.

  My breathing hitched as I swallowed.

  “Nothing …” I rolled my head back on the pillow.

  “I want you to be honest with me, Alexandria.” Hot breath whispered against my core.

  Before I could answer, my fingers twisted in the sheets as shock ripped through my body. From head to toe, he forced me to burn. My back bowed as that sharp tongue so used to being a weapon wielded pleasure and not pain.

  My head rocked from side to side. I couldn’t squeeze my eyes shut tightly enough.

  “Let go, Alexandria. Let me in …” His voice wrapped around my soul. With a whimper, I spread my legs wider, allowing him to do as he pleased.

  I didn’t want to look at him. I was too embarrassed, but I couldn’t help it. I stole a glance down and saw that devilish smirk. He knew full well how good he was.

  He struck a chord that pooled heat lower and lower until my hands were tangled in his hair.

  I couldn’t take this.

  I couldn’t survive this.

  “Arthur … I’m going …” I never was able to complete my sentence.

  Avalon ripped a scream from my throat as my body lost control. Stars shot from behind my eyes, and everything came crashing down into place.

  This man was it.

  No matter how much I tried to deny him; I’d never be rid of him.

  I had nowhere to run; he’d always be there.

  An ache settled deep in my soul and traveled to my heart.

  I spoke before I could think. “Yes. Yes, I want you. Yes, I need you.” I hadn’t noticed tears spilling from my eyes. “Arthur …”

  He waited, catching my tears with his thumb.

  “Let me try to make you happy. Let us try to see how far we can go. I love you, Alexandria. I love you so much.” The adoration and devotion in his gaze were too much.

  I yanked him into a kiss, deep and desperate.

  I grew wild and unreserved.

  I felt Avalon’s surprise but also his eagerness to match my pace.

  I broke the kiss, resting my forehead against his. My body shook, and breathing hard, I searched his face. I found no reason I shouldn’t say what I longed to say for so long now.

  “What is it?” he questioned, curious to my thoughts.

  “I’ve never felt this way before. I never thought it was possible.”

  “And how do you feel?” He brushed the hair away from my face, encouraging me to speak with his soft smile.

  “Beautiful. Valuable. Loved.” I sniffed. “I hated you when I first came here and now…”

  I heard his inhale. “And now?” he pressed.

  I laughed. “I love you, Arthur Pendragon.” I caressed his face and gave in. I surrendered my heart, soul, and my potential life at his feet. “More than life itself.”

  His reaction was a slow one.

  First, his mouth hung open, and then he was clutching me tightly against his solid body. “Do you mean it?”

  “I wouldn’t say it if I didn’t, Arthur. I love you.” I kissed him deeply. “I’ve always known, but I tried to deny it. I can’t deny you anymore.”

  “I swear on my life I will do everything in my power to protect you. I vow to always be by your side.” He gently stroked down my bare back. “I will always save you, I will always comfort you, and I promise to love you unlike any other. I want to ruin you for any other man, Alexandria. Because you’ve ruined me for any other woman.” He held me closer. The conviction in his voice clear.

  “You’ve ruined me, Arthur. Believe me. My life ended the moment I met you in the woods. From the first time you came to me in my dreams.” I laughed at the memory. “I never wanted anyone but my stranger from that night on.”

  Avalon smiled, pressing kisses along my neck. “And now you have him. Whatever shall you do?”

  “I want him to take me. I want him to release that beast within and let me see him. I want to love all of you, every side including the darkest part of you.” I ran my fingers through his hair. It was my turn to tease.

  A low growl resonated deep in his chest as I spoke.

  “Careful, you’ll wake the dragon.” His voice was raspy, so sexy and raw.

  “Pity, I rather enjoy his company.” My hand slipped down Avalon’s boxers to stroke his length. He hissed through gritt
ed teeth.

  I swore I saw lightning flash in his eyes.

  “Claim me. Make me yours and only yours.” I had never been one for talking in bed, but something about Avalon made me want to. “I’m yours.”

  That was all it took for Avalon to rip off his boxers and toss me back onto the bed. He sat on his knees, on display for me to draw him to memory before our bodies became one again.

  I clung to him as he thrust over and over. He whispered such lewd things to me but followed them with such sweet sentiments. We moved in tandem. I had never been so in tune with another person before.

  Avalon was a relentless lover but always made sure to check on me. I ended up scolding him after the fifth time he asked if I was all right.

  He fit perfectly inside me. I let my hands stroke over all the muscles I could find. Avalon was perfect. He was mine.

  I wanted to sob in gratefulness.

  I wanted to thank him for freeing me.

  “Come for me,” he commanded, angling my hips. I didn’t know how he could go any deeper, but he did.

  I was glad his chambers were so enclosed and far away from everyone else’s. My criesand moans became louder and more frequent.

  “Arthur … more, please more.”

  With a chuckle, he silenced my begging with a kiss. “Yes, my lady.”

  I couldn’t contain myself any longer. Nails dug into his back as my hips snapped with his. I cried his name like a mantra, over and over.

  “Avalon … Arthur … I love you! I love you so much …” My voice had pitched before I became mute from the climax.

  I must have said something because soon after, Avalon’s hips grew more uneven and erratic. His breathing grew ragged, and his fingers twisted in my hair.

  “I’m gonna … Alexandria …”

  “Come inside me … It’s fine.” I moaned as I felt him release.

  “God, you feel so … I’m … Alexandria...” His voice turned to a whimper as he emptied himself inside me.

  Both of us winded and satisfied, I took Avalon’s face in my hands. “I love you. I am yours.”

  “And I am yours.” Avalon pressed a kiss to my lips, conveying everything I already knew.

  SIX

  Avalon

  I awoke with her in my arms the next morning, and knowing there was no threat of death looming over us made me almost giddy. She had chosen me. She said that she loved me. I had the most precious thing in my life next to me in bed.

  Thank you, God. Thank you so much for this woman. I kissed her lips softly, causing her to smile in her sleep.

  Those glassy blue eyes opened to gaze up at me. My breath caught. Would she bolt or stay?

  “Good morning.” Alexandria beamed at me, snuggling closer against my bare skin under the sheets. Relief shot through my body as heat boiled my blood. We had no more barriers between us. She had agreed to be mine, and I hers.

  I allowed my fingers to caress through her sleep tangled hair. “I rather enjoy waking up to you.”

  Alexandria’s cheeks flushed pink. “As do I.”

  With no need for permission, I leaned down and captured her mouth with mine. I felt her hands wrap around my back and fingernails grazed my flesh. In a flash, I settled myself between her soft thighs.

  “My lord!” Giggles filled the room, slowly peeling away the centuries of loneliness and exhaling life into my existence. Alexandria spread her legs wider for me, encouraging my actions.

  I couldn’t hide my grin. “Shall I make this quick?” The tip of my cock dipped inside her wet heat, and I tortured us both with slow thrusts. Alexandria’s head fell back against the pillow, her face blissful and so damn gorgeous in the early morning sunlight.

  “No …” She moaned low and husky. “Make it last, Arthur.”

  My heart kick started in a heady rhythm. Each time she said my name, whispered my name, all my broken pieces fell back into place.

  “Anything for you.” My hands gripped her waist with a controlled force, anchoring myself. The sheets fell away from my lower half, and Alexandria glanced down at where we joined. In the light, I could hear her thoughts, taste her desire, and even understand her trepidation. In the light, we couldn’t hide.

  She was so tight and so receptive to whatever I gave her. I watched as her hands gripped the headboard, arching her back into our pleasure. That motion gave me a new angle, and I found myself deeper in the woman I adored.

  “Arthur.”

  “I know.” My breathing grew heavier as her chest rose and fell in quick pants.

  That piercing blue gaze lifted to command me. “Harder.”

  I swore my cock grew even harder at her boldness.

  Apparently, it showed. “You look wicked …” she teased.

  With a growl, I pulled out, spun Alexandria to her hands and knees, and dove back inside.

  Leaning over her shoulder, I gently nipped pale skin, whispering in her ear, “Oh, but I am, love.”

  Alexandria visibly shivered, a cry escaping her lips.

  I chuckled, pumping faster and harder, doing as she commanded.

  We came as one, collapsing in a tangle of arms and legs, heavy breathing, and laughter.

  Alexandria came to rest her chin on my chest. “Do we really have to get out of bed?”

  I snorted. “Sadly, yes. There is much to discuss and learn.” When her eyes clouded with uncertainty, I added, “For us both, love.”

  Her head nodded, but I knew her mind was already churning with possibilities.

  “I know you would prefer me to call you Arthur, but shouldn’t I continue with Avalon so we won’t be found out?”

  The question made sense. I had often thought about the implications of the outside world knowing my true identity—even my true name.

  “When we are alone, please call me Arthur.” I took her hand, kissing her knuckles. “Yet we should continue with Avalon outside these walls.”

  We lay in the silence of morning a bit longer, relishing the comfort found between the two of us. Neither of us desired to ruin a perfect moment. A moment that I would never take for granted.

  A few hours later, I strode down the long corridor of the second level, adjusting my cuffs. Alexandria had retired to her own chambers, somewhat begrudgingly since she only had the gown she came in the night before. I called for Merlin to arrange Vivian to get Alexandria settled into some clothes.

  My trusted friend seemed to sense the change within me. Merlin hadn’t said much, but his own quiet smile told me he understood.

  Now, I would meet with our small group and discuss how to move forward against the one man who could tear Alexandria and me apart.

  I entered the small parlor adorned with gold, greens, and jade. It was a smaller room that I rarely ever opened, but for the occasion, I felt it was the best place. The walls were adorned with priceless fabrics that gave it an Asian flair. The statuaries, pots, and other adornments had been brought in from my days in the Orient.

  Everyone stood, but I only had eyes for one.

  Vivian had done well to dress my lady in a simple yet figure flattering knee-length dress. Surprisingly, the color yellow suited her. John cleared his throat as I grinned like a fool.

  Alexandria chuckled softly as I sauntered toward her and took her hand.

  Once I had her close, I refocused my attention on the task before us.

  “Thank you all for coming last night to help me celebrate Alexandria’s art and birthday.” I made eye contact with the three others in the room. “But now, we must set our eyes toward our next quest.” Wrath wrapped its familiar fingers around my heart. “We must get rid of Mordred.”

  Vivian and John nodded while Merlin stood silently as he always did.

  Alexandria sat down on a settee, releasing my hand, and played with her dress. “So Sir Thomas truly is our enemy?”

  “The worst enemy,” John muttered.

  “Why is he so horrible?” Alexandria asked John.

  I inhaled, knowing there was no more
room for lies. “Mordred was one of my knights.” My fingers curled into fists. “He is also my illegitimate son.”

  Her gasp was audible. I couldn’t look at her, but I continued. “I promised you no more secrets, Alexandria.”

  “But how?” She grappled with the new information. “What about your wife?” She didn’t use the name.

  Turning back to Alexandria, I pursed my lips. “That is my sin. Not hers. And most certainly not a burden I wish for you to bear.”

  Vivian moved from her perch on a chair and situated herself next to Alexandria on the settee. Her motherly aura seemed to calm my lover, and she saved me from having to explain any further.

  “You will learn your history slowly, so we do not overwhelm you.” Vivian took her hand. “Arthur and Guinevere’s marriage was complicated on many levels. Of course, you know the infidelity of the queen.” The priestess paused. “Arthur was also guilty of an infidelity that birthed Mordred.”

  I hoped this wouldn’t be the straw that broke Alexandria’s resolve to be with me. I prayed she sensed I was not that man—I was a new man. She made me a new man.

  “I understand. It is just a bit of a shock, that’s all.” Alexandria’s gaze redirected to mine. “Why would your son try to kill you?”

  “Power, wealth, and of course, the obvious.” John stepped forward. “The crown.”

  “When I left England for France to fight Lancelot, I left Mordred as regent.” My soul all but shriveled at remembering what I came back to. “He... he took his place as king and married your predecessor in a desperate grasp to be legitimate.”

  Alexandria’s face paled, and she leaned against Vivian. “My vision … I saw him dragging her, me, through the palace. He … oh my God.” Her hand covered her mouth as though she would be sick.

  “When I came back from France, I wanted nothing more than to kill him. What he did to my queen was unforgivable.” My body shook with regret, and my heart hammered in my chest due to relived rage. “Son or not, I will see him to his end.”

  “I forgive you.” Her voice was quiet, barely above a whisper. “You didn’t know what he would do.”

  The notion shocked me.

  John smiled warmly between the two of us, obviously seeing something I couldn’t.