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

  My eyes snapped open.

  The cold steel around my heart had another chink in its armor.

  “Come here.” I carefully lay down next to her and pulled her flush to me.

  Her ears went red at the close proximity of our bodies.

  “Just hush. You haven’t let him go, have you?” I stroked her hair.

  “Why are you being so kind?”

  I heard her sniff again.

  The question almost offended me. I was kind wasn’t I?

  “As I said, my lady, perhaps I’m the man you’ve never met but always wanted.”

  “But I want to see you.” Disappointment laced her voice.

  If I had a heart to break, it would have. “You may have my name in its place. Will that do?”

  What the hell are you doing!

  “You have a name?” She turned so her head was tucked into my chest.

  Her cheek pressed against my skin, the soft fabric of her nightgown cool against my body. How I longed for this in the light of day.

  Nodding, I kissed the top of her head. “I do.”

  “What is it?”

  “Arthur.” I held my breath.

  She gave a soft laugh that eased my mind.

  “Arthur . . .”

  My soul woke up. “Yes?”

  Say my name again.

  Please, it’s been centuries since you’ve said my name.

  Alexandria smiled. “I like it. It suits your personality.”

  “Is that a compliment or an insult?” My brows furrowed as I waited for her response.

  “You figure it out,” she said with a sleepy yawn.

  It felt as if someone grabbed my chest and yanked me away from Alexandria. The grip was cold and alarming. I hadn’t been ready to leave her just yet! My eyes flew open, and I jumped up, brandishing a dagger I kept hidden under the pillow next to me. My gaze darted around the room, and I stepped toward the window.

  “Who the hell are you?” I bellowed.

  The woman bathed in the white light of the moon rocked me and a cold realization sent me to my knees.

  “Calm yourself, knight.” Her voice was soft as the summer breeze. Golden hair fell around her shoulders, and the white gown she wore created a train.

  “Vivian.” I threw the dagger to the floor. What was she doing here?

  She was dressed in all white, gazing out the window at the lake that sat behind my estate. “I heard her say your name.” She turned to smile warmly at me. “Your true name.”

  “Yes, so what? She doesn’t know it’s me, Avalon, in the dreams.” Now, I was annoyed. She was spying on my private moments?

  Wench . . .

  “I am no wench; this you know.” She frowned at me in warning. “Don’t treat me with such contempt, knight. You should speak kinder to me, of all people.”

  “Forgive me, Vivian.” I righted myself on one knee and bowed my head. “Lady, what shall you have me do?”

  “That’s better.” With a musical laugh, she floated toward me. “I am coming to you soon. The moon is right, and the time is now. All you have to do is keep the faith.”

  “You should know I pray constantly. God has seen fit to leave me to wallow.” I couldn’t mask the bitterness in my tone.

  “Knight, you know your god would never forsake you. And neither shall I. Have faith in her. Alexandria is different.” Vivian frowned. “And even if she wasn’t, we must strike now.”

  “Why? Why now?” I narrowed my eyes even though I already knew the answer.

  “Mordred’s plan is in motion, and he has been feeding off Morgan’s powers.”

  I ran a hand through my hair. “That useless bitch.”

  “Language, knight.” Her lips pursed. “Have faith in her. Wait for me. Prepare yourself. For once is in the past, the future is about to begin.”

  She vanished, leaving me confused and helpless on my knees. I stared down at my hands, hands that had been content to comfort Alexandria moments ago. They balled into fists. They were hands that ruined and broke and killed. These weren’t hands for loving. Yet she made me yearn to try.

  Perhaps, you should start thinking logically again as you used to? Hmm? Not throwing your emotions too far ahead of you but, instead, keeping them at bay.

  I heard M’s words echoing in my head. Alexandria made me weak. With one touch, she’d reached inside me and caressed a dead part of my soul. I’d have to be more careful around her, whether that be in my reality or in her dreams.

  Nine

  Alexandria

  Friday came too fast. As I steered down the long drive of Caliburn Estate, numerous supplies in my trunk and backseat, my thoughts started to wander. I kept Pridwen in my purse, just in case. Heart thundering, I had played out multiple versions of what would happen during my stay here. Avalon might leave me alone the entire time and never see me. He could also annoy me throughout the entire ordeal. Or—I swallowed hard—he could have other things in mind for our relationship.

  Who was I kidding? He was a duke, and I was a commoner—an artist, at that. He had a reputation of picking up high-class women and dumping them within days. Lips pulling into a thin line as the looming estate rose up in front of me, I decided I would keep my distance. No matter what my fantasies did inside my sexually deprived head at night, I would keep the true beast at arm’s length. The beast I was dealing with in my head was bad enough.

  I shivered.

  The man who lived in my head at night still baffled me.

  Arthur—where did he come from?

  Why had my emotions and mind created him?

  Why could I never see his face?

  It irritated me, but I couldn’t deny the heightened sense of thrill that pulsed through my body every time the silk blindfold created darkness.

  His obvious want of me couldn’t be denied. Maybe it was because I longed for a man’s attention after so long? I wanted Arthur just as badly as he wanted me. I wanted him to be real. Instead of taking his turn and mapping me the other night, he had held me in strong arms and soothed me before I woke. He had sensed my internal struggle and pain and didn’t force me to continue into a sexual play. I might not have minded so much once he’d started, but the gesture was appreciated.

  Get out of your head. You’re here to do a job, not wallow in thoughts of a man who isn’t real!

  The Duke of Avalon was standing at the front entrance with M as soon as my car pulled to a halt. As I glanced over at him, I forced my nerves to calm. Harsh gray eyes burned into mine; that smug smirk threatening to break into a devilish grin played on his lips. He was as dangerous as I was curious.

  M opened my car door, and I stepped out into the late spring sunlight. No dress this time—just a pair of skinny jeans with brown, knee-high boots, a deep green sweater, and a light scarf. If I were to work in a place such as Caliburn, I would be comfortable.

  “Welcome back, Ms. York.” Avalon stepped forward, his handsome face guarded. More guarded than usual.

  I tilted my head.

  Had something happened?

  “Thank you for having me.” I nodded, extending my hand. “I have everything I think I should need. A truck is delivering the wire and clay I’ll need later this evening. I hope that’s all right?” I shifted my purse onto my shoulder.

  “That would be excellent. M, why don’t you and Shamus unload Ms. York’s equipment and place it where she will be working, and then take her personal luggage to her chamber?” Avalon gave me a tight smile, administering his orders swiftly.

  Something was different about him. His warm, flirtatious way was gone. He didn’t seem to want to speak with me at all. A small flutter of disappointment sank into my stomach.

  “Yes, sir.”

  M nodded, and another man appeared to help. Avalon refocused his attention on me. He inhaled, almost as if preparing himself. His warm hand rested on my mid back as he ushered me into the grand house. It shouldn’t be called an estate; the bloody thing was a castle turned palace.

&n
bsp; He let me enter first, and my breath caught again. The grand entrance was a sight to behold. The large, double-sided staircase arced gracefully up to the second floor. Marble, mahogany, and ancient woods carved into intricate designs and motifs that decorated the walls from top to bottom. I didn’t think I’d ever get used to being around this place.

  “Ms. York?”’ The firm hand pushed me on.

  Turning my head, I was staring right up at the Dragon himself.

  “I’m sorry, it’s just—this place is so beautiful.” My words seemed to come out in a jumbled mess. I could feel the heat rising in my cheeks at the bluster.

  His light chuckle put some of my nerves to rest.

  “I understand. Come and I will show you where you shall be working.”

  I followed without question. We walked up one side of the staircase and down the main hall. Mirrors, statuaries, paintings, and furnishings all lined the endless walk. Avalon halted at the very end of the long hall and opened both doors. I couldn’t help the small sound that escaped me when I saw the great ballroom within.

  The floor was a deep green and blue marble that gave the illusion one was stepping on the Earth. Pure white molding ran along the walls, and up above on the ceiling, cherubs sat watching. Paintings of heavenly clouds decorated the flat of the ceiling, and a great crystal and gold chandelier hung in the center. Large, open windows let in natural light, creating rainbow reflections from the prisms of the chandelier. I could see the marble chipped in the center of the ballroom for the Eros and Psyche statue.

  “It’s so gorgeous.” Moving away from Avalon, my eyes couldn’t take in the detail fast enough as I moved away from him.

  “Yes. I am anxious to see the statue go up here. Do you think this is an appropriate space?” He stayed at the doorway, leaving me to move about on my own.

  “It will be the perfect place. Your guests will be enchanted.” The beauty of the room led me to grant my new employer a warm smile.

  He shifted slightly, arms folding across his chest as gray eyes narrowed at me. I could feel my smile slip, and I looked away.

  What is wrong with him?

  “Good, are we done here? I would like to show you a few other things and set some house rules.”

  Reluctantly, I rejoined Avalon and allowed him to pull me from my musing. I would get a lot of time to imagine and let the grandeur of the room inspire me. The mention of “house rules” made my brows knit together.

  “House rules?” I glanced at him carefully.

  “Yes. You are a guest in my home; therefore, all of the natural places one would need to go are open to your use. The ballroom, the dining room, both kitchens, the library, and the tapestry room are all open for your enjoyment.” Avalon stopped walking and took a long moment to stare into my eyes. “However, your chambers are in the left wing of the estate, and mine are on the right. Please do not wander there unless you are in dire need. I do enjoy my privacy.”

  I nodded.

  What is this? A damn Disney movie?

  He continued. “Secondly, there is a workout room you may use if you exercise. Please do not touch any of the weaponry on the walls. They are expensive and irreplaceable.”

  We were about to step outside and onto a paved walking trail. Avalon opened the door, and the slight chill in the air made me shiver slightly. It was a quick walk before I smelled the familiar scent of hay, leather, and horses. I perked up when we entered a side door into a warm, well-lit stable.

  The horses lived as well as their master. Avalon immediately seemed to relax once inside. His face lost the tension, and he turned to me.

  “Come, I have something for you.”

  I questioned him with my gaze, tilting my head. He just smiled back gently and motioned for me to follow. We walked along stalls filled with well-bred beasts. I noticed the red mare he had been on when we had first met.

  “That’s Phoenix. She’s my personal favorite.” Avalon stopped and patted the hot-blooded mare affectionately.

  “She is stunning.” I couldn’t help but touch her velvety nose.

  Phoenix woofed a few times, breathing in my scent before turning her attention back to Avalon. She nibbled along the collar of his white shirt. Instead of pushing her away, he allowed her to stain the expensive material while he chuckled and rubbed between her eyes.

  He was completely at ease with this animal. Youthfulness crept into his ancient eyes, and his face lost all sign of fierce duty. A flutter of something raced through my stomach. As he looked back at me, a moment passed between us. I wasn’t sure what it was, but the look he shot me created a heat that swept over my entire body before pooling somewhere it shouldn’t.

  “I have selected a horse for you to use while you are here.” He pulled himself from his favorite and walked a stall down. A handsome gray head poked out of a stall door. His ears were tipped black and a stark white blaze ran down his face.

  I couldn’t say anything.

  My parents had always wanted me to have a horse of my own, but they had passed before they could get one for me. My grandmother never saw the need to own a horse when I could lease one and take lessons at the local stable. Reaching out to touch his sculpted face, I watched as his kind, brown eyes looked interested. He pressed his nose into my hand and sighed as I scratched between his ears.

  He was a big, dappled gray gelding, and he was the most beautiful horse I’d ever seen. I tried to keep down the desire to squeal.

  He is giving me something here to enjoy?

  Does this mean he’ll want company on rides?

  I turned back to look at Avalon, and a new emotion shadowed his face.

  “He’s beautiful. What’s his name?” I didn’t trust myself to speak louder than a whisper.

  “His name is Chasing Camelot, but we call him Cam for short.” Avalon stepped closer to pat the gelding’s neck. “Do you like him?”

  “I love him. He’s perfect. Thank you, Avalon.”

  He didn’t even realize that gifting me the use of a horse while I was here was as good as giving me one. I did the only thing I could do. I dropped my hands from Cam’s nose and wrapped them around Avalon in a tight hug.

  “Thank you.”

  His entire body was iron. His muscles quivered in defense. For a man rumored to use women, he sure seemed awkward around them. My ear pressed against his chest, and I could hear the thundering of his heart. I didn’t let go, just stayed there. I wanted him to know I was grateful. It wasn’t a large gesture for a man who had everything, but to me, it was enough.

  Finally, he rested his palms on my shoulder and carefully put distance between us. He hadn’t hugged back. He’d just stood there, a frenzied look and uncertainty in his eyes.

  “Yes, well, very good then. I’m glad. His tack and grooming gear are all in the box next to his stall. You may ride whenever you like.” Avalon’s hands had balled into fists. Lithe fingers played with each other, creating cracking and popping sounds as his joints ground together. “Come, I shall show you to your rooms, and then I will leave you until dinner.”

  Patting Cam one last time, I played the role of the obedient artist. My curiosity was completely piqued. The Duke of Avalon was more of a mystery than the castle walls that housed him.

  I, Alexandria York, had died and gone to heaven. The room I stood in was far greater than any I’d ever seen. There wasn’t just one room, there were several. I had an entire chamber to myself. Avalon had paused before entering.

  “This is the duchess’s suite. It would have housed the woman who became the duke’s wife back in the medieval era and onward.”

  “Has a duchess ever lived here?” I loved history. It would be an honor to know which lady had stayed here before me.

  His answer was surprisingly cold and frank. “Never.”

  I frowned. “Never?”

  Avalon once again withdrew himself, putting the wall between us. “There has never been a Duchess of Avalon who has stayed here.”

  “What about your
mother? Didn’t she?”

  If I had known the reaction that question would have caused, I would have never opened my mouth. The flash of rage and utter disbelief at my ignorance showed in his eyes. He chose to stay rooted to where he stood on the floor. The look in his eyes caused me to back against the vanity, fingers desperate to find the edge to keep me from slipping.

  “Please do not ask stupid questions, Ms. York.” Avalon took cautious steps toward me. “Take what I say as the truth.” He stalked closer. “Please do not bring up my family again.” His nose brushed against mine, and I could smell the hint of black tea and mint on his breath. I couldn’t help it; the tight proximity and seeing him so close made a dark part of me writhe.

  “Wasn’t your mother a duchess?” The question slipped out before I could stop it.

  I heard him suck his teeth before a hand reached for my chin. His gaze searched my face, and he pressed his body against mine.

  “What did I just say?”

  I could feel his breath on my lips. My heart stuttered.

  He didn’t intend to hurt me. So why did my questions about the past duchesses and his mother irk him?

  Something in his eyes, though, kept me calm.

  His fear.

  I licked my lips. “I’m sorry. I won’t ask again.”

  As I did, his grip released, and his hand reached up to run through locks of my hair. Avalon blinked slowly. He allowed his thumb to graze lightly over my cheek with a gentle touch. He leaned down closer, his lips brushing mine in a whisper.

  I couldn’t do anything but wait. His body was still flush against mine, and, surprisingly, I wasn’t repulsed. He was hot and hard and so difficult to read. The tension between us ticked higher and higher the longer we stayed against the vanity. My eyes narrowed as I saw him desperately trying to convey something.

  I wasn’t able to make out the message before cool air graced the space between us. He was staring at the floor, as if ashamed.

  “Forgive me, Ms. York. I-I seemed to have lost myself for a moment.” When he looked back up, he was the same cool, guarded duke. Not the youthful, passionate, angry man who had just pinned me against a centuries-old vanity.