Lords of Retribution (Lords of Avalon series) by K. R. Richards Read Free Book Online Page A

is beautiful and good in this world. Do not listen to that bunch of addle pated hens! Never could anyone call you simple-minded, my sweet Zenny. You are one of the most intelligent women I know. I enjoy your company more than any other woman in my acquaintance. You are different, but not in a bad way, Zenny. You are unique in a very good way . You are honest and have the purest of hearts,” Gabriel’s whisper grew softer as he lowered his head. He wanted to kiss her. Yet he stopped himself and pulled back.
    “Y-you are not angry, Gabriel?” Senny whispered . She felt her cheeks burning still.
    “No, why would I be angry?” he asked softly as he smiled down at her.
    “B-becaus e of what my mother always said and what the village women s-say.”
    “I’ve always known what your mother said, Zenny. She used to tell me the very same thing.” His hand remained on her cheek. Gabriel allowed his thumb to trace lightly across her full bottom lip. She closed her eyes as he did so.
    He wanted to kiss her . He needed to kiss her. He sighed. He could not. She was overwhelmed. More importantly, he had to discover what this sudden lust he felt for her was and if there was something deeper causing it. He now suspected there just might be.
    He had to be certain. He would not allow himself to compromise Senny’s feelings . He allowed himself to kiss the tip of her nose. “Zenny, we are dear friends, you and I. We shall always be.”
    Senny opened her eyes . She met Gabriel’s gaze. He was smiling at her. She smiled back, emitting a deep sigh of relief.
    “Don’t you listen to those gossipy old hens! I treasure what we have, Zenny. You are my dearest friend.” The brilliant smile she gave him warmed his heart.
    Once again , he had to refrain from kissing her. “Come along, let’s get back. I believe Trevan wishes to return to Menadue as soon as can be.” He took her hand in his and entwined his fingers with hers. How dare those old besoms insult his Zenny so!
    Senny sighed again . They were still friends. “You are my dearest friend too, Gabriel.” She smiled up at him.
    Gabriel so loved her smile. “Zenny, will you join me for a walk to the village tomorrow? I have some errands to tend to.”
    “Of course.”
    He planned to give the gossipy village hens an eyeful. He planned to parade Senny all about the village on his arm.
     
    “Robert seemed happy to see you, Trevan.” Gabriel remarked as they rode the short distance to Fairy Cross.
    Trevan nodded . “Yes, I believe he was. There might be some truth to what you said about Wenna, Gabriel. She nearly fainted when I walked in behind you. It seemed to me she did not wish to be left alone with the vicar.”
    “I told you as much . That would be the reason you fabricated your tale of looking for a wife?”
    “ Ayce .” Trevan nodded. He gave Gabriel a white-toothed grin. “When will you see Zenny again, Gabriel?”
    “Tomorrow.”
    “Would you ask her if there are certain times the skinny little reverend calls upon Wenna? I should like to show up at Callywith in the next few days when he is not about.”
    “I will find out for you, and I’ll send a message to Menadue,” Gabriel grinned.
    “Good . I have a plan.” Trevan grinned. He reasoned it might not work. Wenna was engaged to the Vicar. Yet he had to try.
     
    Gabriel strolled with Zenny up and down the small village street. There were only a few shops in St. Mabyn. Their first stop was a small mercantile where a variety of items were sold. He purchased a pair of gloves for himself and purchased two particular ribbons that he insisted Zenny must have because they complemented her lovely gown of cornflower blue.
    Next , they went to the Inn where he purchased an apple tart for each of them. He made a grand show of capturing a crumb at the corner of her mouth with his napkin as they ate their tarts. They ventured into another small shop afterward. He pretended to be interested in various items. He made a