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

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    Gabriel was feeling very s atisfied that the old besoms’ who dared whisper hurtful words about his Zenny were getting quite an eyeful. It pleased him that they watched every move he and Zenny made along the street. He noted they whispered amongst themselves. He took special care to allow his touches to linger on Senny’s hand or arm. He rested his hand at the small of her back several times while escorting her inside a shop.
    It was easy and natural to give his full attention to her. He let there be no question in the gossipy hens’ minds that Sennen Penrose was the sole focus of his attention. It was true that she was.
    S enny seemed oblivious to the attention they were receiving. She focused on him and their conversations. When a few of the shop owners spoke to her and inquired after her family, she answered in a very kind, sincere manner.
    In the last shop they stopped in, Gabriel noted his Senny was giving a particular bonnet some attention. After a brief and gentle argument, he insisted that he purchase it for her. He demanded she allow him to place it upon her head himself. As he did so, he remarked to her how lovely her hair was. He mentioned that it resembled spun gold kissed with the fire of a Cornish sunset. Of course, his compliment was loud enough so that the three other ladies visiting the shop could hear every word.
    Senny was confused. To her it seemed that Gabriel was acting as if he were her beau. She knew she wasn’t the only one who thought so. She had caught a few whispers from some of the women. She couldn’t understand why he was behaving in such a manner. Not that she didn’t want it to be so, she did. His behavior came as such a surprise to her, when only yesterday he spoke of friendship.
    As he led her from the store, he was beaming. He looked down to see Senny looking up at him with a bewildered expression upon her face.
    “Zenny, love, what is the matter?” he asked with concern.
    He watched as her teeth captured her full lower lip. He saw her take a deep breath before she s poke. “I-I don’t understand, Gabriel. Y-you are giving people the impression,” her voice grew shaky then and much quieter, “that you are c-courting me or some such thing.”
    He had confused Z enny with his actions. He felt badly for a moment, until he realized just how much he had enjoyed himself today. Every bit of attention he gave to her was real. Every single time he brought a smile to her face, it had gladdened his heart. He wanted to make her smile, to bring her joy. He wanted this. This was real . He wanted to kiss her, among other things. He wanted Senny beside him for, well, forever. The realization was startling, but comforting at the same time. He did not wish to overwhelm her. He would take things very slowly, for Zenny’s sake.
    When he did not answer right away, Zenny turned her face upward . He saw hope shining in her eyes, and the beauty of it amazed him. “You do not wish for me to court you?” he asked her, now sure of the path unfolding before him. He wasn’t quite certain of the depth of his feelings, but he knew he was happy with Senny beside him.
    “No, I mean yes. Yes I do, b -but,” she faltered.
    “Tell me, Zenny.” The y stopped walking and he faced her.
    Instead of an answer, she asked him a question. “You are not just being k-kind to me are you ? Do you truly wish to court m-me?”
    Gabriel smiled down at her . “I am serious about courting you, Zenny. As I said yesterday, we are dear friends. I propose we take things slowly and see how they progress. Is that acceptable to you?”
    He watched as Zenny thought about it for a moment . He wanted to kiss her right on the village green when her pearly white teeth worried her bottom lip.
    “Yes, G -Gabriel,” she nodded slowly then gave him a brilliant smile that tugged at his heart. “This is acceptable. I would like that very much.”
    He allowed his free hand to cover her fingers where they rested upon his