Tessa's Redemption by Josie Dennis Read Free Book Online

liquor, unable to decipher the expression on his face. Was he thinking about her outburst at the dining table? Would he judge her harshly? In a moment she dismissed that thought. Alex was never one to judge. That was Angel’s position.
    “I concede the game to you, Tessa,” Angel said with a bow, turning to Alex to take the offered glass. “Thank you.”
    “Here, Tessa,” Alex said as he set her glass before her. “Do you fancy a game with me alone?”
    She knew what he asked in truth. As she sipped her drink she thought to give him a dose of his own medicine. “I believe I shall play a game of patience, Alex. There are times when a person can derive more enjoyment in solitary occupation.”
    He gaped at her then hooted his laughter, elbowing Angel in the ribs. “Well said, love! Though I think I would derive as much enjoyment watching you.”
    “However could that be?” Angel asked. Comprehension dawned on his face and his eyes grew wide. “Oh! I had never thought of… Well, I daresay that would be…”
    “Easy, Angel,” Alex said with a grin. “Tessa is merely teasing. No need to get yourself in knots.”
    Angel frowned, then managed a small smile. “There is much I can learn from both of you, it seems.”
    Tessa smiled in his direction, feeling as if she’d won this particular hand despite the stacked cards on the table. Taking up the cards, she arranged them for her solitary game as the three of them spoke of happenings in the village.
    “How are you enjoying your work in the village, Angel?” she asked. “I take it your new enterprise is proving advantageous?”
    “Yes indeed, Tessa. I admit the diversity of the work appeals to me in a manner I wager making sermons never would have.”
    He spoke of his previous ambition, then.
    “I admit I blamed myself for your change in circumstance when Alex told me you’d sold your living,” she said softly.
    Angel flicked his eyes toward Alex, who gave a graceful shrug.
    “You must know that news travels quickly in Oake,” Alex said.
    Angel nodded. “I can honestly say I do not miss it, Tessa. It seems I have a knack for this particular work.”
    She smiled. “I’m glad.”
    The men pursued a conversation about horses or some other such business, the pleasant timbre of their conversation punctuated now and again as Tessa turned over a card on the table with a snap. She relished the feeling of sharing a space with the two of them and not only sitting there like an ornament. She began to feel like an able companion to them. Even if it was her own delusion, she would embrace it. It was far preferable to the animosity she’d had to deflect in the dining room.
    A little more than one hour after the awkward conclusion of their meal and her cheeky comment on playing alone, it was apparently time to retire. Alex placed his empty glass on the table beside him with a finality that showed his eagerness. An answering flutter in her belly heralded her own body’s reaction. It wouldn’t be long before her pussy joined in the cacophony, clamoring for the ultimate possession. She bit her lip to refrain from letting out a moan.
    His strong hands brushed over his well-fitting trousers as he stood. He was so tall, her Alex. So commanding. Was it any wonder that she still melted in his arms?
    Angel seemed to be vibrating, with anger or with anticipation she couldn’t guess. She briefly wondered what effect Alex’s glib statement in the carriage would have once they were ensconced in the bedchamber. He’d said that he would have her again tonight despite Angel’s objections. She wanted Alex as well. Deep inside her in any fashion he wished. Oh, would Angel insist on taking her too? It was her turn to quake in anticipation.
    She rose on shaking legs and placed her hand in Alex’s outstretched one. “Are we to retire?” she asked, knowing the answer.
    “Yes, love.”
    As she’d expected, Angel stood and crossed to them.
    “Then let us,” he said.
    She cringed