Chapter
Four
Lynn collapsed gracefully into an overstuffed chair
in the great room. A roaring fire was blazing in the hearth. She gazed into the
flames, letting them hypnotize her as she rested. All day she had been slaving
in the gloomy castle, cleaning rooms that haven’t seen the light of day for
years, it seemed. Now it was dusk. Nickolas, after completing his day’s work,
went to help his brother at his home. It was late and she assumed he would be
dining there as well. Lynn sighed. Even though he was only across the village,
her heart ached for him. He made her feel safe and not alone. It was the first
time she had been without him at night, since they had married. And with this
creepy stone enclosure, Lynn felt afraid for no reason at all. The shadows moved
out of the corner of her eye, cool breezes in landlocked rooms. And she had
seen no one all day. That disturbed her the most. Where was Lord Alexander?
“Good evening,” a raspy voice sounded behind her.
Lynn sat up in the chair and gasped at his sudden intrusion. She had not heard
anything preceding his entrance. No footsteps, creaks, nothing. Her startled
eyes found his form in the firelight. Dark clothing, mysterious smirk,
hypnotizing eyes. Alexander moved and her eyes followed him as he sat down across
from her. He stared into her green eyes, seeing her confusion and wonder at
him. He could read her thoughts. Lynn’s questions about what was it he did all
day and why hadn’t she heard him. It was an old castle with many creaks and
telltales signs of one’s coming closer. Even though he made her uncomfortable,
she was still intrigued by him.
Lynn closed her eyes for a second, breaking the eye
contact. She felt dizzy after looking into his dark orbs for so long. Alexander
spoke, “You have many questions about me.” It was not a question wanting
confirmation but a statement of fact. “I have come to answer them for you. I
can tell this bothers you and you will not be comfortable in my home until you
know my lifestyle.” Lynn glanced up and met his eyes briefly, allowing him to
continue. “I sleep during the day. My head is clearer at night. I make better
decisions during nightfall.” Lynn nodded and commented, “That is strange.” Lord
Alexander laughed, a sound that surprised Lynn. His laugh had a wild edge to it
and he didn’t seem to be the type to laugh much. “Yes, many consider it
strange. People have taken my habit the wrong way so I hide it.” He penetrated
Lynn’s thoughts once again and smiled as she was satisfied with his reason.
“Where is Nickolas tonight?” Alexander asked. He
knew, of course, but he wanted her to open up to him, trust him. Her sweet face
fell. “He went to help his brother tonight. It is late and he will spend the
night there, I assume.” Alexander reached over and covered her soft hand. He
heard the heartbreak in her voice. Lynn closed her eyes and felt the sting of
tears form under her closed lids. Alexander’s touch sent warm shocks through
her. It was an odd sensation, but his fingers stroking her hand brought some
comfort to her. Alexander beckoned Brian and ordered that dinner be brought out
at once. Alexander dined with Lynn that lonely night. She still felt unease in
his presence but she was grateful for the company.
Brian watched the talk and smiles between Alexander and Lynn. It made him sick. He had been with Alex for so long, given up so much and had given Alex everything. Now she would get all his love and attention. His dark nature bubbled up. Brian left and Alex never noticed.
