Read Online Dark Solace by Tara Fox Hall - Free Book Online

about that, but I
accepted it. That was one of the reasons I asked to help you, to
keep busy here so I wouldn’t obsess over it.”
    Devlin moved, reaching and pulling me roughly
into his arms. “I never meant to make you feel that way,” he said,
smoothing my hair, kissing my tears away. “Anna never wanted to do
anything but read poetry, buy new clothes, and do embroidery. I
don’t know how else she spent her time other than that, when she
wasn’t sleeping with me. I know you work hard at your home, and at
Danial’s. I didn’t want you to have to work here.”
    “Dev, I’m not talking about working. Why did
we never go to a movie, or even watch one together? Go out again on
your motorcycle? See a play, or go out walking even—?”
    Devlin squeezed me so hard he cut off my
words. “I’m sorry,” he said, kissing my cheek. “I didn’t think you
wanted to do those things with me. I know you did them with Theo
and Danial, but you never mentioned any interest in doing them with
me. I wanted to do them with you, but I was always hesitant to ask.
That is why when Danial invited me to the movies with you, or told
me that you had an appointment, I made sure to be there, even if I
wasn’t sure you wanted me there. I wanted to take you out again on
the motorcycle, but I didn’t want to risk it until it was warmer.
By then, we knew you were pregnant, and it was too dangerous for
you.” Devlin paused. “Some of it was being busy with Ebediah’s
affairs in Canada. I’ve felt for most of this year as if all I do
is work, feed, and sleep. There were many vampires and weres that
were angry that needed to be dealt with or convinced to join my
side. Getting that cooperation was necessary to protect against a
revolt—”
    “Why didn’t you ever talk to me about that?”
I interrupted.
    “I didn’t want to upset you in your
pregnancy,” Devlin replied. “You had enough on your mind with The
Lust and everything else that was happening.”
    What he was saying made sense. Danial had
treated me much the same when we first lived together. Perhaps
women of their time had been happy doing nothing and hearing only
pleasant things. As for his work...well, I had been wrapped up in
other problems. Knowing Dev could be torn down from his throne
might have been enough to send me over the edge.
    “When you see someone once a week, you want
the time to be purely enjoyable,” Dev added. “I wanted to be alone
with you, to have you all to myself.”
    I’d relaxed him enough. If I was going to
make my move, now was the time. “We are alone,” I said lightly,
nestling my head into the hollow of his throat. “Do you really want
to spend any more of this evening talking?”
    Devlin tipped my head up with his fingertips,
so I looked at him. “What I want is to know why you chose tonight,
Love.”
    He wasn’t as astute as Danial, but he was
close enough. Mix in some truth. “You heard about the
challenge?”
    Devlin nodded. “Frankly, I’m surprised Theo
won. I’m sure you were relieved—”
    His sarcasm rankled me. “This isn’t about
him,” I said angrily, grabbing his hand and pushing it away from my
chin. “This is about us. Life is too short to hold grudges against
people you love. I’m here because I want to be here with you.” That
was the truth, just not the whole truth. “I’m scared, and I need
you. If you don’t want me here, then just tell me to—”
    “I want you here,” he said quickly, hugging
me tight.
    I hugged him back, then kissed his neck
chastely.
    He caressed my arm with his fingertips
lightly. “Do you believe I love you now?” he asked. “That I want
you with me not just for tonight or tomorrow, but forever?”
    I wasn’t ready for an Oath tonight. “I
believe we should take it slow,” I said softly, into his skin. “We
need to—”
    “Do you believe me, Sarelle, when I say I
love you?” Devlin said, holding my face in his hand, his golden
eyes looking down into my green ones.