A Matter of Time: Book 4 of The Thistle & Hive Series Page 13

  Angry with herself, Angelina disentangled herself from Richard and stood up.

  “Where are you going, love?” Richard propped himself up on his elbows to watch her.

  “I’ll be right back.” She grabbed her robe and headed out toward the kitchen. She needed a few minutes away from him, to gather her thoughts. Lying next to him she’d been overcome with emotions which were clouding her thoughts, so she decided a little space was best right now. Pouring herself a glass of water Angelina sat at the kitchen table and gave her traitorous heart a stern lecture. I can’t become attached to him. He told me so himself. He’s not staying; he’s going to leave soon.

  * * *

  Richard intuitively knew Angelina was at odds with herself. They had agreed that they would only be friends. She had insisted that was what she wanted, and yet she was the one who had sent them down this path. She was the one who’d drawn him into her bedroom, she’d clearly wanted to make love with him and now, Richard suspected she was experiencing remorse over the decision. He decided he wouldn’t push her. This was something she had to come to terms with on her own and he would wait for her to decide on their way forward, one way or the other. He lay there in the silky, soft sheets, longing to have her beside him, but he wouldn’t pressure her.

  He lay awake for more than half an hour, before the door opened softly, revealing Angelina’s slight figure in a shaft of light from the hallway. “I’ve brought you some water,” she announced, holding out a glass.

  He let the cool liquid slide down his throat, realizing he had been parched. How sweet it was, of her to think of him. He placed the glass down and opened his arms to her, holding his breath to see how she would react. Angelina climbed into the bed and lay across his chest and Richard wrapped his arms around her, holding her close to his heart. He gently kissed the top of her head and closed his eyes. Sleeping with her in his arms was everything he wanted at this moment. She had granted him this opportunity, but what would the morning bring?

  Chapter 16

  The sun was barely visible through the coastal fog, but as it peeked through the windows, Richard knew morning had indeed arrived and he’d spent the entire night with Angelina in his arms. He lay perfectly still, not wanting to disturb her, as the nights events came flooding back. He’d slept fitfully, spending most of the night reliving their love making and wanting to do it again, but Angelina had put the wall up around herself once again.

  He had also listened for anything out of the ordinary that might break the silence of the night, remembering their intruder. The first order of business today was to find out who was following Angelina and why. With that thought in mind, he carefully got up from the bed without disturbing her. His gaze fell on her face for a long moment and he was quite certain her angelic beauty was unparalleled. Tearing himself away, Richard threw on his jeans and marched across the hall to the room where Nick was sleeping.

  “Nick!” He shook his friend who, for all intents and purposes, remained completely unresponsive. “Nick!” He tried again, pulling off the blanket and removing the pillow from beneath Nick’s head.

  A groan from the bed confirmed he had made progress. “What do ye want of me?” Nick rolled onto his back and covered his eyes with his arm. “’Tis too bloody early for this, Richard.”

  “Angelina’s in danger! I must speak with you now.” Richard stood upright, towering over Nick, his eyes blazing with the desire to solve this problem. He nudged Nick with his foot, to prevent him from falling back to sleep.

  “Alright, alright! I’m awake. What’s this ye say about Angelina being in danger?” Nick sat upright, before grabbing his head. Richard knew he was probably suffering the ill effects of all the drinking he’d done the day before. “Water, please?” he managed to croak out.

  “I’ll get the water; you get up and meet me in the kitchen. Whatever you do, don’t go back to sleep,” Richard threatened.

  Richard went into the kitchen to pour a glass of water and waited impatiently for Nick. He sat at the small kitchen table and tapped his fingers on the tabletop in irritation. Finally, Nick appeared and sank into a chair opposite Richard, who shoved the glass of water in his direction.

  “I can see yer angry, Richard, but do not misplace yer anger on me. I’m here now and I’m listening. Tell me what’s got a thistle up yer arse.” Nick took a long drink of water before placing the glass back down on the table and meeting Richard’s glare with one of his own.

  Richard proceeded to tell Nick what had happened the night before and how Angelina thought someone had been following her for a while. “Can you think of anyone who might want to follow Angelina?”

  Nick appeared to be contemplating what Richard had just told him, and took a minute or two to respond. “No. I cannae think of anyone,” he finally admitted. He joined Richard in rhythmically tapping the table with his fingers.

  “We must find out who and why. We cannot allow any harm to come to her.”

  “Calm yerself. We’ll keep her safe. One of us must be with her at all times, until we know exactly what is going on.” Nick got up and refilled his glass before he began rummaging through the cabinets, obviously in search of something.

  Angelina’s voice came from the doorway, startling Richard. “Aspirin are in the cabinet next to the sink. Just above the glasses.” She retrieved the coffee pot from the counter and eyed the two men. “Coffee?”

  * * *

  Angelina had caught the tail end of their conversation and she wasn’t happy.

  She began preparing the coffee and from the corner of her eye, saw that Nick had found what he needed for his hangover. “I can take care of myself, you know,” she announced, irritated that these men were planning to handle this situation as if she were a helpless female. “I heard what you were saying and it’s not necessary for anyone to stay with me. You’ve seen me fight.”

  “Yes, we have, but that doesn’t mean that you’ll never come upon an opponent who could overwhelm you and do you harm. And it may not be a single attacker, whomever is after you might send more than one man to do the job.” Richard seemed to be visibly gauging her reaction before he continued. “It could happen to any of us, Angelina, not only you. I’m not suggesting that because you’re a woman, you need our protection. All I’m saying is there is strength in numbers. We are stronger together than we are apart.”

  She had to admit he made sense, but it went against everything she believed in to need a man’s help with anything. She silently continued working on breakfast, giving herself time to ponder what he’d just said.

  The difficulty was, she wasn’t certain she wanted to have Richard around all the time. While she had been happy only moments before about being wrapped protectively in Richard’s arms all night and the earth shattering love making that she’d experienced, she wasn’t sure what to do about Richard in the long term. One minute he was the one holding back and then it seemed it was Angelina who was back-pedaling. This back and forth volley of emotions was driving her crazy.

  They both needed to make up their minds about what they wanted and put an end to their mutual suffering. A casual fling might work for her, but she had the feeling that wasn’t what Richard wanted. It would be all or nothing for him and she wasn’t sure she could do that. She never had before and even though what she felt for him was different to anything she’d felt for anyone in her past, she was afraid to make herself vulnerable to any man, even Richard. And the prospect of having Richard babysitting her while this stalker was following her – well, she certainly didn’t like that idea. She needed time and space to figure things out.

  She could see Nick and Richard exchanging glances and mouthing words to each other. The sight of two grown men behaving like little girls talking behind someone’s back made her want to laugh. She giggled quietly and set plates of food down in front of them.

  “Oh, I dinnae believe I could eat a thing,” Nick said, rubbing his stomach and eyeing the food uncertainly.

  “You’ll f
eel better if you eat,” Angelina encouraged him, but Nick didn’t look convinced.

  She sat down and put some eggs and toast on her own plate. She poured a cup of coffee for herself, before pouring some for the two men and then quietly went about eating her breakfast.

  Nick, who had said he couldn’t eat a thing, made a miraculous recovery, wolfing down everything on his plate and heading back for seconds. Angelina smiled softly to herself – she knew him so well. Richard ate at a more sedate pace and she eyed him discreetly when she was certain he wasn’t looking in her direction. He was the one she wanted to know more about. How was it that these two had become friends? Nick was lighthearted and always talking, while Richard was the exact opposite, serious and quiet. He was mysterious and she found she liked that character trait. Angelina wanted to know more, especially after last night and hoped that by asking questions, she’d be able to make up her own mind better. “How did you two meet?”

  Nick and Richard exchanged concerned glances. “You tell her,” Richard said. “You were always a much better story teller than I.”

  Nick drained his coffee cup and refilled it, before he began. “Well, ye see, Richard and I are verra different in many ways – he’s English and I’m Scottish.”

  “Obviously,” Angelina said in an amused tone.

  “Richard has a Scottish cousin, who is a close friend of the Mackall Clan. We met at a wedding when we were much younger. How old would ye say we were, Richard?”

  Angelina cast her eyes in Richard’s direction and once again was met by his searing gaze, the one that warmed her body and made her squirm in her seat.

  “We were but lads,” Richard answered. “Perhaps fifteen or sixteen.”

  “Richard was smitten by a lass from the MacKenzie clan.”

  Angelina noted that Richard appeared uncomfortable at the mention of this girl, and Nick was watching him carefully for his reaction. “Really? Was she pretty?”

  “Verra,” Nick continued. “We could hardly separate him from her side, but alas, she was in love with another and our Richard never stood a chance.”

  “I’m sorry, Richard,” Angelina said.

  “Why? There’s no need to be sorry.” Richard sat rigidly upright in his chair, seeming as if he’d much prefer to flee, than to continue listening to Nick’s story.

  “She broke your heart.” Angelina could see the truth in his face, even if he was not willing to admit it.

  “My heart is fine. Nick, continue telling how we met,” Richard said, giving Nick a deadly glare.

  “Fine then, enough about the lass. When she departed, Richard and I spent time riding out around his cousin’s lands and talking about things that fifteen-year-old boys talk about. We became fast friends and spent many years together, before losing touch.” Nick again eyed Richard warily, but he seemed relaxed once again.

  “So what happened? How’d you lose touch?” Angelina asked.

  Richard took up the story from here. “My behavior became difficult for Nick to tolerate. So he went home and that was the last I saw of him until I arrived here.”

  Angelina was sure that there were some holes in the story, but she’d let it go for now. If Richard wanted to tell her more about it, he would. One thing was certain though – the mention of that girl had caused him to react like a man with something to hide.

  Chapter 17

  With only a few more days before the tournament, Richard made his rounds from group to group, making sure everyone was prepared. He kept a watchful eye on Angelina, as did Nick. She wasn’t happy about it, but had agreed to go along with their wishes until they could figure out who had been following her. They were all aware of the sensation of being watched now. Whoever it was, they were quite stealthy, because so far they’d been unable to catch even a glimpse. Angelina had told Estella that she would be staying in the city until after the competition ended. She hadn’t wanted to worry the elderly woman about being followed, but Richard insisted it was best to warn Estella and Harry that someone had been spotted on Angelina’s property, so they could protect themselves if need be. He knew Harry was an ex-Marine, and that despite his age, he was very capable of handling an intruder if it came to that. Harry reassured Richard that he had weapons, and he knew how to use them.

  Students were coming by the warehouse to collect their medieval costumes and to do some last minute parrying practice, in anticipation of the upcoming exhibitions they would participate in. Those taking part in the tournament had been there almost constantly and had gained the confidence they would need in order to defeat Granger’s team. Richard and Nick were quite confident about their chances, but everyone continued to work long hours to achieve their goal. Where it had once been personal for only Nick, the others had all developed a deep sense of pride in their team and their abilities. They understood that Granger believed his team would defeat them easily and they were determined to prove him wrong.

  They all took turns working with the children, who were adorable in their medieval costumes. Angelina had worked hard, alongside the team moms, to design authentic costumes for everyone. To keep anxiety levels to a minimum, Nick and Richard tried to keep things lighthearted and fun, encouraging the others to think only of the present and let the future take care of itself. A party atmosphere overtook the warehouse, when a dozen pizzas were delivered, along with salads, drinks and dessert. The children changed out of their costumes and everyone sat around on the floor with paper plates full of food. Laughter and excited chatter filled the large space, echoing off the rafters.

  “You should be quite proud of your accomplishments,” Richard said, glancing around the room at the happy faces of Nick’s students. “Not many would be able to come to a strange place and find a way to fit in so seamlessly.”

  Nick appeared suitably humble. “You haven’t done so badly yourself.”

  “I’ve had you to help me. I’m hopeful that once this competition is finished, we will be able to return home.”

  “You’ve heard from Edna then?” Nick asked.

  “No. It’s just a feeling I’ve had of late. I don’t know where it’s coming from, but I believe it.”

  “Are you becoming a soothsayer, Richard?” Nick questioned curiously.

  Richard thought about this as he watched Angelina approach them. “I don’t believe so, but with Edna, one never knows what to expect.”

  “Who’s Edna?” Angelina asked when she reached them. “You’ve mentioned her once before.”

  “Have I?” Richard tried to remember when that might have been.

  “Yes. When I found you that day on the Marina. You said her name and I asked you if she was your wife, remember?”

  “Ah, yes. Nick and I were just speaking of the competition. How do you feel about it? Do you think everyone’s ready,” Richard said, trying to divert Angelina’s attention.

  “Who’s Edna?” Angelina repeated stubbornly.

  Apparently his diversionary tactics hadn’t worked. “She’s an old friend from the… from my past.” He could see that Angelina was determined to continue and he swallowed heavily.

  “From your past in England?” Angelina cocked her head to one side and studied him.

  “Yes.” Perhaps if he kept his answers simple, she wouldn’t persist, but he got the distinct impression that Angelina was deliberately trying to start an argument.

  “Do you know her, Nick?” she asked.

  “No. I’m afraid not. She’s one of Richard’s friends, he met her nae too long ago, isn’t that right?”

  Was Nick trying to make matters worse? Richard glared in his direction and Nick smirked in acknowledgement, clearly enjoying Richard’s discomfort.

  “If you met her not so long ago, then how can she be an old friend?” Angelina demanded.

  “Nick is mistaken.” Richard was getting quite uncomfortable under Angelina’s intense scrutiny. This was not going well. Instead of shutting down her inquiries, he seemed to have merely piqued her interest and, it appeared, an
intense streak of jealousy.

  “Fine then. If you don’t want me to know, then don’t tell me.” Turning away from them, Angelina stomped off towards Zeke and Wade, leaving Nick and Richard behind.

  “Thanks for your help,” Richard grumbled.

  “Sorry, I wasnae trying to cause trouble, just having some fun. I had nae idea she’d walk away so angry.”

  Richard knew Nick well enough to know his apology was sincere and he nodded his acceptance. “I don’t know what to do, Nick. The woman baffles me. There is an obvious attraction there, yet despite everything, she keeps me at arm’s length.”

  “What are your intentions towards her?” Nick asked.

  This gave Richard pause and he realized he hadn’t really thought this out. “I want her, Nick. More than I’ve ever wanted any woman in my life.” The truth struck him, the words flowing from his mouth without conscious effort.

  “More than Irene?”

  “Yes. But, I also want to go back home, and I know I cannot take her with me. I can’t even tell her the truth.”

  “You could try. She may be more open to what you have to say than you think, even if it’s far-fetched. I know Angelina – she’d prefer that to lying.”

  “I agree. She is an honorable woman who’s been lied to in the past. I don’t want to lie to her. I want to be truthful, but I’m afraid it may be too much for her, and then I’d never see her again.”

  “When you go back, you’ll never see her again anyway. What do you have to lose?” Nick pointed out.

  “How do you tell someone you’re from the past and you’d like them to return to the sixteenth century with you?” What he needed was some sort of sign. Some divine intervention that would tell him it was all right to approach Angelina with the truth. Somehow, he doubted that was going happen. He hadn’t heard from Edna again, although he assumed she must have been keeping track of things somehow. He was frustrated with his situation, but knew he would have to let it go for now.