Echoes and Embers (Rebel Angels) by Cyndi Friberg

the forest would be so cold when she gave Danny her mantle. “I’m not spending three years under the guardianship of…” Even in her anger, Rosalind couldn’t speak the words. She owed Alyssa a great debt. Alyssa had appeared at the blackest moment in Rosalind’s life, giving her hope, helping her beyond the consuming grief. But her friend, her mentor, her confidante slipped further into madness every day. “I can’t watch it happen. It’s breaking my heart.”
    He took the tea from her and cupped her fingers between his palms. “What is this about? What has you so upset?”
    Attracted by the strength of his powerful body and the affection in his leaf-green eyes, Rosalind moved closer. She rested her head on his shoulder. Time paused as she waited for his arms to close around her. The gentle pressure came at last and she sighed.
    “Alyssa is losing her mind,” she whispered against his chest. “I’ve tried to ignore the signs, to convince myself it isn’t true, but she grows more confused with each passing day.”
    Ray eased her away and looked into her eyes. “You’re serious? Lady Alyssa’s behavior has been unusual?”
    “Alyssa has always been unusual, but lately… No, it began clear back at court.”
    “Court can make anyone act erratically.”
    Alyssa cocked one of her eyebrows in speculation. “You say that as if you’ve been there.” So many things about Ray were inconsistent. From the moment she’d met him at summer’s end, she suspected there was more to her mysterious gamekeeper than he was willing to share. His speech was too refined, his clothing too costly for the menial occupation he had accepted.
    Monthamn’s steward frequently hired workers without Rosalind’s specific approval. It was the steward’s responsibility to see to such matters. Still, Ray fascinated Rosalind. She sensed secrets in his past, something elusive and dangerous.
    “You have a vivid imagination.” He stroked his fingertip along the side of her face then stepped away. “Tell me about Lady Alyssa.”
    Disappointed by his willingness to end their embrace, Rosalind hesitated. Had she been wrong to come here? She studied him for a moment. Sunlight revealed gold tones in his thick brown hair. Even now his gaze caressed her. She hadn’t missed the way his hand lingered against her skin or the tension in his expression as he released her. Her plan was sound. Ray wanted her.
    “Alyssa has always had a tendency to embellish, but at court it was as if she truly believed her wild tales. Each time we were introduced to someone new she had a different accounting of her past. I thought it some sort of game, but when I asked her about it, she couldn’t remember anything but her latest story. It frightened me terribly.”
    “You returned from court before harvest began. Why the upset now? What brings you here this morning?”
    She grasped the ends of her trailing sleeves and met his gaze directly. “You. I want you to wed with me.” A smile slowly bowed his lips and tenderness filled his gaze. Her heart fluttered wildly and the secret place between her thighs ached as never before.
    Take me in your arms. Kiss me senseless. Say you’ve dreamed of this day forever.
    Silence stretched between them. She fidgeted, willing him to speak. Finally she averted her gaze. “Say something.”
    “Oh, sweet Rosalind, I’m flattered that you would even consider me, but it would never be allowed. You will wed a great lord, an earl at least. I’m your gamekeeper.”
    Her heart pounded and she returned her gaze to his handsome face. “Are your affections engaged elsewhere? I’ve seen how you look at me. I know you have feelings for me.”
    “You’re as fresh and lovely as any man could desire. But you are meant for grander things than me. You shouldn’t even be here. If Lady Alyssa realized you—”
    She threw herself into his arms, molding her breasts against his chest and stretching to her toes. Pressing her lips to his,