He had felt strangely betrayed by her. Abandoned. Although he knew logically she’d had no choice, his heart had known nothing of logic.
So once he’d turned sixteen, he left the family and traveled -- partly to escape his pain, partly to understand the universe around him. In that universe, he’d found new experiences, new worlds, and excitement beyond measure. What he hadn’t found was love, nor anything that could replace the sense of belonging that he felt when he was with his family.
Returning to this place now, after all these years, still prodded him with painful memories, but they were dulled. He intended to dredge up the happy memories and heap them on top. To embrace his family and move forward with his life.
To finally heal the wounds.
The women had arranged a wonderful feast to welcome Keern. He spent the evening in the glow of warm family conversation.
As the hour grew late and the fire warmed his outside while the wine warmed his insides, his thoughts turned back to Shena. Another painful memory.
He’d never
see her again, if fate was kind, but somehow he knew he’d never forget her. He remembered the sweet scent of her hair, the softness of her skin, the delicate taste of her body.
“That is my wife’s favorite goblet, so I think I shall retrieve it from you before you snap it in two.”
At Will’s words, Keern shifted his gaze from the fire to the glass he held, his hand clenched tightly around it. He allowed Will to take it and set it gently on the rough wood table in front of him.
Will settled in the chair beside him. “Where were your thoughts, brother?”
“On a woman.”
Will chuckled. “I see. Anyone in particular?”
Keern scowled. “Do you know Shena Wakefield?”
Chapter Four
Will’s brows rose. “Wakefield, eh? I know Henry Wakefield has a daughter.” He swirled the wine in his goblet.
“That’s right,” Jordan chimed in. “In her twenties. Pretty thing, from what I’ve heard, but he pretty much keeps her under wraps. Planning to make a profitable marriage, I’ll wager.”
“How do you know of her?” Will asked.
“I stopped for water at Sersa’s pond, and I saw her there.”
The memory of her naked, glistening body flashed into his mind. Need pulsed through him, impossible to ignore. His jaw clenched.
“She obviously had an effect on you.”
Keern’s glance darted to Will, but relaxed at his brother’s amused expression.
“The woman is lovely to look upon, but she has the disposition of a devil,” Keern responded.
“That’s a Wakefield, all right.” Jenna poured more wine in his goblet and sat down across from him.
“The father’s a mean one,” Helena chimed in. “He treats his servants more like slaves, and we’ve heard of terrible cruelties.”
“Plus, he hates us,” Will added.
Keern glanced across at him. “Why?”
“Because he wants our land,” Jordan answered. “He’d love any excuse to wipe us off the face of the planet. But he knows the other landowners would band against him. He’s got far too hungry an eye as it is.”
“He’s always been hungry for land, ’tis true,” Helena said. “But you know, the reason he hates us is more personal. His wife used to come here a lot, needin’ to get away from his foul moods. Theirs was an arranged marriage, you know?”
“That’s right.” Jenna poured some more wine, then sat down beside Will. “The rumor is, he fell in love with her at first sight, and his father, who gave his son anything he asked for, arranged the marriage. Young Wakefield must have believed the woman would fall madly in love with him, but in truth, he frightened her with his aggressive ways.”