Tarnished Knight - By Bec McMaster Page 0,35
traditions. So without further ado--”
“Of course there’ll be further ado,” Honoria interrupted, “for we know you too well.”
Blade grinned at her. “’ere’s to the family.”
“Hear, hear,” the group around the table echoed.
Glasses clinked, plates were handed around and everyone set to eating.
“’ow is it?” Rip asked, easing one arm along the back of Esme’s chair.
“Delicious,” she replied with a sidelong glance as she tasted the goose. “Almost… succulent.”
His gaze heated as he nursed his wine glass in his hand, blood staining the clear glass. “That’s because I made sure you got the breast.”
“That used to be your favourite part,” she replied innocently, taking another bite of the goose. “A shame you no longer partake.”
“It still is me favourite part,” he murmured, his fingers stretching out and brushing the back of her neck. “And I do intend to partake. Most thoroughly.”
Leaning forward, he brought her fork to his lips and bit into a steaming piece of meat. “You’re right. It’s delicious.”
Esme pushed him away with a laugh, noting the sharp glance Blade threw her, his curiosity rampant. Honoria smuggled a smile at his side.
The afternoon passed by in a happy blur. The children cleared the plates and Rip made sure her glass was always full. Too full sometimes. She couldn’t stop smiling, especially as the presents were handed round. Rip’s gift proved to be a copy of a Gothic romance, and he smiled as he handed it to her, no doubt thinking of the necklace he’d given her.
Blade’s gifts were extravagant and drew gasps, though Lena’s gifts drew the most attention. She’d once apprenticed with a clockmaker and her skill with cogs and gears had created amazing clockwork toys for the children. Even Meggie came down to play with them, summoning the occasional smile as a little metal mouse dashed around the floor in circles. Esme drew the child into her lap and rested her chin against her hair, breathing in the sweet little-girl smell.
Blade eased next to her on the sofa, stretching out to tug at Meggie’s curls. The little girl clapped a hand to her head and looked up.
“Look what I found in your ‘air,” he said, holding out a paper-wrapped bonbon with feigned innocence.
Meggie took it with a smile and Blade directed her to a bowl of sweets on the table.
The second interrogation had arrived.
Esme lounged back on the sofa, watching him languidly.
“You look… ‘appy.”
“I am,” she replied. “This was a smashing idea, Blade.”
“Aye.” His gaze roved the room, watching everyone he ruled over with a certain proudness. “Thought we all deserved some cheer after the year we’ve ‘ad.” His gaze darkened. “The vampire cuttin’ Rip up… And ‘onoria, losin’ her father like that.”
Esme followed his gaze to where his wife curled sleepily in a chair. “She looks content.”
Blade’s smile softened – words enough. Then he turned and cut her a direct glance. “Considerin’ you ain’t stripped skin off me ‘ide for the other night, I take it the two o’ you’ve reconciled?”
Her gaze lowered to her wineglass. “Perhaps I’m merely plotting my revenge on you.”
“Do you remember,” he asked lightly, “when you stole ‘onor’s diaries? I believe the term I used then was meddlin’.”
“I would much prefer it if you didn’t,” she told him firmly.
Blade smiled, knowing he’d been forgiven. “Are you goin’ to tell me what’s goin’ on?”
“Rip and I have reached a compromise,” she replied, standing up. “And that is all I’m going to say.”
“You’re a devil, Esme.”
She shot him a smile as she crossed the room.
Hours later, the children began to drift upstairs to bed.
“I’m goin’ up too.” Rip stretched nonchalantly, his eyes meeting hers for just a second before he glanced away. That second was enough to scorch all the way through her.
Esme looked down into her cup of tea as he stood. She could feel Blade’s eyes on them both. She’d take her time in the kitchen, let Rip retire long before she snuck up the stairs herself. Putting aside her teacup, she nodded to him. “Have a good night’s sleep.”
His eyes twinkled. “I will.”
Sweeping into the kitchen, Esme listened to the sound of chatter behind her as she surveyed the mess. The tea had helped to clear her head, but she didn’t quite feel up to cleaning up.
Who cared if Blade saw her? Time to relax, to go to bed and perhaps see how far she could push her lover…
Still, old habits died hard and Esme took the pair of old milk bottles out to place by the arch in the