Isabelle didn’t ask him what had changed his inhibition toward her, and neither spoke of it then. Gavin kept backing up and pulling her with him until his body rested against the wall. His arms wrapped around her waist as she leaned against him and he gathered her even closer. They stood facing the library doors. He had closed his eyes, and sensed Isabelle had done the same. They had remained that way the entire time, silently enjoying the embrace that each of them had only dreamed of.

“You owe me no apology, Gavin,” she whispered, bringing him out of his reverie while continuing to stare at him.

“I can offer you nothing, Bella.” He all but choked on the words.

She reached for the lock of hair that had fallen to the side of his face, stroking it between her fingers before brushing it back. “You’ve more value than you know, Gavin,” she whispered.

Then she turned and walked slowly back to her room.

Chapter 10

As adjustments go, it could’ve been a lot worse.

But truthfully, it wasn’t that bad.

Gwen found a place among Greylen’s family in the long days that followed. She fell easily into a routine and truly enjoyed herself in this place she now called her home. And though she battled endlessly with Gavin, she was grateful for the bond they had formed.

She awoke early every morning and later had breakfast in the great hall with Isabelle and Lady Madelyn. She acquainted herself with Greylen’s men-at-arms and though she liked them all, it was Gavin with whom she felt most comfortable. After that first night he’d stayed in her chamber, as it was now referred to, he changed his rotation of duties. He slept after dawn and saw to his duties in the afternoon. Then he would resume her guard after their evening meal.

No one ever mentioned that she, Isabelle, or Gavin ate lightly at supper. For now, they enjoyed the habit of sneaking to the kitchen when everyone retired. Gwen made wonderful meals late every night, and they sat around the center island of the kitchen, always holding hands before speaking of something that they were thankful for.

She hadn’t seen Gavin approach Isabelle again. Instead he stole looks at her when he thought no one watched. Sometimes when they retired to Gwen’s chamber, she and Gavin would sit by the fire and talk quietly, while other times they didn’t speak at all. Gwen knew they relished the time they spent together, each it seemed for different reasons. Yet there seemed no mistaking they shared a common bond: contentedness.