The Spark of a Feudling Read Online Free Page B

face.
    â€œShe’ll be fine, mother.” Christian patted her hand. “I’ll go look for her if you’d like.” And hopefully I’ll meet Ada along the way. Beg her to forgive me. He swallowed, hard, nearly choking himself on his want of her.
    Scarlett opened her mouth as if to say something, but instead the sadness in her eyes overwhelmed her and she brushed her palm against his face. “Thank you, Christian.”
    Christian turned and hurried out, glancing again up at Ada’s window. Still nothing. Heaving a disappointed sigh, he continued in to the main house, looking for Charity. “Excuse me, miss. Have you seen my sister?” he asked Mrs. Kent, the head maid.
    â€œShe’s still in a meeting.” Mrs. Kent sniffed, because household staff was far above speaking to the lowly grooms.
    Christian rolled his eyes. “Do you have any idea when she’ll be done?” Inexplicable worry for his sister knotted his stomach.
    â€œNo. Now off with you. I have work to do.”
    Christian turned to go, his head down like a kicked dog.
    â€œMr. Buttercroft.”
    At her sweet voice, his heart leaped, and he could feel her standing behind him. He spun, plastering a repentant look on his face. Ada glanced quickly at Mrs. Kent before taking his arm. “Walk with me.”
    Mrs. Kent watched them as they wandered away, but she had no reason to follow them so they were able to escape her hawk-like stare. Christian opened his mouth, ready to apologize, but she cut him off.
    â€œI’m sorry, Christian. I broke my promise.”
    â€œNo, Ada, I—”
    â€œAnd I’ve been thinking.” She lowered her voice, glancing over her shoulder to be sure there was no one within hearing distance. He watched the light catch her hair, turning the red streaks in it to sparkling flames. “My father has been acting suspiciously. I need to know for myself what’s going on.”
    Christian froze in his steps, bringing the appearance of their casual conversation to a halt with him. “What do you mean you have to know for yourself?” He knew Ada well. He memorized her, studying her every emotion like it was a lifeline. And he prayed that he was wrong when he knew exactly what she meant.
    â€œI must sneak out. There is bound to be retribution over this.” She waved her hand at the courtyard and frowned. “And I’m going to be in on that retribution.” At the stares of the staff, Ada pulled on his arm and they resumed their walk, out the front door and toward the garden. It was improper for them to walk alone, even in the daylight, but they’d been raised together and no one had ever given their relationship any thought. Except Christian. He’d given it much thought.
    â€œAda,” he said through clenched teeth. “You are not a trained warrior.” She opened her mouth to object but he put a finger to her lips, biting the inside of his cheek at their exquisite softness. “Even if you were a trained warrior, you are highly recognizable. And you would be targeted.” His hand trailed down her neck to the soft red and black curl that had escaped her chignon.
    Her eyes narrowed. “Then I’ll wear my cape. I’m going, Christian, with or without your help.” Those big brown eyes softened, pleading, “But I’d survive much better if I have you to heal me.”
    How could he say no? He would hate himself for this, he would hate himself for this for every second of the rest of his life, and all he could do is beg for a short one.
    â€œI will always be there to heal you, Ada. Always . Forever.”
    ****
    Christian was uncertain. Ada could tell even with all her planning that he still thought it was a bad idea. She muttered unintelligibly, kicking at her skirts. “It is a bad idea. I could die.” Somehow, her words had the opposite effect of their intent, and a thrill raced through her blood, like the