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No. No. NO! She was innocent and wonderful. She belonged in his arms, contoured against his body as if she were born to be there.
He rested his head against the metal railing and let out a heavy breath into the sultry night. He’d promised himself he would never disturb her dreams again, but he had to know if Sorrel was his sworn enemy. If she had the book that would break this god-awful curse. Flashes of Sorrel’s dead body made him squeeze his eyes shut. For him to be set free, she would have to die. But the world needed her. He needed her. Or did he? Was it all make-believe? Maybe his father was right, things were changing. Perhaps the curse had run its course and it was ready for the victor to claim its prize—freedom.
But how would he feel free knowing Sorrel no longer lived and breathed?
Damn it! He pounded his hand against the metal until it stung.
He crawled back into his bare-bones bedroom, staring at his undisturbed bed, wishing . . . wishing for things he had no right to. Either Sorrel was his sworn enemy, or she was exactly who he hoped she was and the best way to protect her would be for him to stay the hell away from her. Either way, he had to go to her one more time. He had to know the truth.
He lay on his bed, propped against his pillows. He closed his eyes and thought of Sorrel. The way she felt in his arms, her velvet skin. How she tasted like strawberries and hope. The sound of her soft, melodic voice. In no time he was in front of her pink door. It was left open a crack, as if she were waiting for him to come in. It made him even more confused. Why would she welcome him if she knew he was the enemy? He peeked in, and there she was as always, walking in the vineyard with a man. This time, though, he was able to get a closer look at him.
The man had dark hair, the color of Sorrel’s. He was hugging Sorrel and whispering in her ear. Eric had half a mind to march over to him and tell him to shove off; Sorrel was his. But he quickly reminded himself that he knew no matter who she really was, that could never be true. Instead, he waited for her on the edge of the vineyard and watched how lovingly Sorrel embraced the man, how she hesitated to let go. Then the man surprised him and caught Eric’s eye. His penetrating gaze seemed to bring Eric closer to the pair. The air around him got drier, and the sun beat down upon him.
“Don’t hurt her,” the man mouthed before he vanished. It was enough to startle Eric. He almost turned around to go, but then Sorrel called to him. Her face glowed in the rays of the sun. “Eric.” She ran his way, out of the vineyard and into a home he didn’t recognize. It was warm and inviting, with large windows and a stunning view of a mountain range with snowcapped peaks. “You’re finally here.” She wrapped her arms around him. When he hesitated to reciprocate, she leaned away, her eyes doe-like. “What’s wrong? Don’t you like this place?”
Eric looked more carefully at their surroundings. The neutral-toned furniture, while expensive, looked comfortable and inviting. And the large stone hearth had a mantel filled with pictures. Pictures of Eric and Sorrel, as if they had lived a lifetime together. He longed for them to be real.
Sorrel smiled. “The one in the middle is my favorite. It’s the day I became yours.”
The picture showed them on a rocky cliff overlooking a white sand beach. Eric was gazing adoringly at her. Sorrel’s hair was done up with pink flowers, and she wore a white, flowy gown. She was perfect. So this is what she dreamed of? Guilt filled him. Then he remembered she never allowed her picture to be taken, unless you counted her driver’s license. Why was that?
“Eric, something’s wrong. What is it?” She drew the attention back to her.
“Where are we, Sorrel?”
She took his hand and led him to the plush couch. She practically pushed him down before curling up on his lap and nestling into his chest. Before he could stop himself, he wrapped his arms around her. For a few seconds, all felt right in the world.
“We’re home. How could you forget?”
He hated to play along, but he knew he had to, to get to the truth. “Sorry, it’s been a long day.”
She sat up and gave him a toothy grin. “Well, I have some news that will make you feel better.” Before he could respond, she blurted, “I’m pregnant.” Tears filled her eyes.
