Page 169 of Reign

I froze, but my thoughts were moving quicker than the wings of a kingfisher.

Just as I was about to say it out loud, I realized how ridiculous it sounded.

A breathy laugh escaped me at the idea of common Jane bearing the same blood as Avice—yet there was something about her. Though she acted lowly, she looked anything but ordinary. Put Jane in a lavish gown and headpiece, and she’d look every part the daughter of a lord.

When I thought about it, she looked just how I’d imagine Elizebeth’s daughter: thick auburn hair, rosy lips and cheeks, and a womanly frame.

I supposed, in many ways, Jane was Avice’s double.

Bash snorted, and I glanced his way as he leaned toward Fletcher.

“If I recall correctly, it was your thieving hands, cousin, that pried that locket from Jane’s unsuspecting neck in the first place,” he muttered under his breath.

Fletcher straightened abruptly, then turned to me with an outstretched hand. “Oh, right. Give it back.”

I clutched the locket—now concealing Bash’s forget-me-nots—tight against my chest. “Never. It’s my most cherished possession.”

A thought niggled in the back of my mind; maybe it was Jane’s, too.

Fletcher huffed in defeat and retreated toward the bar, seeking a different opponent for a card game.

Bash reached for me once more, and I was completely distracted—no longer questioning Jane’s lineage, only focused on taking his hand without interruption.

His fingers threaded gently through mine as I held on tight.

For a moment, I savored the warmth of his hand entwined with mine.

Then, a craving consumed me, and with a blushing smile, I leaned closer and whispered, “I want to kiss you.”

“Come here,” he murmured, tugging at my hand and casting a suggestive glance toward his lap, as if inviting me to perch there.

I quickly scanned the chamber, aware that every pair of eyes would undoubtedly notice.

Bash chuckled as though he could read my thoughts. “You think these lot are going to pass judgment on us?”

He was right—no one here would care.

I rose from my seat and settled onto Bash’s lap. As I leaned toward him, his arms encircled my waist, drawing me in. His gaze flickered between my eyes and my mouth as he closed the distance between us. At last, we kissed. Each time our lips touched I felt a buzzing inside of me, like my belly was a hive. Hidden within my cloak, Bash’s hands found their way beneath my tunic. He lightly traced his fingertips along my back; his touch was gentle, teasing. I sighed into Bash’s embrace, savoring the tenderness of his caresses.

Then, a moment later, he moved his hand to rest on my thigh.

“Don’t stop, it feels nice,” I whispered, breaking away from his mouth just long enough to let the words escape.

Bash let out a breathy chuckle as he resumed stroking me.

“Get a chamber!” Fletcher cackled.

The enjoyment vanished instantly as I became aware of unwelcome eyes upon us. I pulled back, turning my gaze toward the bar.

Bash laughed, clearly amused by Fletcher’s remark, but I wasn’t. I fixed him with my sharpest glare as he flashed his two bow-drawing fingers at me in a crude gesture.

As I scanned the Anchor, I realized Fletcher wasn’t the only one watching us—the entire chamber looked our way. Jane and Emma exchanged giddy glances, their excitement plain to see, though it only served to deepen my embarrassment. Even Billy was staring, his expression a mixture of confusion and curiosity, likely because he believed I was betrothed to Fitzroy.

Heat flared in my cheeks, and I rose abruptly.

“I’m fetching another ale,” I muttered, making for the bar.

As I poured a pint from the keg, Emma appeared beside me, placing a gentle hand on my shoulder. “Would you like to stay in my chamber tonight?” she asked, giving my arm a soft squeeze.