AllFreeNovel
Share Us
CHAPTER2
Christopher reread his brother’s last letter as he waited for Simon outside the tanner’s shop. He hadn’t wanted to stop so soon, but since neither of them had packed extra gloves, they’d had little choice when one of Simon’s gloves had torn just as they reached Groveton. Simon had promised to be quick as he bought extra pairs for both of them, plus anything else they might need for the trip ahead, but of course Simon only thought they might be trying to elude one of the king’s bumbling spies. He had no idea the man who’d been watching them might be Christopher’s mate.
As Christopher refolded the letter and tucked it away, he thought of Dash yet again. He’d never doubted that they were mates, but he had many doubts about them being right for each other. Those doubts melted away each time the man touched him, which was why he’d asked Dash not to do so without his permission. The highwayman’s ability to keep this promise during their last few encounters both impressed and confused Christopher. If such a passion-driven man could abide by that restriction, why couldn’t he change his way of life? If he cared enough to respect Christopher’s feelings, in addition to persisting in his courtship despite multiple rebuffs, why wasn’t he willing to compromise? Christopher didn’t feel like he was asking for much, and he didn’t think he was being naïve simply because he was young or because he was a prince. He knew many felt they had no other options for survival, but he also knew a man with Dash’s personality and cunning could succeed at anything he put his hand to. Being a highwayman was far from his only option. Dash could be a strong asset, if only he could commit to a new life. Renn would need charismatic and intelligent allies. Christopher knew his mate could prove capable and competent if put to the test, but Dash might turn into a liability if anyone found out the truth about him.
“You look so beautiful when you’re lost in thought.”
Christopher’s head jerked up when he heard the voice of the man he’d been thinking about. He cursed under his breath. He’d known better than to sit out in the open after what Simon had told him, but he’d hoped their stop wouldn’t take quite this long. He’d been so sure no one was following them, but Dash had years of experience staying hidden and sneaking up on people. Christopher pressed his lips together as he looked down into Dash’s dark eyes. The man flustered him, as always, and that put him on the defensive. “You’re out of luck today. Simon has all our coin with him inside, and I hear the tanner has an impressive sword and gun collection.”
“You know damn well I’m not here to rob you. I’m here to claim you, despite that snarky comment,” Dash said as he came forward and yanked Christopher off his horse.
Christopher opened his mouth to object, but he didn’t get a chance to make a sound as Dash drew him into a scandalous kiss. His feet barely touched the ground, and this forced him to press closer. The highwayman’s mouth crushed his, and Christopher opened to him with a moan that made his cheeks heat. He’d asked Dash not to touch him for this very reason—the moment they came together, every logical thought went flying out of Christopher’s head. All he could think about was spending the rest of his life by this man’s side. He struggled against Dash’s hold, yet somehow his arms ended up around the man’s neck.
When the kiss broke at last, Dash took him by the chin and tipped his head back, holding his gaze as they both tried to catch their breath. “I’m never going to give up unless you say you don’t have feelings for me, and we both know that’s not going to happen.” He backed up and took both of Christopher’s hands in his. “I’m doing all I can. I haven’t robbed a single person since we last saw each other, and I’m doing my best to return the items I still have.”
Christopher blinked in confusion. “Return them? How do you know where they came from? Who owned them?” He hadn’t asked Dash to do that, and it astonished him the idea had even occurred to the highwayman.
“I have a good memory, and some of the wanted posters have helpful details about the items. I’ve left packages on the doorsteps of constables. I even took a brooch back to one lady and left it on her tea service.”
“What?” Christopher asked, now even more confused.
“She had a very distinctive carriage, which was easy to spot, and she also had extremely lax servants at her home. Multiple open windows and unlocked doors were completely unattended. Three maids were loitering out back with some young men from the village. I doubt I’m the first to steal from that lady. I could’ve pocketed enough to last me for months, maybe years, but I didn’t lay a finger on any of it. I left the brooch and slipped out before I was seen.”
“I never asked you to return the items, but I’m glad you’re doing that.” He paused, thinking about what could’ve happened if the lady in question or one of her servants had seen him. “Though I do worry you’ll be caught. I hope you were wearing your mask.”
“I was,” Dash said, looking pleased. “So sweet that you care.”
You know I care—my lack of feelings isn’t the reason we parted.Instead of voicing that thought, he said, “I never said I wanted you to be caught. I said I wanted you to stop.”
“If I’m caught, I’ll tell the truth. If they don’t like what I have to say, I’ll throw myself on the mercy of the court and request they contact my mate, the most beloved of all the princes.”
Christopher’s stomach lurched. “You’d say that? In open court? In front of everyone?”
“Certainly would. It’s not a lie.”
“It’s not exactly the truth. We aren’t a couple.”
“Tell that to the man who kissed me two minutes ago.” Dash drew Christopher back into his arms. “He kissed me like he’d missed me very, very much. We may not be a couple, but you are my mate.”
Christopher started to reply but stopped himself, fixing his gaze on Dash’s chest. “Are you being serious?”
“About doing as you asked?”
“Yes.”
Dash nodded. “I am. Vena granted me a spirit mate with a kind, loving heart to go along with his sweet spirit and beautiful face. I was being a stubborn, resentful fool. I didn’t like being preached to by someone so young. Finding out who you were only made it more annoying.” He took Christopher’s face in his hands. “But it was stupid of me to act that way while I was asking you to love me despite your objections to my lifestyle. I should’ve loved you for who you are inside and not let my preconceptions deter me, and that’s what I intend to do, if you’ll give me another chance.”
“We can’t settle this in one conversation,” Christopher said as he tried to back away.
Dash’s arms went around his waist. “I know we can’t, but I’m asking you not to run away again.” He dipped his head down and nuzzled Christopher’s neck before biting his earlobe. “I’ll keep chasing you. Forever.”
Christopher arched against Dash before he could stop himself, and Dash took that as encouragement and started kissing his neck.
“What is going on here?” Simon said.
Christopher jumped out of Dash’s arms as Simon came barreling around the horses, his short sword raised and pointed at Dash. Christopher reached out and pushed the tip of Simon’s sword down. “Is this the man you saw in Gateshead?” Christopher asked.
Simon nodded. “Yes, it is. Now, tell me what’s going on.”
