AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Law?” Nikita finished as she slowly approached with Oriana in tow. She cupped Hannah’s face. “You, my dear, are the most skilled archer this island has ever seen. I know how much you love it here. How much this island means to you.If there is a woman who has captured your interest more than this land, I am fascinated.” She took the golden bracers from Oriana and motioned for Hannah to extend her arms. “You are a cupid, my dear. A giver of love,” she said as she gently fastened the cuffs back on Hannah’s arms. “How can one who gives so much to so many not be given a shot at her own love?” Nikita held Hannah’s wrists and searched her eyes. “Bring your lover to me, and then we shall see about the law.”
“Nikita,” Oriana grumbled as she stepped forward. “I strongly disagree with—”
Nikita held up a hand again. “I know the pain still lives within you, Oriana, as does mine. We both have suffered a great loss. But I have spoken, and I have my reasons. Bring her,” Nikita said as she nodded to Hannah.
Hannah dropped to a knee and gently cupped Nikita’s hands in hers. “Thank you,” she said. “Thank you,” she repeated as adrenaline surged through her, and her mind raced with all the favorable outcomes that could unfold from this gesture. “I shall return.” She stood, and as she exited the room, another rush of exhilaration came over her, and she jumped, slapped the top of the door frame, and let out an excited squeal. She had just been given the opportunity to bring Payson to her world and introduce her to everyone who was important to her. She was Hannah, best cupid on Archer Island, and maybe…just maybe, she could addand lover to Paysonto that title.
“Hannah!” Oriana barked.
“Sorry about that.” Hannah froze, bowed her head, and waited to be scolded.
Nikita chuckled. “My dear, I expected nothing less from you.”
Hannah smiled, bolted from the castle, and ran to Bella. She wrapped her arms around her neck and let loose the emotions that had welled inside her. Bella held a piece of her heart that shedidn’t want to let go of, and now, maybe she wouldn’t have to. The law was still the law, but the fact that Nikita had suggested she was considering reviewing it gave her hope. “Meet me at the cottage in a few minutes,” she whispered in Bella’s ear, took a few steps back, and touched her one cuff.
A blink later, she was standing in her old cubicle at the TV station in Las Vegas. She shuddered as she took a moment to glance around the room. The police scanner was loudly squawking in the background, workers were scampering about, and Jason was in his office on another animated phone call. The place gave her the heebie-jeebies.
“Payson,” she said. “Payson.”
Payson glanced over her shoulder. “Holy shit. Hannah, what are you doing here? I thought we agreed to meet after the show.”
Hannah extended her arm. “Come with me.”
“You know I don’t have time to go out right now. I’m in the middle of stacking the newscast.”
“I know you don’t believe who I am, so I’m taking you to my home to see for yourself a place that is more beautiful than any brochure.” She closed the gap between them. “I spoke to our queen about you, and she has requested a meeting.”
“Queen?” Payson snorted. “Hannah, I don’t have time for theatrics. I have a show to write, and I’m way behind as it is. Can’t all this just wait until we have dinner tonight? Then you can tell me all about—”
Hannah wrapped her arms around Payson’s waist.
“What are…what are you doing?” Payson squirmed a bit.
“I’m going to make a believer out of you.”
“Hannah, I really don’t think this is the time or—”
Hannah touched her bracer, and a blink later, they were standing in front of her cottage.
Payson spun in a circle. “Where are we? And how did you just…” Her words trailed off as Tucker came bounding out ofthe door wagging his tail. “Tucker?” She kneeled to a face full of puppy kisses. “I don’t understand.” She looked to Hannah with frightened eyes. “Seriously, Hannah.” She stood. “Where are we? What just happened?”
Hannah gently rubbed a hand down Payson’s back. “Don’t be scared. We’re on Archer Island. This is my home,” she said with pride.
“But we were just in the newsroom, and I need to finish stacking the rundown. Jason’s probably…” Payson began to hyperventilate. “I need to…” She bent forward and placed her hands on her knees. “I need to check in with the reporters and rewrite some of the AP stories…and make sure production knows…”
“Payson,” Hannah stepped in front of her. “Listen to me…just listen to me. Take a breath, calm down, and close your eyes.”
“I don’t want to calm down,” Payson said with bite as she stood. “I want to know what the hell is going on.”
“Payson,” Hannah said in a soft voice. “Please, just close your eyes and take a couple of deep breaths.”
Payson glared as her eyes remained wild and searching. “I don’t want to close my eyes. I want to know what is happening?”
“Payson, just please—”
“I think I’m going to throw up.” She placed her hand on her chest as she began wheezing.
“Payson…Payson. Please, listen to me. Close your eyes,” Hannah pleaded. “Please, just trust me.”
