Victor remembers the sounds and smells of war. People screaming, explosions and decay. Experiencing death like that changes a person, leaving them a shell of what they once were. “I remember, Summer. It will fade with time, I promise.”
“Will it? I can’t stop thinking about it.”
“Then stop thinking and just feel!” His mouth takes hers demanding everything. When she moans and wraps her arms around his waist, he nearly groans. He tastes the warm, moist heat of her mouth as she parts her lips and his tongue sweeps inside to dance with hers.
Something bursts inside her the moment Victor’s mouth touches her, something powerful. A longing for more! Victor’s mouth is hot, his lips grow more demanding, and she forgets everything, except the passion between them.
Victor meant to keep the kiss simple to soothe her, but she tastes like lemon and coffee and feels so right in his arms. His hand grasps the back of her neck slipping into her soft hair, and her curls wrap his fingers as though claiming him. The kiss changes instantly from tender to intense, scorching, desire. Victor growls low in his throat, and his hands drop to her hips, lifting her against him, never breaking their connection. Desire floods through Summer’s soul, igniting a fiery longing in her belly.
When he stops the kiss abruptly, drawing back, she moans in frustration. They stare at each other in shock and he slowly, torturously, lowers her feet to the ground before releasing her. Victor steps back, and the only sound is their shared heavy breathing, until she whispers, “Is it always like that?”
“Hell no!” It takes all his willpower to step away from her and not throw her on the bed and take her.
Summer’s smile is brilliant. “That’s good. I don’t believe you should kiss me anymore, Victor. It isn’t safe.”
“I think you have a point, but I am growing rather fond of your taste.” He steps towards her, and she finds her feet moving toward him of their own accord. A knock on the cracked door has them leaping apart.
Mrs. Evert announces herself, “Hello. Don’t mind me, I am just here to clear out the dishes. Jonah is tucked in for the night, sir. He is waiting for you both to wish him good night. If that is all, I’ll be leaving for the night.”
“Thank you for a lovely meal, Mrs. Evert,” Summer stammers out.
“Shall we?” Victor asks and leads the way to Jonah’s room.
Jonah is swinging his sword wildly around the room when they knock. He leaps into bed and smiles when they enter together. “Did you come to read me a story?” He asks with a hopeful look in his eye.
“Not tonight, son. It's late, and you should be asleep already.” He kisses his forehead and watches her sit beside him on the bed.
“Are you ready for your journey, then?” Summer asks with a glimmer in her eye.
“What journey?” Jonah demands.
“I told you this is a magic sword and tonight you will find out exactly how magical. When you tuck it close, it will take you on any journey your heart desires?” Victor listens and smiles. This is what his son has been missing, the magic of childhood. What a blind fool he has been!
“I wanna be a pirate and sail on the sea, matey!” Jonah says with his best pirate accent.
“Well, I happen to know that this sword once was known as the Sword of Legions. Many knights, pirates and kings wanted it for themselves because of the power it possesses.”
“The Sword of Legions,” Jonah whispers with huge eyes. “What power?” He asks.
“The power to control the mind of any who looks upon it. The bearer just points and instantly they are under the spell. Tomorrow, I shall tell you the story of The Princess and the Pirate,” she promises and kisses his forehead.
Jonah stares at her with adoration, “Okay. Good night.”
Victor kisses his son unable to speak for the moment. He is fascinated by her power to weave magic into everyday life, and she doesn't even know her own talent. At that moment Victor becomes aware of what he has been missing in his life, passion, and magic. Summer is a dream that he’s not willing to let go. In the words of his son, he's going to keep her! He smiles as he guides her back to her room.
Summer attempts to stop him at the door, but he smiles at her and side steps. “We have a conversation to finish. I promise to keep my distance from you; for now,” he laughs softly and walks into her room. To his delight, Mrs. Evert has removed the dinner service and left his brandy decanter and glass. She will be receiving a bonus in her check. He pours himself a small glass and turns back to face her.
“We were discussing our travel arrangements. I find that I agree with your assessment of the train. It would be best if we did not travel through Boston. We will travel by carriage.” He sits on the sofa and waits for her to join him. “It will entail a six or seven-day journey and camping if the weather is right. I find the idea holds immense appeal. Jonah has never been camping. Does that make you feel better?”
“Yes, it does. I don’t mean to be difficult, consider it a necessary precaution to protect your son. Children fade so quickly with this disease.” Summer looks away, thinking back and his hand grips hers. She curls hers around his large hand and wonders at the way it feels. How can his touch bring such peace?
“Can you just up and leave your work like that?” Summer
