Wild Heart (31 page)

“The ring,” he said. “When he wears it or it’s on his person, it protects him from unseen power.”

Her brows furrowed. It made sense, she supposed. “At times, my necklace would warm. Was it reacting to his ring?”

Colin frowned. “I suppose. There’s so much I don’t know.”

Ella nodded and held out the book. “This may help.”

Archie sucked in a breath. She noticed his hands were trembling slightly when he took the journal. “Where’d you find it?”

“It was Henry’s.”

“I’ve seen drawings, heard of the book, but never seen one. Do you realize what you have? What this could do?”

But Ella didn’t care about the necklace, the statues, the power. All she cared about was Leo. “And Uncle Archie had powers?”

“Of course, where do you think we got ours? Many times they’re passed down.”

Ella nodded. They fell silent and glanced at each other awkwardly.

“I tried to find you, Ella. Father wanted to bring you to America, but he never had the opportunity.”

“Where…where’d he die?”

He shrugged. “In India, I suppose.”

She bit her lower lip to keep from feeling anything but the pain. She’d been alone, so alone and scared.

“I wasn’t there to protect you. But I will be now. I promise.”

Before she could prepare herself, he pulled her into a quick hug. Just as quickly as he had pulled her forward, he stepped back, his face flushed. She found his honesty refreshing and his embarrassment endearing. He was family. Her family. She was no longer alone.

He offered her his arm. “Come, they’re waiting in the back garden.”

“Waiting? Waiting for what?”

He smiled down at her. “You’ll see.”

He took her arm and led her through the kitchen. “Ready, Ella?”

She frowned, confused by his words. “I suppose.”

“You don’t have to, you know. Just say the word and I’ll sweep you out of here.”

She had no idea how to respond to his confusing words and so she said nothing. He pushed the door wide, and Ella was caught unprepared by the soft glow of candles twinkling in the twilight. A fairyland at her feet.

Charlie brushed passed her and plopped down on the grass near Fran. The fragrant scent of flowers hovered in the air while a trail of pink rose petals curved through the grass. Her gaze followed that trail to the middle of the garden. There, under an arbor of flowers, stood Leo and a man dressed in black. A vicar, she realized, her heart skipping a beat. Confused, her gaze sought out Fran, who stood with a handkerchief pressed to her lips and Akshay grinning at her side.

Fear, panic, and amazement fought for control. “Colin, what’s happening?”

As if sensing her presence, Leo turned, and heat swept through her body at his mere gaze. He came toward her, his black jacket formed perfectly over his broad shoulders. When he reached her, Ella swayed, suddenly overwhelmed by his presence.

She was barely aware when Colin walked toward the small group, leaving them alone. The candlelight flickered over Leo’s face, highlighting the hard planes, and she could only stand there and stare at him, glowing in warmth, in love.

He reached out and took her hands. “Ella,” he whispered. “Marry me.”

“You don’t have to do this. I’ll come with you either way.”

He stepped closer to her, his eyes gleaming with sincerity. “I want you in my life…forever.”

She took her lower lip between her teeth and peered into his eyes, trying to discern the truth. Did he only wish to marry because he felt a sense of duty?

“This is the only possession I have left from my father.” He held up his hand, the emerald sparkling in the candlelight. “You know how important it is. I want you to have it—”

“No,” she rushed out, pressing her hands atop of his to keep the ring in place. For the first time, she didn’t want to pry. She didn’t want to invade his mind and feelings.

“I know, Ella;
I
know the ring blocks my emotions. I know you can read me.”

Her face heated, and she averted her gaze, ashamed as if she’d been caught spying.

His finger slipped under her chin, and he tilted her head, forcing her to meet his eyes. “I have nothing to hide. I will never have anything to hide from you.”

He tugged the ring from his finger, and a rush of warmth…of tenderness…of love swept through her, making her knees weak. Tears sprung to her eyes, and she threw herself into his arms. Nothing mattered, not her insecurities, not her questions, not the evil that lurked in the background threatening danger. Nothing mattered but their love. She knew, in that instant—she knew that everything would be fine.

She slid her fingers into his hair, the locks falling loose from the leather tie and framing his ruggedly handsome face. “I love you, Leo, I do.”

“I know,” he whispered against her lips. “I know.”