Blast!
Her favorite time of the day had now been ruined by four men—three of whom were present—all equally bewildering.
Chapter 7
Cassian woke later than usual and hurried to dress. Instead of making his tea and standing outside of the cottage, he had hoped to be at the manor so he could watch the sunrise with Samantha. Unfortunately, he missed the beginning, but that was not what irritated him when he found her. It was the fact that she was not alone.
Why the bloody hell were Simon, Ajax and Ares with her?
“Are the three of you just now getting home from the tavern or whatever else you did last night?”
“We were in all night,” Simon answered.
“We rose to watch the sunrise with Samantha.” Ajax grinned.
Had she asked them to join her?
What happened yesterday when he was not around?
Bloody hell!
His chest and stomach twisted with jealousy. He wanted to be the one watching the sunrise with Samantha, but of the four men in the garden, he was the least worthy of her. They were sons of lords and wealthy enough that they never had to enter into trade but could live well with few responsibilities.
He could offer her nothing.
The sun had nearly risen and the birds were getting louder. This was usually the most peaceful time of the day for Cassian but he was unable to enjoy it with Samantha because they were not alone.
“That was pleasurable,” Simon said.
“I, too, am glad I pulled myself away from the bed,” added Ajax.
“Far better than I anticipated,” Ares offered.
Samantha may think they were discussing the sunrise but Cassian knew better because they were looking at him as she stared out over the horizon.
“Does this mean you will be joining Samantha every morning?” Cassian asked with forced happiness. “I am certain she would enjoy the company.”
“It is nice to share the sunrise with others.” She sighed and then turned to them. “I am glad you each enjoyed it, and now I must take my stroll.”
“I would be happy to join you, Samantha,” Simon offered and Cassian grit his teeth.
“Thank you.” She smiled as she took his arm.
“Where to?” he asked and glanced back at Cassian.
“Along the paths in the Witches’ Garden. It is delightful as the flowers come awake with the day.”
Cassian stared at their backs as they wandered off.
“Does Simon want to court Samantha?” Cassian asked with what he hoped sounded like curiosity with no evidence of the jealousy burning a hole in his stomach. “Or, one of you?”
“We simply wanted to see the sunrise,” Ares shrugged.
“And to see if anyone else enjoyed it with her, or if they stayed in their cottage.”
“I was up earlier than normal and took a walk through the grove,” Cassian lied. They did not need to know the truth or he would never hear the end of it.
“Is that so?” Ajax asked as he crossed his arms over his chest.
