Echo (Book 3 of "The Whispers of Rings")

By Catherine LaCroix

Realizing Josselyn's only option for survival is escape, she finds confidence in an unlikely companion. While revisiting painful memories, they discover hidden truths about each other that will draw them closer together.

~~~~~ Excerpt ~~~~~

“I appreciate your concern, but I’ll be fine on my own.” Adrien leaving was my chance to escape the estate and search for Cyprus. I couldn’t waste such an opportunity. Relief humored my words. “Will you be alright on your own?”

“I did consider taking you with me. It’s going to be very lonely without you.” He reached across the table for my hand. I entwined my fingers with his. “However, there’s been rumors of bandits on these roads and I can’t risk your safety.”

“That’s kind of you.” I smiled. I wondered what the real reason was. “You’ll be safe, won’t you?”

“The time will pass before you know it.” He kissed the top of my hand. I wanted to pull away.

“When do you leave?”

“In the morning at first light, I’m afraid.” He sighed. “I wish I had more notice. But I can’t pass up such a good opportunity.”

I’d asked Adrien about his work in the past, and he’d explained to me that the finer details were extraordinarily complicated. Essentially, he imported expensive goods from one city to the next throughout Rhoryn so they may be in the hands of nobles faster than any courier. During my time with him, he’d only received one other summons and he was gone for a handful of days.

“Why don’t we go to the tavern and enjoy your last night here, then?” I needed the fresh air. And gods knew I needed the wine.

“That sounds like a wonderful idea.” He tipped his glass toward me. “Let’s be off.”

• Language: English
• Publisher: Boruma Publishing, LLC
• Release date: Sep 25, 2016
• ISBN: 9781370365937

Catherine LaCroix

After spending time as a musician, caterer and wine connoisseur, I've returned to my true love in life- the written word. I adore painting worlds filled with lush environments, deep characters and sensual romance. Whether it's hundreds of years in the future, or a thousand years in the past, I love to take my readers on fantastic journeys that will leave them begging for more.

Book preview

Book Three of The Whispers of Rings

Echo

Written by Catherine LaCroix

Artwork by Marlena Mozgawa

Other Books in this Series:

Whisper

Promise

Copyright 2016 Catherine LaCroix

-- All Characters Depicted are Over 18 --

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I

I had to escape Adrien Markov’s estate. There were so many questions that remained unanswered in both Valford as well as Anastas, but I would never find them under Adrien’s careful supervision.

Sleep had evaded me that night; I’d kept the fire stoked and thumbed through my book of fairy tales. Each story of fearsome dragons, valiant knights, and powerful magic was read to me in Victoria’s gentle voice. They eased my aching chest and brought substance to the holes filling my heart. The sun was already risen when there was a knock on my door.

Josselyn, may I come in? Adrien’s satin voice carried easily across the door.

Images of the previous evening played through my head in perfect clarity. The trail of clothing strewn across the floor. Isabelle’s naked back toward me, her hips moving with Adrien’s, his hands on her sides. I need you, Isabelle. Feelings I managed to stifle with my book of stories returned, pulling the air from my lungs. My emotions were torn to shreds. I felt awful for my anger with Adrien- his act of betrayal was a mirror to my own with Cyprus. However, Adrien had assured me there was nothing between he and Isabelle. Catching them in bed together…it painted a different picture.

Adrien jostled the door handle but the lock held firm.

Josselyn?

Leave me alone,