A Beautiful Knight (The Cursed Kingdom #2)

Chapter 2

Chapter Two

S abrina frowned at the website on the laptop screen, her mind awhirl. It was extremely difficult to remain immune to Gavin, whether he promised he wouldn’t use his power of seduction on her or not,

According to Tristan, Gavin had been enraged that, while the others were given strength, magic, healing and foresight, he’d gotten an utterly useless power.

Perhaps it had been useless in the alter-world, but here in the real one, he could definitely benefit from it. Although with his looks, he didn’t need magic to seduce women.

In fact, it could prove detrimental to their quest for his freedom if she went all gaga over him and was unable to think straight. It was best that she take precautions from now on and ward herself against it.

He’d said he wouldn’t use his powers on her, but desperate measures called for the breaking of promises. Understandably after decades he might resort to all manner of things to be free.

Despite the urgency of the situation, Gavin didn’t give her the impression he was desperate to be rescued. Whether tapping into instinct, having a premonition, or whatever, Sabrina was positive there was something he was not revealing, perhaps a reason that made him reluctant to reveal how to break his curse.

Perhaps it was just the instinct to protect himself from disappointment. It was understandable after so long that the men would expect something bad to happen that would rob them of the opportunity of leaving, so they guarded themselves. Sabrina’s chest constricted at considering the unimaginable horrors they’d been through, not just physically, but mentally as well.

She adjusted herself on the plush chair and continued the internet searches on Clan Campbell. Since beginning her work at the McRainey estate, she’d found the library to be the most comfortable place to work. She spent hours there reading and researching similar cases, including Tristan’s. For the most part, she’d only received a scant few replies to inquiries into people involved.

It was a frustrating and slow process, but she was doggedly determined to see the project to the end. If nothing else, it was proving to be the strangest and most unforgettable experience of her life.

His was the largest clan, which seemed to have split several times into smaller groups. Finding a specific Campbell lineage in Scotland was akin to finding one for a Smith in the US. She needed more information; names of his siblings would have helped.

As part of the research, she’d visited Castle Campbell once already, losing herself in the rich history of Clan Campbell. Her excitement had turned into being overwhelmed by so much information about the Campbells, the many divisions of the clan and conflicting historical data.

She’d left the trip with a headache and armfuls of books and maps.

When Gavin returned, she would be more dogged in her questioning of him. Her gut told her that whatever the obstacle was, it was something very personal to Gavin. If he was keeping something back, it wasn’t fair to her or the others.

Another stumbling block was the spell she was working on. Upon coming to Scotland to help Gwen with Tristan, words had come to her immediately. At first, she’d thought it had to do with Tristan and Gwen, but their spell was totally different.

Closing her eyes, she slowed her breathing and concentrated on keeping her mind blank to allow for the right words to formulate. Once again, the same spell formed, and she spoke the words out loud while thinking of Gavin.

It was almost ridiculous to conjure him without a mental image, no description could ever compete with the man in person. Even thinking it sounded ridiculous, but he was the most beautiful person she’d ever seen.

As a fashion photographer, Sabrina had worked with some of the most attractive humans in the world. None could compare to Gavin Campbell.

Before meeting him, Tristan had told them of how he’d caused all types of incidents wherever he went. Wives leaving their husbands, just for the opportunity to be with him, even if just one time; troubadours singing of the ‘Fair Campbell’, and the fact that during his time, being called Gavin-like was an expression of the highest compliment to a woman’s beauty.

Ever skeptical and thinking it an exaggeration, she was struck speechless upon seeing Gavin for the first time. They were not exaggerations.

He seemed flawless.

Even with her trained eyes, accustomed to seeing the world’s most beautiful people, she was struck speechless.

The Highlander was tall, golden and drop dead gorgeous. Every single thing about him was impeccable. Luscious golden hair accentuated long-lashed amber eyes, lush lips and sculptured jawline. Then there was his build, about six-three, broad shoulders, broad chest, muscular legs and taut ass. His voice was rich like chocolate and, of course, when he grimaced or smiled, deep dimples formed.

He did have one flaw. The man was a klutz. Sabrina smiled, shaking her head, recalling him not only landing on her, but tripping over things when he’d appeared before.

A perfect example of God’s sense of humor at play.

“What the hell was all that ruckus?” Fiona, Tristan’s cousin, stood at the doorway, her long brown hair pulled back into a ponytail, a yoga mat rolled under her arm. “I had to start my entire yoga routine over. My peace was demolished.”

Sabrina stopped her involuntary eyeroll. “I tripped over my footstool earlier,” she lied.

“For a simple stumble, sure was a lot of noise,” Fiona insisted, ensuring Sabrina understood how disruptive she’d been. The twenty-year-old walked into the library, looking up at the bookshelves.

“I’ve never been in this room. All those books are probably crawling with dust and mold spores.” She wrinkled her nose and shuddered, scurrying back towards the door. “My allergies cannot handle it. Well, I’m off to change into riding clothes and then head to the stables.”

“As if I care,” Sabrina mumbled after Tristan’s cousin walked out. Edith McRainey had apologized profusely to Tristan and Gwen when informing them of Fiona’s upcoming visit, describing her as a bit spoiled.

An understatement of epic proportions.

Fiona had arrived two days later, expecting her luggage to be unpacked, her clothing pressed and put away and ordering about the two new staff members, hired specifically for her visit, huffing if they moved slower than she expected.

After brief introductions to Tristan, Gwen and Sabrina, she announced her desire to head to the stables immediately where she’d meet her trainer. Apparently, she was a competitive rider of sorts, who’d convinced Edith to allow her to not only house her two horses at the estate stables, but to also to allow her and her trainer to live on the estate while she trained for two weeks, prior to her competition.

At the time, Tristan was still trapped in the enchantment and Edith had not hired Gwen yet, so the woman saw no reason to decline her niece’s request.

A ding alerted her to new email. Several more emails came in quick succession, all regarding upcoming photo shoots. After postponing shoots for two weeks, she was almost at the limit of how long she could stay away from her booming business.

She cringed just thinking of how long it would take her to catch up.

The only saving grace was Tammie, her youngest sister, whom she’d hired and was proving to be an amazing assistant.

Unfortunately, Tammie could not take the photos. She’d tried to recommend other photographers, but most of Sabrina’s clients demanded that she be the one behind the camera.

An errant curl fell across her brow, and she brushed it away, her gaze shifting back to the computer.

“I have to get you out from under Meliot’s spell Gavin Campbell, because my work cannot wait forever.” As she spoke, a thought came to mind.

If Gavin was the man she was meant to be with, could she ever give up all she worked so hard for in order to be with him?

She didn’t think so.