Past the Ages: Book Two Read Online Free PDF

my arm and I nearly died.”
    He sighed dramatically. “You didn’t nearly die.”
    “I did too.” She punched him in the arm.
    Dashel’s eyes turned serious. “I remember I was worried sick about you.”
    “I know,” Lucy said. “And you wouldn’t let me walk around the estate by myself for a year afterward.”
    “I thought I was your knight in shining armor and believed I was the only one who could keep you safe.”
    Lucy leaned into him. “You’ve always been my dearest friend, Dashel. And that’s why I’m worried now. Promise that when I’m finished talking you won’t have me committed.”
    His eyes betrayed the easy smile on his lips. “I won’t have you committed.”
    Her lips went dry and she licked them. “Where to start?” she said worriedly chewing on her bottom lip.
    Dashel responded. “I’m quite fond of starting at the beginning.”
    “Right.” She reached her free hand up and covered his. “Several weeks ago, not long after my grandmother died, I went to see her grave.”
    “I remember.”
    She nodded, trying to gather her thoughts and calm her racing heart. “I saw her there.”
    “Your dead grandmother?”
    She checked his features. He didn’t seem to be laughing at her. Nor did he appear worried, just interested. “That’s right. And she showed me a locket, promising that when I touched it I would be brought to my true love.” She peered at him through her lashes.
    “Continue,” was all he said, though his brows had creased together.
    “Right.” So she went on and before she knew it she’d told him everything, including the story of Mihos, and how William came to be in their time. The whole time she spoke, Dashel listened, mumbling something incoherent every so often. She had no idea how long she’d talked, but when she finished, she sighed with relief.
    He didn’t speak for several minutes. “I’ve known you a long time, Lucy.”
    “Yes,” she said tentatively.
    “And never in all my twenty-two years has anyone told me such a fantastical story.”
    “I’m sure.” Her heart sank. She worried about what he would think, and she didn’t want to scare him away. There was nothing she could do about it now. She’d bared her soul, except the kissing. Intuitively, she realized it would be unwise to mention that.
    Dashel faced her. “Lucy, you’ve found your true love.”
    Her heart clenched with soft happiness for the man in front of her. “Yes, I have.”
    “Well then, whatever you need me to do, just ask.”
    “You believe me then? About the time travelling. And Mihos? And the pit of lava? And Bastet?”
    He threw his head back and laughed. “How long have we known each other?”
    It wasn’t the response Lucy expected. “As we’ve discussed, it’s been a long time.”
    “That’s right. And have you ever lied to me?”
    “Never,” she replied fiercely.
    “Then why wouldn’t I believe you now?”
    Her heart swelled with happiness. “But the things I said. Even I wouldn’t believe them if I hadn’t seen them with my own two eyes.”
    Dashel patted her hand. “I-um am not completely unfamiliar with the paranormal. So while your story is fantastical, it doesn’t surprise me.”
    Lucy stopped. “But you’ve surprised me.” She gazed into his kind eyes. “What don’t I know?”
    He faced her. “Nothing of import, Lucy. I promise.”
    She nodded.
    Harriet hadn’t stopped when they did and nearly ran into the two of them. “My apologies.” Her freckled face bloomed like a hot summer rose.
    Dashel took her gloved hand and brought it to his lips. “All is forgiven.”
    Harriet blushed brighter and pulled her hand away.
    Dashel seemed to enjoy making her lady’s maid uncomfortable. “How much does she know?” he asked, pointing at Harriet.
    “Only that I love Will.”
    He nodded thoughtfully. “But you have a plan?”
    Why did everyone keep asking her that? “Sort of.”
    “Well then why don’t you share what you have so far with Harriet