The Circle Eight: Nicholas Read Free Page A

obvious happiness, she sensed stress.
    “Elizabeth has four brothers.” She raised one brow, waiting for confirmation the Grahams didn’t welcome him with open arms.
    “And each one of them has interesting ways to torture me.” Vaughn shook his head. “I always wondered what it was like to have a big family. I wonder no more.”
    This time Winnie laughed. “How is Ellie?”
    His expression softened. “Beautiful. Bossy.”
    “Healthy too? She wrote me about the baby. I am so very happy for you.” And indeed, she was. Regardless of the dark moments in her own past, she was genuinely pleased for her friends.
    “Thank you and yes, she is healthy. With Eva, the housekeeper, and Hannah, her sister-in-law, clucking over her, she is well taken care of.” He glanced at a group of women to his right. “No doubt they are comparing notes on how often I bring her tea or a pillow for her feet.”
    Winnie patted his arm. “They are simply making sure she is well taken care of. You do not have the shiniest history, Vaughn.”
    “You need not remind me.”
    “I only meant to reassure you if they didn’t want you to be with her, you would not be standing here today waiting to marry your love.” She waited while he considered her words.
    “I believe you are correct. Ellie’s brothers are fierce as hell. Even the fourteen-year-old, Benjy. Remember him?”
    “I do.” She took his arm, eager to be part of his day. “Why don’t you introduce me to the rest of the new family you are about to join?”
    “It would be my pleasure.” Vaughn was always such a gentleman, no matter the situation. Elizabeth was the perfect match for him. Winnie couldn’t imagine how it felt to be so connected to another human being, and for that, she envied them.
    As she and Vaughn walked toward the barn where the men had gathered, Winnie belatedly realized she hadn’t washed the dust from her face, hands or clothing. She no doubt looked like a vagabond.
    Just like that , Nicholas was there in front of her. All the breath whooshed from her body and her face heated. She felt like a twelve-year-old girl and not a twenty-five-year-old woman.
    He was incredibly handsome with thick, dark , wavy hair and those blue-green eyes like Elizabeth. His jaw was set, seemingly carved of granite. He stood with his legs apart, arms crossed and hat down toward his eyes. Dangerous. Unfriendly. A shiver ran up her spine despite the warm summer day.
    Beside him were three other men ; two were obviously kin, with the same eyes and build. The other had hair as dark as pitch and the coldest blue eyes she’d ever seen. The four of them were a wall of muscle and guns.
    “Montgomery. Who’s your friend?” One of the other men spoke to Vaughn.
    Vaughn squeezed her arm. “This is Miss Winifred Watson. She is a friend of mine and Ellie’s. Benjy and Nicholas also know her.”
    The men’s gazes cut to Nicholas, who hadn’t moved so much as an eyelash.
    “That true, Nick? You know her?” The same man spoke, and she came to the conclusion he must be the eldest, Matthew.
    After a few moments of excruciating silence, during which Winnie’s cheeks heated, he finally nodded. It wasn’t as if she came armed and threatened the family. She was a wedding guest. This type of greeting was unacceptable even in impolite society.
    “I am also able to speak for myself. Elizabeth and Vaughn invited me to the wedding. I was unaware there was an inquisition involved to attend.” Her sharp words made three of the men smile.
    “She reminds me of Aurora.” The second brother spoke. “And Hannah when she gets a bee in her bonnet.”
    “Damn sure is tart like Liv too.” This from the dark one.
    “We’re pleased you could come, Miss Watson. I’m Matt Graham and this is my brother Caleb and brother-in-law Brody Armstrong.” Matt tipped his hat. “I’m sure Ellie will be happy to see you. The Graham ladies are in the house. Why don’t you take her there, Montgomery?”
    “I’d