~* * *~
Observing the flurry of her skirts, Dominic smothered his look of triumph as she darted one last glance towards him before hastening out of the solar. He ran a hand through his hair with a sigh. God’s blood, that woman would be the death of him.
But she wanted him. He understood women well enough to know when one wanted him, and Lucy wanted him with a desperation that near matched his own. Any other man would have been discouraged at such words, but not him. What Dominic of Thornewall wanted, he got. And he wanted Lucy.
Slumping back into his chair, he dipped his quill in the ink and stared at the numbers in front of him. With a curse, he slapped the feather onto the desk and leaned back in his chair. Was she right? Was it merely the thrill of the chase? You spoke of her heart, a little voice whispered. Aye, he had. And everything he had uttered was true. More than anything, he aspired to hold her heart. Was this love? This twisted, agonizing, consuming fascination with her. He could not be sure, but whatever it was, it was not something as fickle as some love game. As much as he wanted her in his bed, naked and crying his name, he wanted to get behind those quick eyes and soothe every worry, every fear that she had ever had.
Dominic pressed his fingers to his temples. So how would he capture his fair maiden’s heart? Usually a few sweet words, a couple of carefully timed caresses, and he would have his prize, but not so with Lucy. He was going to have to raise the stakes.
~* * *~
Lucy deliberately hurried her morning meal as Dominic’s words churned in her mind.
Her heart.
He spoke of her heart. What manner of seduction was this? Whatever it was, it was working. She had slept little after their confrontation.
Throwing back some ale, she crammed a chunk of bread into her mouth, keeping her head down as one of the servants eyed her with wonder. Without finishing her mouthful, she stood and nodded her thanks to the maid before hastening from the hall.
Glancing around, she walked across the snow-laden courtyard, her hands in her skirts, and ducked into the narrow recess that led to the chapel. She came to a sudden stop as an armored chest blocked her path and she inhaled sharply, the remaining crumbs of bread sticking in her throat. She coughed and wheezed as Dominic eyed her with amusement before patting her on the back.
“You make your way to the chapel with great haste, lass. Have you done some terrible wrong that you dare not even finish your meal?”
She cleared her throat. “Good morrow, Dominic.” Drawing up her shoulders, she shook her head. “Nay, I only wish to offer up my prayers for those less fortunate. And for those who have sinned,” she added archly.
His lips tilted as he considered this. “Am I to assume you pray for me?”
“You assume much, my lord. But I pray for all those who have sins upon their soul.”
He leant forward with a slight smile. “Will you not cast aside your judgements, Luce? You have spent time enough with me these past days to see past the idle gossip of frivolous ladies. I regret my behavior those many summers ago, you should not have had to endure it, but surely you can see I am not the same arrogant youth?”
Tilting her head up to meet his gaze, she narrowed her eyes at him. “You are no longer a youth, that much is true, but as for arrogance? I see no change.”
“Mayhap, you are right. If I see something want, I get it. Always. You may count that as arrogance, lass, though other women may think it strength of character.”
“Other women? I am sure they have much to say on your character, though I doubt it to be to do with the strength of it.”
Dominic edged closer, forcing her to crane her neck to look up at him. Her throat tightened as his wide torso bore down on her, made all the more intimidating by his heavy hauberk and leather armor.
“You care a great deal about the ‘other women’. ‘Tis odd when you profess to care little about my affairs.”
“I care not what you do. You are a free man and may lie with whomever you choose.”
His lips slanted into a wry smile. “And yet the mere mention of other women sparks anger in your eyes. I told you before, your eyes give you away. ‘Tis more than indignation that ignites the fire in your eyes, ‘tis jealousy.”
“Jealousy?” she spluttered. “Why should I be jealous?”
As he leaned closer, Lucy edged away, gasping with surprise as her back hit the cold stone wall. With nowhere to escape, Dominic moved closer still, bringing his mouth to her ear. His cheek brushed hers and she shuddered as his breath swept over her.
She supposed she could probably shove him away but her hands would not cooperate and instead clung to the stone, as if the rock could somehow provide her with the strength needed to deny him.
So easy. It would be so easy just to turn her head and kiss him. It would take only the smallest of movement. His lips grazed her exposed neck, so briefly that she would not have been sure it happened were it not for the scalding imprint his mouth left.
“You are jealous because you wish to be one of those ladies,” he breathed into her ear.
She gulped and shook her head but any words of protest died on her lips as his hand came up to the other side of her neck and curled domineeringly around it.
He kissed her ear. “But ‘twill not happen.” He kissed again as she frowned. “For you would not be just one of those ladies.” His lips sealed around her lobe, nipping briefly at it and extracting a choked cry from her. “You would be the only lady.”
“Oh…” she moaned as Dominic’s mouth pressed to her jaw. He did not seek her lips but instead let his kisses trail along her cheek to the corner of her mouth.
Unable to bear it any longer, Lucy jolted towards him and their lips met with the lightest of touches. Her nails dug into the wall behind her and her eyes fluttered closed as a rumble of appreciation emanated from Dominic. An inferno of longing assailed her, but Dominic kissed her lightly as if savoring a delicacy. The back of his free hand danced over her cheek, his fingers caressing carefully, as if she might bolt at any moment. If she only could. She was a prisoner of her desire for him.
When she realized he would take the kiss no further, she grabbed at his neck and pushed her lips hard against his. Dominic growled and immediately took her lip between his teeth, nibbling until she surrendered her mouth entirely to him and his kiss consumed her.
Dominic wrapped his arms around her, his fingers bunching the fabric of her gown. Her mind reeled at the feel of his strong embrace as his tongue swept into her mouth urgently. Her nails dug into his neck in an attempt to bring him closer but he didn’t seem to care.
A giggle reached Lucy’s ears and she pulled sharply back and stared at him. What was she doing? Had she lost her mind? She glanced around but could see no sign of where the giggle had come from. Dominic’s harsh breaths blew against her skin as he kept his arms locked tightly around her waist. His mouth lost its permanently amused tilt and his eyes reflected a tenuous determination.
“Dominic,” she whispered hoarsely, “release me.”
His jaw ticked as his eyes remained fixed on her. “Nay.”
“Dominic…” she protested with a wriggle.
“I fear I cannot. How many rejections can a man be expected to take? Should I let you go, then I can surely expect you to refute your feelings for me once more. But here in my arms you can deny me naught. I should keep you close forevermore, I think.”
“Do not be…” She drew in a ragged breath. “Do not be foolish.”
Oh, why did staying beside him for an eternity sound so good? She was the fool. She would only end up heartbroken when he tired of her. Shoving feebly against his chest, he relented as he noted her tears of frustration. She blinked them away as she stumbled back from him.
Jaw tight, Dominic’s fist curled by his side. When he saw Lucy’s gaze on it, he released it quickly with a sigh. “Some of the ladies are going to the market this morn, I thought you may wish to join them.”
“Oh.” Her throat closed over
as she took in his cold expression. “Oh, aye, I should like that.”
“Good. I shall arrange an escort. Good day, my lady.” He gave her a careful bow and strode away, leaving her to watch the swing of his cloak as he vanished around the corner.
Pressing herself against the stone, she tilted her head back and closed her eyes. She had done it. Surely she had. Dominic had lost interest in her. It was what she wanted. So why did her heart ache at the thought of never feeling his lips on hers again? She touched a finger to them. Women like her were not meant to be with men like Dominic. Memories would have to be enough.
Chapter Seven
Skimming a finger over some thick velvet, Lucy glanced as a juggler skipped by and laughed as he threw his clubs towards her, only to snatch them back at the last minute. The other women walked arm in arm as Lucy lagged behind. The younger girls were sweet enough, but to them Lucy was far too old to join in with their conversations and she didn’t exactly feel up to joining in with their gossip. Especially as she was sure it was one of them that spotted her and Dominic together that morning.
The streets of Thornewall were busy. Merchants and customers from surrounding villages all braved the snow to buy and sell. The bakers relit their ovens and the smell of freshly baked bread wafted through the air.
A vendor proffered a bowl of figs for her to try and she took one with a smile. The scrawny man watched her with hope as she bit into the juicy fruit and with a roll of her eyes, she bought a little bag.
Dodging past some pigs as a peasant herded them through the street, Lucy peeked at their escort to ensure he followed. She spied another fabric stall and made her way over to it. She smiled feebly at the merchant as he greeted her eagerly. Even shopping could not distract her. The memory of Dominic’s lips upon hers remained and, worse of all, the look in his eyes as he’d left her seared into her heart. She stroked at some blue silk, thinking how very close it was in color to Dominic’s eyes.
A shrill scream rang out and her head snapped around. The guard must have heard it too as he froze and drew out his sword. The bustle of the market ground to a halt and Lucy shuddered as a chill threaded its way down her spine.
Another scream.
A different woman this time. And now it was followed by the hammering of hooves. A surge of villagers rounded the corner and in an instant chaos reigned. Lucy watched detachedly as merchants scurried for cover in the tight alleyways and villagers ran for the safety of the keep.
Hazily, she realized their guard was shouting to her as he pressed the young ladies into the door of a cottage but it was too late. A stampede of horses stormed up the road, their rugged riders swinging their swords without prejudice, swiping at the beams holding up the stalls and anyone in their way.
What was happening? Lucy gaped as they bore down upon her. Only when a child darted out from under a stall, did she react, barreling towards the child and scooping the boy into her arms. She flung herself between two cottages as the horses thundered past. Clutching the wriggling child, she curled her quaking body around him until the hooves and whoops of men passed.
Forcing her breathing to slow, she scrambled to her feet, the boy still in her arms, and peered around the building. Sweet Mary, Thornewall was under attack and from the looks of them, it was reivers. She glanced down at the squirming child and tried to hush him but the boy bit her hand and she released him with a yelp. He ran off and she hurried after him but he quickly disappeared into the jumble of houses.
Lucy took in the destruction, numbly gazing around at the crumpled stalls as she wrapped her arms around herself. She could see no sign of her guard but the ladies and a few peasants remained, peering cautiously out from their hiding spots. Glancing up towards the keep, she saw the men of Thornewall storming down the hill to mount a defense. Her heart jumped into her throat when she realized Dominic would be leading the attack. Dear Lord, please watch over him.
What should she do now? Shuddering as screams rang out, she urged the group of people forward. “Come now, we must make for the safety of the keep. Make haste,” she ordered, surprised by how calm her voice sounded.
~* * *~
Dominic thrust his heels into the mount. Peasants flowed past him, making their way to the safety of the keep. He cursed as he watched for Lucy’s face. Damned reivers. If anything happened to her…
He couldn’t believe they were risking open warfare. The reivers must be getting desperate. Hell’s teeth, he knew they were getting bolder. He should have been prepared.
Screams emanated from the center of the village and Dominic fought the urge to push through the panicking villeins as sweat prickled under his gloves. He drew out his sword as the crowd thinned and the sound of hooves neared. His men followed suit and they picked up their pace.
Muscles bunching, he felt the familiar surge of energy underneath his skin as he readied himself for a fight. He gritted his teeth and slammed down the visor of his helm as he spotted the reivers slashing their way through the village.
Kicking at his mount, he let out a yell and the two groups of warriors crashed together, steel screeching, hooves thudding. Dominic swung his sword with measured strength, ensuring every hit was as effective as the last. The stampede of horses merged together but Dominic had no problems identifying the reivers, who rode nags and fought wildly, with little care for friend or foe.
He clashed with a heavy-set man whose blows sent his arm shaking, ducking and blocking his powerful hits. Dominic retaliated as the man tired and he swiped across the top of his enemy’s arm. A sword swung at him from behind and he twisted in his saddle, barely parrying it. He swiped back and slashed across the man’s chest. The reiver cried out and the horse reared, throwing his rider before bolting down the street.
The tide turned as the Thornewall men fought on. The reivers were ferocious fighters but they lacked training. Dominic and his men pushed them back until they retreated. Urging his steed after them, his men followed and they chased the enemy through the very street from which they had entered.
The reivers slashed as they went, swiping through the remaining market stalls. A few villagers lingered, but Dominic was riding too hard to see if any of them were hurt. He prayed they were not. His throat tightened as he noticed a group of women walking wearily up the street. They panicked and scattered to the edges of the street. It was only then did Dominic recognize Lucy, her fine gown standing out in bold contrast to the war-torn market.
A battle cry reached his ears and he realized it was his own, as a reiver recognized her as a noble and reached to grab her as he bolted past. Her eyes connected with Dominic’s and she ducked at the last moment. Dominic stared on in horror as the soldier turned and made another grab for her.
Lucy ran as he pursued her, snatching at her gown. Her scream wrenched Dominic’s heart and he pushed forward. Dangling from the reiver’s arm, Lucy flailed and fought until Dominic was upon them. He sliced through the man’s arm and snatched at Lucy before she could fall. He flung her behind him as he thrust and cut at her attacker.
The clutch of her arms around his waist brought him out of his blood-lust and he hauled his destrier to a stop. The rest of the soldiers gave chase and they both watched for a moment as they drove the reivers out onto the surrounding hills.
Turning, he latched his hands around Lucy’s waist and hauled her onto his lap. Slamming up his visor, he patted over her frantically as she made sounds of protest.
“Luce, are you well? Are you harmed at all? God’s teeth, I should never have let you out of my sight.”
She attempted a shaky smile as she pushed away his hands. “Nay, I am well, do not concern yourself.”
Staring at her, he pressed his fingers into her arms as if trying to convince himself she was indeed unharmed. He had nearly lost her. In a mere moment, she could have been gone from his life.
“Dominic!” she snapped, bringing his focus back to her face. “I am well enough. You need not concern yourself.”
Loosening
his grip on her arms, he nodded slowly. How could he have lost her when he still did not hold her heart? Will I ever?
Dominic settled Lucy onto the front of his saddle and directed the horse to the keep. For the moment, there were worse things to worry about than Lucy’s heart. Like whether Thornewall had suffered damage greater than a few overturned stalls and broken cottages.
~* * *~
Aware of Dominic’s arms around her, Lucy sat bolt upright in the saddle. The knot in her chest refused to shift and she realized that if he touched her again, she would surely crumble. She closed her eyes as they climbed the mound towards the castle. The reiver…and Dominic…Tears welled behind her lids. As long as she lived, she would never forget the image of him slashing his way through the soldiers. She opened her eyes and glanced at his arms. All was well, he was safe.
He sat just as rigidly, making no attempt to touch her. She should be grateful, Lucy thought, for he would most certainly break through the thin control she had on her emotions if he did. Her heart disagreed. It yearned to be in his embrace. It didn’t matter that she knew he was safe, she needed to feel his arms around her to be sure. But it could not be. Once in his embrace, she would have no control over herself and it would surely lead to heartache.
The soldiers on the wall called out as they saw Dominic approach and the drawbridge lowered with a crash. The sound of horse hooves clattering echoed as they passed through the gatehouse and peasants swiftly stepped aside as Dominic guided his horse to the stables.
Dismounting easily, he helped Lucy down before thrusting the reins into a soldier’s hands. Lucy moved forward to thank him, but he turned from her as another soldier approached. She lingered at his side, taking in the stark expressions on the villager’s faces. A good number of them were within the walls, something to be thankful for at least.
Dominic clutched his helm in one hand and pinched the bridge of his nose as he spoke to the soldier. “What news? Have we many injured?”
“Nay, not within our walls at least. A few scratches at most. But we’ll not know the true cost until we have checked the village.”
The Borderland Legacy Page 24
