An Enticing Debt to Pay

by Annie West

  ‘Tell your designer you want gold.’ She surveyed the walls. ‘Or maybe lighter. What about a soft straw? Something more neutral so the woodwork doesn’t overpower the room?’

  ‘That could work.’ From the corner of her vision she saw him finally look away towards the walls. ‘What else?’

  ‘You said a comfortable chair. What did you have in mind? Do you mean for working at the desk or a sofa?’

  ‘Both. I like the chesterfields.’ He waved a hand at a couple of sofas that needed reconditioning. ‘But there’s a young German designer who does brilliant ergonomic chairs in minimalist design.’ Jonas frowned. ‘But would that clash?’

  Ravenna read his abstracted look and realised Jonas really wanted her opinion. When he’d suggested getting her input she’d thought it some ploy. Instead he was genuine.

  Something softened inside. She hoped it wasn’t her defences.

  He met her eyes, a hint of familiar impatience in his expression. ‘Well? What do you think?’

  Ravenna shook her head. ‘That’s for your designer to advise. How about I make a list? Can you pass me a pen and paper?’

  CHAPTER TEN

  RAVENNA PULLED HER jacket close and stepped out briskly. Even after a couple of months getting used to the bustle of building work, she preferred early morning solitude.

  She surveyed the house, its stones mellow in the early sun, its new glazing glittering. Despite its size the Hall felt welcoming, maybe because she’d come to know it intimately. She’d delved its crannies, supervising cleaning and small repairs, and helped Jonas plot the refurbishment of what would be a marvellous home as well as historic treasure.

  Turning, she crunched her way along the gravel path, wishing she could turn her mind as easily from thoughts of Jonas. His presence pervaded the place, even though he spent half the week in London. From London he rang regularly to check progress, his deep voice never failing to send a thrill of pleasure through her.

  Life had fallen into an easy, if busy, routine since his apology. A routine Ravenna found a little too easy given Jonas still held her future in his hands.

  Surely it wasn’t right that she cared so much for a place she’d leave as soon as her debt was paid? Or enjoy Jonas’ company? She laughed too often at his dry humour over the restoration’s inevitable mishaps and delays.

  He was patient, flexible and understanding. All the things she once thought him incapable of. Plus he appreciated her efforts, thanking her when she catered for emergency meetings with contractors and heritage officers, or when she helped him sift decorating suggestions.

  She enjoyed the latter most of all. She told herself it was because she loved having input to the way the grand old house would look. It had nothing to do with the camaraderie that had developed between them as equals, rather than boss and servant.

  Jonas had never come on to her again—he kept his distance. It was as if that day they’d spent exploring each other’s bodies had been a dream.

  Except her body remembered the pleasure he’d bestowed so lavishly. It quivered in anticipation when he approached, or when she inhaled his scent of citrus and warm male.

  There were times when she’d swear she saw heat in his polished silver gaze. A heat that reflected all the things she told herself she shouldn’t feel for Jonas. Since his apology the vicious, vengeful man she’d met in Paris had disappeared, replaced by one she liked far too much.

  Ravenna quickened her pace, passing a drift of spring flowers, only to pause at the sounds from the newly restored stable block. Jonas had mentioned animals being delivered yesterday.

  The stables had been empty while Silvia worked here and Ravenna had never seen thoroughbred horses up close. She followed the path to the nearest door.

  ‘There now, Hector. That’s better, isn’t it?’ Jonas’ voice halted her in mid stride. ‘That’s my beauty.’ The words were a slow thrum of approval. Obviously he was gentling some highly strung stallion, but, even knowing his words weren’t for her, Ravenna felt the murmur like a caress on her skin.

  Her heart dipped. Most of the time she coped with her situation, telling herself she was almost over the feelings Jonas evoked. But coming upon him suddenly, unprepared for the impact of those deep baritone cadences, her instant response told its own story.

  How long before she could shake off this volatile attraction?

  ‘Tim, you’re in the way. There will be time for you in a moment.’ Jonas laughed and she couldn’t resist inching closer.

  The sight that greeted her stopped her in her tracks.

  There was Jonas in scuffed boots, worn jeans clinging to bunching muscles and a plain black T-shirt that stretched across a torso that was all hard-packed strength and perfect proportion. His dark hair was tousled and his skin glowed. He looked like a pin-up for the outdoor lifestyle.

  But it wasn’t just his breathtaking male appeal that sent the air scudding from her lungs. It was the joy in his expression. Unadulterated happiness that turned his strong features into something so powerfully appealing it wrapped tight fingers around her heart.

  Ravenna had seen him smile, heard his wry humour, had even heard him laugh, but she’d never seen him look so happy.

  And the cause of his happiness? A sway-backed draught horse that nudged him as he brushed it and a chocolate Labrador that lurched between man and horse, its tail waving.

  ‘Watch out!’ Ravenna darted forward as the horse shifted and the dog wandered into the path of its massive hoof.

  Man, dog and horse all turned to stare. An instant later the hoof descended harmlessly as the dog hobbled towards her with a ruff of pleasure.

  ‘He’s only got three legs.’ No wonder the dog had wobbled so badly. She dropped to her knees so it could sniff her hand then lavish a rough-tongued caress on her wrist.

  ‘Timothy! Back here.’ Jonas moved towards them. ‘I’m sorry. He’s a bit too enthusiastic.’

  Ravenna laughed as the dog tried to lick her face. ‘No, don’t worry. That’s fine. I like dogs.’ She looked up into silver eyes and felt a jolt right to her core.

  ‘So I see.’

  Ravenna blinked, telling herself she couldn’t feel Jonas’ gaze. As for the way her lungs had constricted... It was as well she was booked for a medical check-up soon.

  ‘Look out!’ she warned.

  But it was too late. Jonas staggered towards her after being nudged by the draught horse’s massive head. He braced himself before her, legs planted wide as she looked up into his laughing face.

  ‘Obviously Hector doesn’t like his routine being interrupted.’

  ‘Hector?’

  A large square hand reached down to her. Automatically she took it, letting Jonas pull her up. For an exhilarating moment they stood toe to toe, then he let go and moved back.

  ‘Meet Hector.’ He raised a hand to the massive animal’s neck and the horse whinnied as if in response.

  At Ravenna’s feet the lopsided Labrador looked up expectantly, tongue lolling.

  ‘I suppose this is Timothy.’ The dog barked at the sound of its name.

  Bemused, she looked around the stables. The stalls were deserted but for this one.

  ‘These are the animals you brought in? They’re not yours?’

  Jonas shook his head. ‘I’m giving them temporary accommodation as a favour to a neighbour. Part of her stables burned down due to an electrical fault and she put out an SOS for Hector. Where Hector goes, so does Timothy.’

  The dog hopped over to the big horse, which lowered its head and gusted its breath over the Labrador.

  ‘That’s...very nice of you.’

  ‘But not what you expected?’ He didn’t miss her surprise.

  She shrugged. How could she say caring for a lame dog and an old horse wasn’t how she saw him spendin
g his spare time? She hadn’t known he had spare time.

  ‘I thought you’d bring in thoroughbreds to ride.’

  ‘Later. For now Hector needs a home.’ He patted the horse. ‘Didn’t you, old fellow?’

  ‘You know him?’ There was familiarity in his tone.

  Jonas nodded. ‘Hector was saved from the knacker’s yard when I was a kid. Vivien, my neighbour, finds homes for unwanted animals—donkeys, goats, ponies, even a three-legged dog and a blind draught horse.’

  ‘He’s blind?’ Ravenna stepped closer and saw Hector’s eyes were cloudy.

  ‘Pretty much. But he’s got Timothy, who leads him where he wants to go. Together they make a good team.’ He ruffled the dog’s ears then picked up the brush he’d been using.

  ‘I spent a lot of time at Vivien’s when I was young. She taught me to ride and help out. Hector was venerable then.’ Absently Jonas rubbed the horse’s neck and it struck Ravenna she’d never seen him so relaxed, except for the day they’d spent sprawled in his bed, boneless and spent from ecstasy.

  Fire seared her cheeks and she bent to pat Timothy, who’d hobbled back to her. ‘I’d imagined you learning to ride here.’ She waved her hand around the enormous stables.

  Jonas turned away to brush the big horse, but not before she saw the shutters come down, eclipsing the laughter in his eyes. ‘My mother didn’t ride and Piers had other things to do with his time.’ Wide shoulders shrugged. ‘He spent most of his time in the city and when he was here he had interests other than teaching me.’

  The edge to Jonas’ voice made her think instantly of comments he’d made about Piers chasing women. Not much of a father then.

  ‘So you spent a lot of time at your neighbour’s?’

  ‘Enough to learn to ride and to care for animals.’ His words were matter of fact but his tone confirmed the experience had been precious.

  ‘Didn’t you have animals here at the Hall?’ She stepped closer, needing to know more.

  * * *

  Jonas flicked a warning look over his shoulder. He didn’t welcome prurient curiosity. But the sight of her, bent to scratch Timothy behind the ears, even while she looked up at him with serious eyes, gave him pause.

  ‘Pets weren’t allowed. My mother wasn’t an animal person and Piers...’ Jonas shrugged. Piers had rarely been around long enough to express an opinion. As for teaching him to ride! His father had never taken time out from his own pursuits to be with him. Even on those occasions when his parents had temporarily made up, Jonas wasn’t a priority.

  Jonas watched Ravenna’s expressive eyes flick from him to Hector. ‘You like horses?’

  ‘I don’t know. I’ve never met one up close.’

  Jonas remembered the first time he’d visited Vivien’s stables, the excitement tinged with fear that had turned to delight. ‘Come and meet Hector. He’s very gentle.’

  She hesitated for so long he thought she wouldn’t come. Why it was important that she did, Jonas had no idea. But it felt good when she approached, as if she trusted his word.

  ‘Here.’ He took her hand, fishing in his pocket for one of the sugar lumps he’d brought. He dropped it onto her open palm and drew her in front of him.

  Sensing a treat in store, Hector snuffled at her hand. Instantly Ravenna stepped back, her curves enticing even through her jacket.

  ‘No, don’t drop your hand.’ He held hers up and flat. ‘Hector won’t bite.’

  ‘He’s so big.’ She leaned back, her shoulders pressing into his chest, her riot of newly grown dark curls tickling his chin. She smelled of cinnamon and sugar, and beneath them was the scent of her pale skin, an unnamed but heady perfume that he greedily inhaled.

  He’d missed her, missed the right to touch her. Every day was a battle not to reach for her, to palm her soft skin, taste her, draw her close and have his fill.

  ‘Oh, you beautiful boy,’ she crooned as Hector lipped up the treat then nodded as if in thanks. ‘Did you see that? How he took it from my hand?’

  ‘Mmm, hmm.’ Jonas strove to suppress the arousal that fired as Ravenna whispered her delight to Hector. She wasn’t even talking to Jonas yet the low thrum of her voice and the press of her body almost made him forget his promise to keep his hands off.

  ‘Here.’ He found the curry comb he’d been using and sidestepped, taking Ravenna along with him till she stood at the horse’s shoulder. ‘You can groom him.’

  ‘Can I? How?’

  The best way to demonstrate was to put the comb in her hand and cover it with his, moving them both in slow sweeps.

  Hector shifted and Ravenna shrank back. Jonas smiled as he wrapped his other arm around her waist to hold her steady. Or perhaps it was a grimace, given the exquisite torture of holding her and not revealing his needy reaction.

  ‘You’re safe. Hector is a gentleman.’ Their joined hands traced a wide arc across that broad equine shoulder and side.

  ‘And you’re here to protect me.’

  Had he heard right? The indomitable Ravenna needing protection?

  ‘Did you visit your neighbour and her animals often?’

  ‘As much as I could. It was so alive there, always something happening.’ He watched their hands move in tandem, telling himself he’d step away soon.

  ‘I’d have thought the Hall would have been busy too. I seem to remember quite a few servants and tradespeople when I visited.’

  Jonas dropped his hand, letting her continue alone. ‘As son of the house I was kept separate from that.’ And he’d hated it. ‘My early memories of the Hall were of solitude. There never seemed enough people to fill it and a house like this needs people. When there were visitors it was for formal dinner parties to which small boys weren’t invited.’

  ‘You make it sound like you were on the outside, looking in.’ Ravenna half turned then seemed to think better of it, leaning in to comb Hector with a long stroke that moved her backside temptingly against Jonas’ groin.

  He should move away, should drop the arm wrapped around her waist, before she sent him over the edge. But he couldn’t shift his feet.

  ‘Not all the time.’ He didn’t want her sympathy. ‘The kitchen was always welcoming and then there was Vivien’s and the animals.’

  ‘It still sounds lonely.’

  He watched the curry comb slow almost to a stop.

  ‘I was no lonelier than lots of homes.’ He had no intention of sharing exactly how bleak his childhood was. ‘I remember you here, just behind this stable block, crying your eyes out because someone named Pamela had made your life hell at school. Because you were excluded.’

  * * *

  Ravenna’s hand slid to her side. ‘You remember that?’ She’d never thought he’d recall in such detail.

  ‘I remember feeling sympathy for someone else who felt like an outsider.’

  Ravenna stiffened as the memory of ancient pain surfaced. He saw too much. Then it hit her he’d made it sound like something they had in common. Both outsiders.

  She spun around. Jonas was so close her pulse thudded in response. She saw deep into his eyes, could even count his spiky dark eyelashes.

  He was so near one tiny move would bring them together. A half-step, a tilt of her head, and they’d be kissing. The air between them crackled and heat saturated her skin. Her fingers tingled, anticipating the feel of his smooth-shaven jaw. Surely he’d moved closer?

  Her breath hitched audibly and suddenly there was distance between them.

  Ravenna blinked. Had she imagined that moment of intense expectation? The way their bodies swayed together?

  Hurriedly she gathered her scrambled thoughts.

  ‘But you fitted in. Your family has been here for centuries. You were born to all this. You belonged.’ She waved her hand wide. ‘I never did.’

/>   Move back, she told herself. It’s too tempting, too dangerous. You’re too close to Jonas.

  But her body wouldn’t listen. She stood, looking expectantly into his dark face.

  His mouth curved in a half-smile that was poignant rather than amused.

  ‘You belonged, Ravenna. You had your mother, remember? You were close. Even now I can’t help feeling that she’s mixed up somehow in the reason you’re here.’

  Ravenna opened her mouth to protest but his raised palm stopped her. ‘I’m not asking for your secrets, Ravenna,’ he said, surprising her. ‘I’m just saying you always had her on your side. She loves you.’

  She nodded. That went without saying.

  ‘Then you were lucky. Luckier than a lot of kids.’

  Like Jonas.

  ‘Who did you have, Jonas?’ The housekeeper he’d spoken of so warmly now and then? His neighbour, Vivien? Everything he hadn’t said about his parents confirmed what had been lacking in his family: warmth and love.

  ‘I had myself.’ Not by a flicker of an eyelid did his expression change. He looked strong, proud and sure of himself. All the things she’d seen in Paris when she’d thought him arrogant and self-opinionated.

  But now Ravenna realised there was much more to him. The man who’d lost himself in her body. Who, in his grief, had needed her with a desperation that scorched through every barrier. Who now distanced himself again.

  With a fervour that surprised her, Ravenna wished for a return of the intimacy they’d shared. She wanted—

  This wasn’t about what she wanted.

  ‘Was that enough?’ Suddenly it struck her that Jonas’ sometimes superior air, his confidence, his determination to get things right, no—perfect, every time, might be traits he’d learned in his youth to overcome loneliness and doubt. Had they been defence mechanisms for a little boy desperately in need of love? Mechanisms that had become habit in the man?

  His dark eyebrows rose. ‘Every child wants to be at the heart of a big, loving family, don’t they? But I was luckier than a lot. I had food and warmth. I had an excellent education.’ His stare dared her to feel pity for him. ‘And I had this—Deveson Hall. I knew one day it would be mine and then I’d make it right.’