by Alexa Aston
The pleasure intensified, even greater than before. As it peaked, she sensed something within him did, as well. Their mouths joined as their bodies had and she felt as if they truly became one.
Spent, he collapsed upon her. She welcomed the feel of him, before he rolled to his side. Raynor stroked her face.
“I love you,” she said.
“And I love you.” He brought his arms about her and cradled her tenderly. Her last waking thought was how much she loved this bold, daring knight.
*
Raynor awoke, a feeling of contentment immediately filling him. He looked down at the amazing woman nestled within his arms. She stirred slightly as he brought her closer. He kissed the top of her head and returned his head to the pillow.
What a night they had spent. The first time they’d made love, he was mindful of her virginity. He knew he had pleasured her. Twice more during the night they had joined, each time more satisfying than the one before. Though he had few worldly goods, Raynor was rich in love for this exquisite creature.
Running a hand through her dark brown locks, he fingered the silky strand at the end. Only married for a few hours, love already burst from him. Was it possible to love Beatrice more than he did at this moment? Then he thought to the time when his babe would fill her belly. As the years went by and she gave him sons and daughters, Raynor knew his heart would swell with the love that would grow each day between them.
Raynor brought a hand to her breast and teased the nipple with his thumb. Beatrice moaned softly. Slowly, her eyes fluttered open. She turned and gazed up at him sleepily.
“Good morning, Wife,” he said. The use of the word brought him immense satisfaction. His thumb grazed her nipple again and she shuddered, another moan slipping from her lips.
Beatrice reached for his cheek and brushed her fingers across it. “Good morning, Husband,” she murmured, her voice low and throaty.
Just the sound of her voice and the feel of her in his arms made him want her again. Hot desire flooded him. He pressed his lips to her temple while his fingers skimmed down, splaying across her bare belly, hoping his seed already grew within her.
Then he remembered the gift he had for her. Slipping from the bed despite her protests, he found where he’d left his clothes and pulled the blue garter from his pocket.
Bringing it back to the bed, he smiled and slid the blue band over her foot, past her trim ankle, and up her shapely calf to rest above her knee.
Beatrice eyed it with curiosity. “What is this?”
“It’s a garter, my love, a very special one. It came from Geoffrey and Merryn’s wedding many years ago.” His hand stroked her bare leg. “I’ve always kept it with me. I waited all this time to give it to the woman who stole my heart. It’s a symbol of my affection and faithfulness.”
“Then I plan to wear it always.” She broke out in a brilliant smile. “And I’ll give it to our oldest daughter on her wedding day.”
He drew her close and kissed her passionately.
A harsh knock sounded at the door. Raynor’s hand immediately flew to Beatrice’s mouth to silence the gasp she uttered.
“It’s locked,” he whispered. “Go. Speak through the door but allow no servant inside.”
He lifted the bedclothes back and watched her walk to the door.
As she reached it, another knock sounded. “Lady Beatrice! Are you there?”
She swung around to face him, a look of alarm on her face. Edwin Stollers stood on the other side of that door.
“Answer him,” mouthed Raynor.
“I’m sorry, my lord. I was asleep. Your knock woke me,” she called out. She placed her hands against the door, pushing against it as if she tried to keep Stollers out.
“I thought I’d escort you to morning mass.”
“I . . . I am not even dressed, my lord. I . . . I must have been exhausted to still be asleep.”
“Then I’ll return after mass and take you to the great hall to break your fast. I must speak with you on a most important matter.”
“All right. I’ll see you then.”
Raynor had not realized how late the hour grew. He’d wanted to be dressed and gone from Brookhaven by this point. Now they would need to make an appearance before they left.
Beatrice hurried back to the bed and climbed in. She curled against him, her body trembling in fear.
“What if he knows?”
He lifted her chin till their eyes met. “He couldn’t. And even if he did, it’s done. He might covet you, sweetheart, but Edwin Stollers will never possess you.”
She buried her face against his bare chest. “He frightens me, Raynor.”
He allowed her to stay within the safety of his arms for a few minutes before he pulled away.
“I must return to my chamber. You need to dress and be prepared for when he returns. I’ll see you downstairs.” He gave her a swift kiss and rose from the bed.
Beatrice pushed back the covers and stood. Then he watched her gaze fall to the bed. She gasped.
“It’s only blood, dearest. It came from when I pushed through your maidenhead.”
“But what if he sees it?” she said, panic sounding in her voice.
“He won’t. But if he did, merely tell him it was the start of your monthly courses.”
Her mouth fell open. “You know of such things?” she asked.
Raynor laughed. “I had two sisters. Two very talkative sisters. It was hard not to hear their complaints when they reached womanhood. They rued the day they were not born men.”
She chuckled. “I can’t imagine having that conversation where a brother could hear.”
He put his arms around her. “I hope you will hear many of those conversations between brothers and sisters, for I wish us to have five sons and five daughters. No, make it six sons and four daughters.”
Beatrice laughed aloud. “It’s my fondest wish to have many children, Raynor. I hated being an only child. I spent so much time alone.”
He gave her a kiss. “You’ll never be alone again, love. You’ll always have me.” Though he wanted to stay and make love to her again, they couldn’t waste any more time. He dressed hurriedly and she did the same.
“I’ll meet you in the great hall. Bring only your lute. We’ll depart after we break our fast.”
Raynor opened the door and cast a glance back at the woman who’d changed his life. He stepped into the corridor and shut the door behind him. As he turned, a soldier blocked his way. The man slammed a quarterstaff into Raynor’s midsection. He doubled over, the breath knocked from him. Then someone struck his head with great force. Raynor fell to his knees as the world went dark.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Cold water hit Raynor square in the face and he leapt to his feet. Immediately, a chill enfolded him. He’d felt that same chill before—when he’d gone to the dungeon at Kinwick and found Geoffrey de Montfort locked inside a cell.
Someone stood before him, on the other side of the iron bars between them.
Edwin Stollers.
Raynor took two steps forward and grasped the bars that imprisoned him in the tiny space. He kept silent, waiting to hear what kind of game the nobleman played.
Stollers looked amused. “What? No questions? Are you all brawn and no brains, Le Roux?”
He ignored the taunts, not rising to the bait the nobleman dangled. Though Raynor would love to shout at the bastard to burn in Hell, the new Baron of Brookhaven had the upper hand at the moment.
“I’m sorry you didn’t appreciate my hospitality. I know you planned to depart today, but I’d prefer you remain my guest for a while. Below stairs.” Stollers smiled. “I’ll care for Lady Beatrice above stairs, however.”
Raynor’s grip tightened on the bars. This brash fool would have his guts spilled soon enough. He exercised patience as he glared at his captor.
“You know, I voided my betrothal contract with that plain cow that arrived yesterday because I was so taken with Lady Beatrice.
The lady is beautiful beyond compare, so I plan to wed her.” He laughed. “I’ll be the envy of every man who sets foot inside Brookhaven. And I have you to thank for delivering her to my doorstep, Le Roux. Why, even Grandfather would have approved of Beatrice as my bride, not only because of her gentle breeding, but for her sweet nature. At times, she’s a little too spirited for my tastes—but like a wild stallion, I’ll break her.”
The young nobleman took a step toward the bars. “I’ve already enjoyed a kiss with her, and I look forward to tasting her. Every part of her.”
Raynor finally spoke. “Then why keep me here, my lord? I’ve brought her to Brookhaven as I pledged to do. I was to see her safe and settled. It’s time I return to Ashcroft, my family home, since my brother hasn’t been well. At this time of year, I need to supervise the slaughtering of game and winterizing the cottages on our estate.”
Stollers frowned in confusion. “I thought you were leaving today with the lady in tow.”
Raynor must be careful. He walked a fine line now and Stollers had all the power.
“Lady Beatrice came to Brookhaven at Sir Henry’s invitation. With his death, she believes she has no place here. I agreed to take her back to Ashcroft with me for the time being since she requested I do so.”
“But would you choose to marry her once you arrived? Give her a home?” Stollers asked. “What of your feelings for the lady? You seemed . . . upset . . . when you found out she was not betrothed to me.”
“I’ll admit I was taken in by her looks and charm, but Lady Beatrice has lied to me repeatedly. I wouldn’t choose a deceitful wife if I were so inclined to marry. Besides, I’m a second son with no fine home to offer her. You have that and a title. Why would any woman choose me over you?” Raynor shrugged. “Women want stability and protection. Both can be had if they marry a man such as you. As mistress of Brookhaven, Lady Beatrice would have instant wealth and respect. I can provide neither of those to her.”
Raynor pressed on. “Release me so that I may journey home, my lord, and meet my family obligations. I’ll go alone. Lady Beatrice is welcome to stay and become your wife if you choose.”
The words tasted like dust in his mouth, but he saw Stollers contemplate them carefully.
“You’ll remain here for now, Le Roux. Mayhap after I wed the lady, I will grant you your freedom.” Stollers turned abruptly and hurried away. Two soldiers stepped from the shadows and accompanied him.
Despair flooded Raynor. How could he keep that monster away from Beatrice when he was imprisoned—and no one knew where he was?
*
A knock sounded on the door, gentler than the harsh rap that had come only an hour before. Beatrice took in a large breath and expelled it slowly as she walked to answer it.
She opened the door and found a smiling Edwin Stollers, dressed in a rich burgundy color. The young nobleman looked confident and in a very good mood.
“Greetings, my lord.”
“And the same to you. I hope you received enough rest, my lady.”
“Thank you, I did. Yesterday proved a long day for me with too much excitement. I’ve lived a quiet life in the country and I’m not used to so much activity.”
She joined him in the corridor and he offered her his arm. Beatrice reluctantly took it, not wanting to touch any part of him.
“Life in a large castle does not appeal to you?” he asked, leading her away from the bedchamber.
She knew his question tested her, so she thoughtfully replied, “I couldn’t say. I only know what I’ve experienced at the manor house with my mother and grandfather. The three of us and a single servant lived together since my father and grandmother passed on long ago.”
Beatrice suddenly realized they’d turned in the opposite direction of the staircase and tamped down her rising panic.
“Where are we going, my lord? I thought we were to go to the great hall to break our fast.”
“We do go to break our fast,” Stollers said smoothly. “I simply wanted a more private setting in which to do so.”
“But Sir Raynor will be waiting for me,” she said, worried what Raynor would do if she didn’t appear soon.
“Sir Raynor can wait a bit longer. Come.” He placed his hand over hers and guided her to the solar at the end of the hallway.
Leading her inside it, Beatrice saw a serving wench remove a final item from a tray she held. Food and drink sat on the table for them.
“Anything else, my lord?” the girl asked.
“No. Leave us.”
His sharp tone caused the servant to hurry from the room. Once the door closed behind her, Beatrice felt isolated and frightened.
“Have a seat.” Edwin indicated the bench beside the table.
Beatrice did as he requested. She had no appetite, but she and Raynor would be traveling for most of the day. She needed to try to eat something.
“May I offer you some cheese?”
“Please.”
As he cut her a few slices from the round, she pulled off a small piece of bread from the loaf and chewed on it. He laid the cheese in front of her and then poured cups of ale for them. She drank some but found it hard to swallow. Stollers had taken a seat beside her, much too close for comfort. His thigh brushed along hers. Beatrice wanted to scoot away, but his leg rested on the folds of her skirt, pinning her next to him.
“I asked you here for a special reason, Lady Beatrice. That’s why I wanted time alone with you.”
She nervously tore at the bread in her hands.
“You know I sent Lady Minnith away yesterday.”
Beatrice’s temper flared at the mention of his rude behavior to the young noblewoman.
“I believe you disapproved of my actions?”
“’Tis not for me to judge you, my lord,” she said meekly.
“Please, call me Edwin.”
Beatrice lifted the cup to her lips, trying to hide her disgust.
“I didn’t think we would suit,” he continued, his finger lazily circling the rim of his pewter cup.
“The matter is between you, Lady Minnith, and her father,” she said as she set her own cup down.
His hand shot out. Strong fingers locked around her wrist. “The minute I saw you—when I thought you were my bride—I knew I was blessed with a woman of great beauty and poise.”
“But I was not your intended,” she pointed out.
“Yet, I wanted you to be.” His thumb stroked the tender underside of her wrist, bringing a wave of nausea to her. “Sweet Beatrice, I was smitten from the moment I saw you. I could have no other. Only you. That’s why I ridded myself of Lady Minnith. My heart told me I had to be free to wed you.”
“My lord—”
“Edwin,” he uttered, his fingers tightening on her wrist.
“Edwin.” She found the word foul on her tongue but kept an even tone so she wouldn’t betray her feelings. “I am no one. I would bring you no dowry, for I am penniless.” She waved her free hand about, emphasizing her point.
He grew still, an odd look upon his face. His eyes focused on her left hand.
The one which wore the ruby wedding ring.
She hadn’t taken it off since Raynor had slipped it onto her finger last night.
“Not quite penniless,” he noted. “That’s a fine ring you wear. I haven’t seen it on your hand before.”
Beatrice thought quickly. “This ring belonged to my mother. I wear it every now and then to feel closer to her.” She swallowed. “I told you that Mother taught me to play the lute. When I returned to my bedchamber last night, I was happy from the compliments I received after I played for your people. I took the ring out and put it on. Somehow, I feel my mother’s spirit with me when I wear it.”
He nodded in approval. She was glad he seemed satisfied with her response.
He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed it. “I will take you with only your lute and ruby ring as dowry, but I will have you as my wife, Beatrice. As a woman alone in the world, you la
ck protection. Sir Raynor pointed that out to me. He said women long for security and protection. He even told me since I had a great estate and a title, it would be what you would desire.”
She started in surprise. “Raynor said that? When did you speak of this?” she demanded.
“Just a bit ago.”
Cold fear formed in the pit of her belly. “I thought you left to attend mass,” she said. Her voice shook, betraying her terror.
He wrapped both his hands around one of hers. “Nay. I decided a conversation with Le Roux would be a better use of my time.”
Her thoughts raced. Had he seen Raynor leaving her room?
Where was Raynor now?
“The knight in question pointed out to me that as a second son, he had no home to give you. No wealth to shower upon you.” Stollers gave her a triumphant smile. “I have both and I place them at your feet.”
Her brows knit together. “I am most flattered, my lord.”
“Edwin.”
“Edwin,” she choked out. “But . . . might I speak with Sir Raynor?”
His eyes narrowed. “You seek his approval to marry me?”
Beatrice was speechless. Her mind went blank. Fear began to swallow her.
“So quiet, little mouse?” he teased. “It seems so unlike you. Here, have more ale.”
He released the grip on her hand and refilled the pewter cup. She downed it, her mind spinning.
“You may visit Le Roux later. Once I have my answer.”
“Answer?” she asked weakly, knowing exactly what he meant.
“To my offer of marriage,” he said evenly. “In fact, I’ll accompany you to the dungeon. Together, we can share our good news with him.”
Fear now paralyzed her. She wanted to flee the room, but her limbs felt heavy. “Raynor is in . . . your dungeon?”
“He is. I wanted to make sure he held no undue influence over you. You alone need to make your decision to wed me. Without his input.”
A firm rap sounded at the door.
“Come!” Stollers called out impatiently.
