Templeton, Julia

by The Bargain

  "You do not like being left behind?" she asked, settling into the chair.

  He looked up at her and shrugged. "I do not mind doing my duty. I just am not used to being idle for so long."

  "You would rather be with Renaud?"

  He nodded. "Aye, I would, even though I know he feels I serve him better by staying at Braemere."

  "How did you come to be his squire?"

  "Our fathers were friends, and when Renaud became a knight, my father asked Renaud if I could serve under him."

  "You must have been young."

  "Aye, seven."

  "Did you miss your home?"

  Galeran's lips curved a little. "Very much, but his lordship was kind and always kept me busy. Many thought him too soft toward me. He was not, though. He treated me more like a brother."

  "Did you always get along as you do now?"

  He pursed his lips. "Aye, I served him faithfully, and I still do."

  There was no denying the pride in his expression and voice. "And what of Elena?"

  Galeran's gaze dropped, instantly flustered. "I have known her since she was a young woman."

  "She is beautiful."

  A blush rose from his neck to his cheeks. "Indeed, she is."

  "What was Renaud like when he was younger?" Aleysia asked, sensing how uncomfortable he was with the current line of questioning. Also, she was curious about the man who had come rushing into her life. A man she could not purge from her thoughts, no matter how hard she tried.

  "His father was a huge man, who had a penchant for fighting and telling far-fetched tales. His mother was Austrian, and what a beauty she was. Hair as black as night, and eyes as gray as the rain-filled clouds."

  "Much like Renaud's and Elena's?"

  His white teeth flashed. "Aye, indeed, much like Renaud's and Elena's."

  "Are his parents still living?"

  "Nay, both are dead."

  "How sad. I know what it is to lose one's parents."

  "His father's death hurt him greatly."

  "But not his mother's?"

  Galeran took a sudden interest in setting the board. "Nay, she was not a good wife, or mother."

  "In what way?"

  "What do we have here?" a feminine voice said, and Aleysia looked up to find Elena watching the two of them.

  Galeran stood so fast, he nearly upended his chair.

  "My lady, please join us."

  "I do not wish to interfere," she said with a coy smile, even as she took a seat. "I was hoping we would hear news from York. This waiting is agony."

  Aleysia nodded. "Indeed, it is."

  Elena frowned, concern in her eyes. "I fear by allowing Adelstan to escape, that Renaud stands to lose everything."

  Aleysia's heart skipped a beat. "You mean Braemere?"

  Galeran dropped his gaze to the chessboard, and remained silent.

  "Certainly, William would not strip him of Braemere after securing her?"

  "Aye, but his duty was to secure Braemere and bring Adelstan before William in York. True, he secured Braemere, but William expects absolute loyalty. He will not be happy to learn that Adelstan is free and therefore still a threat."

  "What if he is stripped of Braemere? What becomes of the fief?"

  Elena brushed out her skirts. "I fear it could be given to another baron. One who has found favor with William." She forced a smile. "Do not fret so, Aleysia. My brother has lands in the south of England. All is not lost."

  But the south of England was not Braemere.

  "And what of me?"

  Galeran looked at Elena. "Enough," he said, the words barely above a whisper.

  '"Tis only fair. Would you not want to know your fate?" Elena lifted a dark brow. "She should know what might await her, Galeran."

  With a curse, Galeran folded his arms over his chest.

  Elena ignored him. "You could be given to the new lord of Braemere."

  Aleysia gasped. "Nay."

  '"Tis true." Elena lay a gentle hand on Aleysia's shoulder. "It has happened all over England. It is William's way to make peace with the Saxons. You must prepare yourself for the worst."

  "I will not marry a Norman."

  "Not even my brother?"

  Aleysia opened her mouth to deny the words, yet she found she could not. It was odd, but she didn't look at Renaud or even Galeran as her enemy anymore.

  Elena's lips curved. "God willing, you will not be given to another. I pray that William shows Renaud leniency. I hope that my brother will return and Braemere will still be in his possession."

  A shiver rushed through Aleysia at the prospect of lying in a stranger's bed. "I would rather die than marry another."

  "What of your Scot?"

  What of Duncan? She no longer felt the same way about her father's friend. He was not to be trusted. No longer someone she could depend on. "I do not trust him. Not after he denied Adelstan."

  "I admire your brother," Elena said. "Though I never met him, the stories I have heard speak of a proud, fiercely loyal man."

  Aleysia smiled at Elena's analysis. "Aye, but he also has a huge heart."

  She laughed, the sound like music. "Much like my brother." Aleysia had never thought of Renaud de Wulf as having a huge heart.

  "You think not?" Elena queried.

  "I have not known him for very long, but I do know he can be kind."

  Elena's gaze shifted to Galeran. As the young soldier glanced at Elena, Aleysia feigned a yawn, wanting to give the two time alone. "I think I shall take a nap before supper. I did not sleep well last night."

  "Sleep well, my dear," Elena said, looking not at all sorry to see her go.

  As Aleysia started for her bedchamber, she wondered what Renaud was doing and if he thought of her even a little. She hoped so, for the days seemed endless without him.

  Three guards followed her to the tower and up the stairs to her bedchamber. She had grown accustomed to their presence, and actually felt protected with Renaud gone. Nothing would happen to her, she knew that much.

  She lay down for a while, but sleep would not come, so finally she picked up her embroidery out of the basket. She looked down at the likeness of Braemere castle on the fabric. She hoped that she could stay here with Renaud. She closed her eyes and said a silent prayer.

  Aleysia worked only for a few minutes and stuck her finger twice. With a frustrated oath she set the embroidery aside and sucked on her injured finger. No matter what she did, she could not keep her mind from Renaud and William's decision. Perhaps that was why he had been detained.

  Though dinner would be ready soon, she stayed in her chamber, in no mood to converse when she was in such a sullen mood. Instead, she stared at the flames in the hearth, wondering what had become of the two men she cared for most in the world. God willing, her brother had found a safe place to stay.

  And he had that chance because of Renaud. Her heart swelled. She realized with a start that she might actually love Renaud de Wulf.

  A knock sounded at the door, making Aleysia jump. No doubt it was Elena, come to see if she would join her for supper.

  She opened the door to find two men staring back at her. Both wearing cloaks, their faces hidden in shadow. She heard a moan behind the men, and realized too late what had happened.

  She opened her mouth to scream, but one of the men moved fast, and shoved a rag inside her mouth. The other tied her hands behind her back, and then she was lifted into the air.

  Kicking and flailing with all her might only got her a smack to her bottom. Every step down the stairs made her head jar, and she tried to squirm again.

  "Stop it, Aleysia. We have come to take you home."

  She stopped squirming, wondering if she had heard him right. Mayhap Adelstan had rallied a small army and they had come to her rescue? Her mind raced. Thank God he was alive and well!

  Cold air enveloped her, and then the man was running, the ground racing past Aleysia.

  Finally, she was set on her feet. They had mad
e it outside the bailey, into the forest without being seen. At least, she had not heard any of the guards yell out. In the distance, she could make out the silhouette of at least four dozen men. No doubt Adelstan would be among them.

  One of the men helped her onto a mount, and climbed on behind her. She searched the awaiting crowd, anxiously looking for her brother.

  The closer they came to the group, the more nervous she became. She did not see Adelstan, and knew he would have made himself known to her by now.

  Then she recognized one figure, a tall man astride a horse, the dark helmet hiding his features. But she would know him anywhere. Her heart sank to her toes. Duncan.

  She looked toward the castle, hoping someone was in pursuit, but there was no one. No signal, no sign of anyone at all.

  Her mind raced, wondering what to do. She could never outrun the men, for they were all on horseback. Nay, the only thing she could do was make Duncan believe she wanted this. After all, she had sent the letter asking for his help.

  Her heart slammed against her ribs as they approached Duncan, who took off his helm—his dark eyes traveling over her in a way that made her shift in the saddle. She did not like the possessiveness of his gaze one bit.

  He brought his horse alongside. "She will ride with me," he said gruffly, and the Scot who had been riding behind her immediately dismounted and helped her onto Duncans horse.

  Aleysia settled in front of Duncan, her back ramrod straight as not to touch him.

  But he would have none of it. He wrapped a beefy arm about her waist, pulling her tight to him, to where she could feel every inch of the front of him, even his rigid manhood.

  She shuddered.

  "It is time to go home, Aleysia," he said, his lips brushing against her ear. "You are safe now."

  CHAPTER 19

  "Galeran, you have grown quiet. Is something amiss?"

  Galeran, who had been staring off into the distance, looked up at Elena. The beautiful widows blue-gray eyes mirrored the concern in her voice, and he smiled to put her mind at ease. "I apologize for being such a poor dinner companion, my lady."

  She placed a hand on his thigh, her long fingers brushing up and down, coming dangerously close to his cock. "Do you miss my brother?"

  In truth, he had been thinking of Renaud... until her hand had touched his thigh. He did not like being left behind, nor had he imagined it would take Renaud this long to complete his business in York. No message had been sent, which worried him immensely. He had very nearly dispatched a man to journey to York Castle this morning, just to inquire, but reconsidered, knowing Renaud would be furious.

  He knew he should not worry so, and though Renaud had not marched off to battle, these were dangerous times and anything could happen. "Aye, I do."

  "You are a loyal vassal," she whispered, her warm breath stirring his hair. How beautiful she was. Her skin like porcelain, her hair like silk. How he yearned to see it down, falling about her hips in thick waves. Oh to run his fingers through the shiny, rich brown locks.

  "Thank you, Lady Elena."

  She laughed. "Such formality between us, Galeran. Please, call me Elena."

  He swallowed past the lump in his throat. "Very well, Elen—uh," the last cut off as her hand brushed against his erection.

  Her lips curved in a coy smile. "I know something that will keep your mind off of my brother."

  His gaze fell to her lips. They were full and red, and he ached to feel them beneath his own. She must have sensed his need, for she leaned forward and whispered, "Come to my chamber." Before he could blink, she had walked away.

  He looked guiltily about the hall, grateful to find everyone busy conversing. Perhaps no one would miss him for a short while?

  His heart pounded loudly in his ears with every step that brought him closer to Elena's chamber. He knocked, and immediately the door flew open and he was pulled inside.

  Elena kissed him, her tongue slipping past his lips to taste him.

  His arms came around her, and he was shocked to feel bare skin beneath his hands. He moved to put her at arm's length, wanting to see her, but she held him too tight. Sensing she might be just as nervous as he, he held her and she relaxed.

  A few minutes later his hands moved down her body, over her slender back, full hips, and over her rounded bottom. Growing more daring, he took hold of that luscious bottom and squeezed. She gasped against his mouth, and her lips left his, drawing a path downward, along his throat while she pulled his tunic up and off him, flinging it aside.

  He caught a glimpse of her full breasts with dark-rose nipples and the triangle of dark hair between her thighs, before her lips continued their journey down his body. His breath left him in a rush when she went to her knees, kissing his navel while untying his braies.

  His hands tightened on her shoulders as she looked up at him, her beautiful eyes framed by long, thick lashes. "You have the body of a god," she said, causing his cock to lengthen and thicken.

  A delicious thrill wracked his body as she leaned forward and took him deep into her mouth. His stomach tightened as she sucked, nibbled, and continued to pleasure him in a way he'd never been pleasured before. Her fingers drifted along his thighs, and along his ballocks, where she stroked him, while her hot mouth continued to bring him closer to climax.

  He would spend himself if she continued in such a way. "Elena," he said, pulling her up with more force than intended.

  She smiled as she kissed him, her fingers seeking his cock, but he jerked away, shaking his head. "Nay, do not touch me or I will spill before I have you."

  "We do not want that now, do we?" she said, helping him out of his clothes, before taking him by the hand and leading him toward her bed.

  How long had he dreamt of this moment? Her body was beautiful. Not the body of a girl, but of a woman. Her full breasts were not as high as women half her age, but they were pleasing, as were the width of her hips and the fine silver lines on her hips where her body had stretched when she was pregnant with her sons.

  He imagined her pregnant with his sons, and smiled. It was a dream, a fantasy. After all, she had been married to a Norman lord, and would never marry a poor soldier, the sixth son of a baron who could offer her nothing in way of lands or wealth.

  The thought was more than a little sobering, but it disappeared a moment later when she lay on her bed, and opened her arms up to him. "Come, Galeran. Make love to me."

  She did not have to say it again.

  He sat on the edge of the bed and looked down at her, starting at her dainty feet, and moving slowly upward. Her finely shaped legs were long and lean, her stomach slightly rounded, and her large breasts more than a handful. He stared, wanting to memorize every line of her body.

  When finally his gaze met hers, he was surprised to see a vulnerability he had never before seen. "You are beautiful, Lady Elena."

  She smiled and pulled him down beside her.

  He could no longer prolong what he had been waiting for since the first time he had seen her. The thing he had been wanting to do since he was a boy, and she a young lady. Covering her with his body he guided his cock between her legs but she stopped him. "Not so fast, Galeran. A woman needs to be touched and her body warmed before welcoming a man inside her."

  A blush raced up his neck to his cheeks. He had always been with whores or experienced women, and not once had they asked him to touch them. It had always been about his pleasure. "How do you want me to touch you?" His voice broke.

  She smiled softly, and kissed him gently. "Touch me anywhere, but especially my breasts, my nipples, my mound."

  Trembling, he bent his head and kissed the swell of her breast, and then the skin between. She moaned low in her throat and encouraged him to continue.

  Laving a nipple, he took his time and suckled one, before attending to the other. Her thighs opened wider, and his cock nudged against her heated cleft.

  Her fingers brushed along his ribs, over his back, up his shoulders, and then
down over his buttocks. It seemed she touched him everywhere, save for his cock, but it did not matter. He was so excited, and he loved her touch.

  Growing a bit more daring, he touched her belly, before his fingers brushed over the soft curls that covered her sex. He swallowed hard when she lifted her hips.

  She was so hot down there, and surprisingly wet. Slipping a finger into her heat, he smiled when she moaned softly. "I'm ready," she whispered against his ear, nipping at it, her tongue sucking on the lobe.

  He thrust into her, moaning at the exquisite heat surrounding him. Her hands moved from his shoulders, slowly down his back, over his buttocks, where she dug her fingernails into his skin, urging him. Her inner muscles hugged his length, and she arched against him, meeting each thrust.

  He watched her face, saw the passion in those blue-gray eyes. The intense need, and knew as her breathing increased along with her pace that she reached for completion.

  Her nails bit into his back again as she cried out, her sheath tightening around him as she rode out the orgasm.

  He kept his climax at bay as he watched her find her own release. Sweat beaded on his brow, and his body ached for completion, but he wanted it to last. Wanted her to remember him. He had waited too long for this moment to end in a matter of minutes. And he would not let her off so easy. He slowed his pace, wanting her to feel each thrust, each stroke to her very core.

  Bending down, he took her nipple into his mouth, sucking and pulling on it lightly with his teeth. Her fingers wove through his hair, keeping him anchored there as her hips moved, urging him to do the same. But he did not move at all, loving the feel of her shifting beneath him, in order to take him further inside her.

  He sensed her frustration as she arched against him and smiled against her breast, before his lips claimed hers and he thrust inside her, his strokes fluid, strong. "Yes, Galeran, that's it."

  It wasn't long before she came again, her honeyed sheath hugging him tight. His balls drew close to his body and he groaned as he came, pulling out just in time.

  He wanted to be a father one day, but not until he had attained lands and wealth.