Her Dark Baron by Notariani Nadja

Author:Notariani, Nadja [Notariani, Nadja]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Nadja Notariani
Published: 2011-12-03T06:00:00+00:00

Chapter 6

Dawn's soft glow broke into the chamber where Gervase Daltrey watched his wife's sleeping form. Thick black lashes fanned her high cheeks, and her lips, soft and pouty, held his attention for indefinite moments. The absurdity of his fascination with her sent a warning through his gut.

You are a fool to believe this will last. She was in shock last night. In the light of day, she will cringe from your presence.

He did not want to consider that possibility. Arising, Gervase left her, uncertain he wanted to be there when she first recalled last night's events. He dressed, breaking his fast in the great hall before inspecting his tenants' progress, busy in preparation for the spring planting. Finding things in order, he rode over to the Hayes tenants, inquiring on their situation.

They were encountering a problem with missing stock – a ewe here, a lamb there – and at once Gervase suspected Flanders.

“Have you set up round the clock watches?” Gervase questioned the man elected to speak for the tenants.

“No, my lord. But I will see to it myself. The losses have been slight and spread out. We've just begun to suspect thievery instead of normal, inevitable losses.”

“Very well. Send a rider with a report of any new losses at once to Ayleshind. If necessary, I will dispatch a few men.”

“Many thanks, Baron Daltrey.”

“You are under the protection of Ayleshind now. No thanks are warranted. I'll not abide losses to my property. Now carry on, men. I shall return to inspect the fields within the week.”

Gervase pushed Daegon hard on the return ride, his thoughts centering on the raven-haired beauty he left in his bed – the woman who now held his secret. He was anxious to be within his gates to gauge her reaction to his presence. If he found acceptance, he would make passionate love to her in the middle of the day, and he cared not if the servants heard every detail. However, if he met with disdain, he would take her punishingly – and she would cry out in pleasure against her will if necessary. That he would make certain.

His body demanded hers, and by the time he stabled his mount, his length hung heavy with need, aching for her touch. The horses being led toward him, he recognized at once, were not his, and he cursed the men whose appearance delayed his taking.

“What guests enter Ayleshind?” Gervase demanded of the stable lad.

“I do not know who they are, my lord. But there are two men, sir, and by the condition of their horses, they have ridden hard this day.”

“Very good. You’ve a hawk's eye, boy. I have need of such talent on occasion. Would you like extra work? It will earn you some coin.”

“Yes, sir, my lord!” the boy answered, standing straight and proud.

Robert met Gervase upon his entry to the manor.

“Master Gervase,” he reported, “your visitors have been placed in the meeting chamber. Will you require anything further, my lord?”

“That will be all, Robert,” he dismissed the steward and disappeared into the side room.

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