Ruthless by Sophia Johnson

Author:Sophia Johnson [Johnson, Sophia]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: blood oath, love through the ages, Revenge, alpha hero, intense, honor, medieval romance, scottish, warrior women, sensual romance
Publisher: Sophia Johnson
Published: 2012-05-27T02:26:52+00:00

Chapter 23

"They are well into their cups from the sounds of it."

Muriele looked over her shoulder at Esa, uneasy hearing the rowdy men so early in the evening.

"The night before Feradoch returns to Clibrick, Chief Olaf provides special entertainment for him."

Esa hesitated, one foot hovering above the next downward step.

Muriele tilted her head and studied her friend's expression in the dim light. Esa's lips had tightened to a thin line and her eyes held a hint of fear. Surely, she didn't fear Feradoch. He would do naught to cause her unease. If not him, then Magnus?

When they stepped out into the open, Muriel grasped Esa's hand and brought her alongside. Occupied with comforting her, she paid no heed to the crowded room. Feeling a change in the room, she glanced around to find its cause. Her gaze clashed with Magnus' own. His intense stare roved from her head to her toes, appreciating what he saw—if one could count lust as appreciation. Feradoch, too, looked over the women as if judging their worth.

His gaze shifted to study Magnus. His lips tightened. What displeased him? Did he not like the way Magnus studied her and Esa? Mayhap he felt Magnus was crude to take advantage of his position as conqueror of Blackbriar?

Chief Olaf clapped his hands for quiet and waited until the room stilled.

"Ah, all that is sunshine and shadows rolled into two beautiful women." He slapped both men on the backs. "Fetch them. They will sit beside you. Our traveling musicians are from Wales, as is Esa. After our meal, she will dance to their rousing music."

The closer the men came, the more Esa's fingers trembled within Muriele's grasp. Magnus' face was intent. Severe even. But then, when was it not? He was forever grim-faced. She could count on one hand the times she had seen him smile or even look at ease.

Her gaze turned to Feradoch. Hungry anticipation hardened his face when he looked at Esa. 'Twas not simple lust. More like a wolf before he devoured a plump hare. It was quickly gone, for now his features showed only kindness and the desire to please.

Magnus' warm, calloused hand separated hers from Esa's and placed it on his arm. The soft hair tickled her palm until he pressed her hand down firmly to grasp him. The heat of his bare skin and the hard muscles there sent shivers from her fingers to her shoulder.

Wearing a black sleeveless tunic falling short of his knees, his strong muscled arms and powerful legs added to his massive frame. He must have sensed the heat rippling through her. Though his face tightened, devoid of expression, his black eyes gleamed.

He was the vivid image of a magnificent unrestrained animal.

Did all of the Morgan clan run true to their motto, with a strong hand? If Magnus was any indication, they did. Her mind flashed back to last night. Strange. Those hands had been most gentle. If they had not been, his ardor would have caused bruising over every inch of her flesh.

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