Forever Ashley by Copeland Lori

Author:Copeland, Lori [Copeland, Lori]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Copeland, Inc.
Published: 2013-05-01T21:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seven

The ride back to the Black Goat was bone chilling, the night dark and cold with a threat of rain in the air. Ashley’s teeth were chattering by the time they reached the inn even though Aaron had stopped halfway back to insist that she wear his coat.

The tavern was filled with the usual rowdies as Aaron and Ashley threaded their way through the smoky room.

“Aye, gov’nor! You’ve not had your fill of the doxy?” one man jested loudly.

“Back again, aye, Doc?”

Aaron smiled, waving away the men’s ribald comments. He moved Ashley determinedly toward the narrow staircase.

“And a fine hello to you, too.” Ashley muttered beneath her breath.

Aaron rested his hand on the small of her back as they climbed the steps. The room they were sharing was even smaller than Ashley remembered. The bed seemed to dominate the room tonight. The more she was with Kenneman, the more acutely aware she was of what an alluring man he was. If circumstances were different, she might find him extremely desirable.

After closing the door, Aaron tossed the key on the dresser. Ashley walked to the rocker and sat down, her eyes drifting shut with fatigue as he struck a flint to the linen wick lying in the shallow, metal, grease-filled dish. She was so tired her hair hurt. She was desperate for sleep, yet she couldn’t bear the thought of spending another night in the chair.

“Has anyone decided what they’re going to do with me?” She pulled the clip from her hair, then ran her fingers over her scalp, basking in the relief the motion provided.

When Aaron didn’t answer, she opened her eyes to confront him. “Well?”

He had seated himself on the bed and was beginning to remove his boots. She could see that he planned to ignore the question.

“Are we going to play let’s not answer Ashley again?”

After tossing the second boot aside, he reached inside his coat pocket for a smoke. “It has been decided.”

She sat up straighten “It has?” Her pulse quickened. “When?”

“This afternoon.”

“At the Green Dragon?”

“Yes.”

Ashley wasn’t aware that the men had discussed her plight. She thought they had been talking about the British again. Her eyes narrowed. Oh, they were so sneaky. She thought she had heard everything they’d said, but apparently she hadn’t.

“What are they going to do with me?”

Her heart was hammering now. Had they decided to hang her? Or worse, were they going to subject her to a ducking stool where passersby could throw objects or insults at her? She glanced at Aaron. No, he wouldn’t permit them to do that to her—would he?

“It is nothing for you to be concerned about,” he said quietly.

“Nothing for me to be concerned about!” Ashley scrambled to her feet and began pacing. Nothing for her to be concerned about! “What are you planning to do with me?”

“Wring your troublesome neck like a Sunday chicken.” Aaron stood up and moved to the window, trying to cover his amusement. She had been a disreputable looking sight when Warren had rescued her from the jail.

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