Free The Conqueror (Hot Knights) by Mary Gillgannon Page B

her to be his chatelaine, to help him in running the manor, he would no longer be able to keep his distance. He would have to speak with her regularly, to look at her. And all the while, he would be painfully aware of what exquisite treasures her clothes concealed.
    Jobert paused before the bedchamber door and took a deep breath. He had no choice. If he did not want to watch his dreams sink beneath the mire of his own and his men’s incompetence, he had to ask the woman for aid.
    He jerked the dagger out of the doorjamb and went in. Crossing to where the woman sat sewing by the window, he planted his feet. “I need your help.”
    The Norman’s words stunned Edeva. This man, this ruthless warlord who did whatever he willed, was asking her for aid?
    “I know you are a noblewoman, that you understand the running of a household. I would have you take charge of this place, ere it falls down around our heads.”
    “How...” Edeva’s throat was so dry, she could hardly speak. “What makes you think I am a noblewoman?”
    The Norman’s face grew calculating. “You would not have dared to fight me as you have if you did not feel a claim to this place.”
    “I am merely a seamstress from Flanders.” She twisted her hands in the tunic fabric, trying to appear frightened.
    He moved within a pace of her, staring her down with his green eyes. “Nay, you are not.”
    She struggled to maintain her demure pose. “Are you dissatisfied with my needlework? Do you find it lacking somehow?”
    He moved a few inches closer “Your work is excellent, but I doubt that sewing represents the extent of your skills. I believe you can do much more.”
    She raised her chin. “And why should I? Why should I lift a finger to aid a Norman swine like you?”
    He smiled, slowly, chillingly, and reached out to touch her cheek. “As I recall, I have already discovered an effective means of coercion.”
    Edeva tried not to draw back. If she did not cooperate, he obviously meant to forget their agreement. “You said if I obeyed you and sewed you new clothes, you would not molest me!”
    His fingers moved to smooth a strand of hair away from her face. “I wish your cooperation in other endeavors.”
    He stared at her long and hard, until Edeva’s heart fluttered in her chest like a helpless bird. Then he drew his hand away and gestured. “This is your home. I would not think you would wish to see it ruined. But ’twill be, if someone does not see to the ordering of it.” He looked back at her. “The women will listen to you. They will not pretend to mishear your orders or try to distract you with feminine wiles. You understand what their tasks should be. And those of the workmen and other servants. I believe you can make this manor run smoothly.”
    Edeva took a deep breath. A part of her longed to do exactly what he asked. Another part believed she should defy him at any cost. “How do you know I have any authority remaining? All think that you have... that you have made me your leman. Why should they listen to me now that you have shamed me?”
    “’Tis your natural stubbornness and authority that will give your commands weight. My men are afraid of you. I do not think that any servant or workman would dare challenge that viper’s tongue of yours. If they did, you could always draw a knife or take aim at their privates.”
    Edeva felt herself flush, recalling her violent behavior toward the Norman. No wonder he did not accept her pretense of being a meek servant.
    “And what is my share in the bargain?” she asked.
    “Your share?” He cocked his head. “You will have control of your own household and a claim in Oxbury’s prosperity.”
    “And freedom from your attentions?”
    He studied her coolly. “For the moment.”
    Edeva sucked in her breath in anger. ’Twas not enough! She bargained with the devil himself and still he gave her no assurances!
    But what else could she do? Besides, the longer she held him off, the greater