Free The Bargain by Julia Templeton Page B

alone. "I fear I must ask another favor of you, and when you have done so much already. I have written a letter to Duncan MacMillan, the Scottish laird who was here not long ago. I am hoping your grandson can deliver a message to him. I know it is a dangerous task, so I will give him this," Aleysia said, removing a ring from her finger. The ring had belonged to her mother, a gift from her father. How she hated to part with the treasured piece, but she knew the risk was great for the young man. The least she could do was sacrifice something for his effort.
    The old woman's eyes lit up. '"Tis beautiful, my lady. But surely it is worth too much for a simple errand."
    "Nay, take it. 'Tis a dangerous journey I send him on, and in such uncertain times."
    "I will see he gets it the moment you leave, dear." The healer placed a small pouch in Aleysia's hand and closed her fingers around it. "A pinch in a drink will put them out for the better part of the night. You must be very careful and stir it well, for there is a bitter taste to it."
    "Thank you," Aleysia murmured, and kissed the healer's wrinkled cheek before stuffing the draught into the pocket of her gown. She hurried back toward the orchard, where thankfully the guard still slumbered, his snores loud.
    Renaud had given her some freedom these past two days, allowing her out of the castle and the stuffy chamber that had made the days far too long. Glad to have the chance to wander at her leisure, she had not balked when he sent a guard with her. Now she picked the berries hurriedly, aware that if she were caught by Renaud or his men, it could mean disaster for her plans to escape.
    She quickly filled her basket with berries, and not too soon, for the guard opened his eyes. He blinked several times, then guiltily scrambled to his feet. "Are you ready, my lady?" he called, and Aleysia nodded.
    On their way back to the castle, they passed by Renaud and his men, practicing in a meadow of wildflowers. Bare to the waist, the Norman shouted encouragement as two of his men battled with swords. Each clash of metal made a ringing sound, one that was nearly drowned out by the soldiers' yells.
    Obviously frustrated by what he saw, Renaud shook his head, and taking up his sword, approached Galeran, who drew his blade. The vassal brushed back his golden hair with a swipe of his hand and grinned mischievously at Renaud. What followed was a display of physical agility the likes she had never before seen.
    Aleysia found herself entranced by the sight as Renaud cast blow after blow, his muscles bunching beneath his dark skin with the effort it took to hold off Galeran's answering parry and thrusts. Sweat beaded on his skin, a sheen that emphasized the thick, hard planes.
    As she watched, desire rippled throughout her, swooping low into her belly, causing a deep throbbing ache between her legs. Her body's reaction disturbed her greatly. Why did she desire him so much—this man who was the cause of all her grief?
    But Renaud truly was a magnificent-looking man, his powerful frame impressive. His dark, long hair was held back by a band, drawing emphasis to the chiseled features of his face. Her nipples hardened remembering the feel of those shoulders beneath her fingertips, as she held on while he had filled her with his rock-hard cock.
    Renaud whipped his wrist and unarmed Galeran, sending the sword flying through the air, toward Aleysia. She ducked out of the way just in the knick of time.
    Heart pounding, she stared at the sword just a few feet from her, in the exact spot where she'd been standing. Thank God she had regained her wits and stepped aside in time, or the blade would have impaled her.
    She looked up to find Renaud rushing toward her, concern and something that resembled anger flashing in his silver eyes.
    Dropping the basket, she stepped toward the sword and using both hands, pulled it from the earth. She rotated it, feeling its weight. It was far heavier than her sword, and Galeran