Free The Contract by Sandy Holden Page B

only unattractive, excessively tall, but I also was unable to handle my duties.
    Max lifted my chin and chuckled. “What exactly are your responsibilities?”
    I looked at him, surprised. “I thought everyone knew them. All the ladies seem to know.”
    Max said, “I am not one of your ladies.” There was the hint of a smile on his face.
    I wasn’t sure if he was mocking my sadness or trying to tease me into a better mood. I decided to assume the latter. “Too bad,” I mused. “I’d rather spend time with you than any of them.”
    Max was quiet and thoughtful as I said that. He took a deep breath. “I had not realized your position among the ladies would be compromised when I punished you by making you serve.” He touched my chin softly, and my eyes rose to his. “They are your ladies, but do you wish me to intervene on your behalf?”
    I pictured Max forcing the ladies to act respectful to me. Even if he tried that, it wouldn’t make it true respect, only the fear of him. “No, my lord. I must find a way to handle them.”
    “You realize I asked you not to be on your own?”
    I nodded. “I forgot. I was too busy…” I let a reluctant smile touch my lips. “Pouting.”
    He snorted as he heard his own words from me. “Be that as it may, I can’t have it. I suppose we must solve your problem, so I can trust you to stay with Callista or one of the other ladies. I don’t understand what it is that you are not doing. Everything seems fine to me.”
    “I’m supposed to direct the servants, plan the meals with the cook, lead the ladies, plan for linen, beddings and a multitude of other things I’ve never done.”
    Max took my hands. “Who insists you must do these things? I don’t remember it either in the wedding ceremony nor have I asked you to do them, had I even known what they were.”
    I just looked at him.
    “In fact, the only things I have asked you to do you haven’t done. Maybe we should start with those orders and then you can pick up the other duties as you wish.”
    Could I do that? Just decide not to do some of the lady-of-the-castle tasks? “And you wouldn’t be angry or…disappointed in me?”
    Max chuckled. “Katrina, what I want from you is fidelity, sons, your obedience, and for you to scream with passion when I take you.” His eyes gleamed as he shrugged. “Other than that you can do as you wish. Someone has certainly done all the things you mentioned before I wed you. Can’t that person continue to do those jobs you do not want to do?”
    I smiled in relief. He made it sound so simple. “I suppose so.”
    “You don’t sound sure,” he said, moving and pushing my legs apart so he was partially between them, my skirt stretching to keep him from further contact.
    “I thought…I thought you’d believe I wasn’t doing my duty.”
    Max began to pull up my skirt until it was gathered up around my knees, and he could lean against me. “Your duty is to me.” His gaze was growing hotter. “Do you doubt it?”
    “No, my lord,” I said a little breathlessly.
    He kept his eyes on mine as he continued to slowly push up my skirt. “So, tell me, Katrina, what are you to do today? What is my will?”
    “Uh….” I tried to concentrate as I felt my body responding to what he was doing. “Stay with the others today? And, uh, maybe that screaming thing?”
    In response, he gave he a long, drugging kiss. He pushed my legs further apart and ran his hands along my thighs, bare now to his touch. “You have followed my instructions on your undergarments, I see.” He touched me between my legs and I jerked. “I feel you’re doing your duty quite well.”
    I looked up at him wondering what would happen next. He smiled at whatever he saw in my face—anticipation?
    “Lie back on the desk,” he said. I slowly lay back, my heart pounding. He continued touching me lightly, and I writhed as the feelings began to build. He watched me as the feelings grew, grew and then suddenly I was