Free Lady Thief by Rizzo Rosko Page A

lazy. What makes
you think they will obey you?”
    Marianne realized too late that she had
raised her nose, but she refused to lower it out of embarrassment
should he make another mention of it. “They will do as they are
told unless they wish to receive a lash.”
    His eyes blinked wide and mouth dropped as he
swayed under the venom in her threat. She finally got the chance to
enjoy a good smirking at his expense.
    “However, that can only be done if you do not
go against my orders when they come to you.”
    William was impressed. Traditional marriage
this may not be, it could still hold advantages. “And they will
eventually come to me because they will not wish to do as you say.
Very well, you may have your way with the servants. Adam will keep
me informed of your progress, and should I catch any man or woman
not obeying your orders I shall threaten them with your lash as
well.”
    “My lash?”
    He nodded. “Aye. ‘Twould make for quicker
results if you and I both threatened the same punishment for not
working, yet the servants here already know I have trouble with
lashing them, mostly the women. So if you are the one cruel enough
to send them to their fates and they believe you capable of it,
they should develop better habits soon.”
    Should she be grateful for this or not? She
should have known by now, he would have to rely on her seeing to
the discipline of the castle since none of the servants expected
their lord to raise a finger to them.
    Again she had to remind herself that she was
the lady of the castle. If it had to be done then she would do it.
She would get everything back in order even if all the servants
despised her by month’s end.
    “Very well, but I do not want Adam.”
    He cocked a brow and crossed his arms. “And
why would that be? You said yourself that he is the only servant
capable of working in my house.”
    “If I am to have an escort then I want more
than a shadow. I would like a woman. ‘Tis lonely here and I would
like another woman to speak with.” ‘Twas a flimsy excuse, but ‘twas
also true.
    “You would resort to mingling with the
servants just to satisfy your lack of gossip?”
    She straightened her back. “I want someone to
talk to.”
    “I am your husband, you can talk with
me.”
    Marianne sighed. He didn’t understand. He
pulled her against him before she could say anything to him.
    “You forced me to wed you on the belief that
I am was son, whom you have never been introduced until today, all
just to escape Ferdinand. And you will have me believe that all you
wish for is a conversation partner?”
    Her heart fluttered when his hands clasped
her arms, and she hated her weakness.
    He leaned closer and she tensed. Assuming he
would kiss her mouth, she fluttered between disappointment and glee
when he settled for her jaw instead.
    She clasped his shoulders with the intent to
push him away, but they stayed where they were, and she allowed him
to kiss her.
    “How—how did you know about Ferdinand?” Good
God her voice cracked.
    He spoke between kisses and did not lighten
his assault. “Do you take me for a fool? I could see the way that
lecher stared at you, at your face.” He kissed her cheek. “At your
mouth.” He kissed her mouth, touching her lips with his tongue but
not plunging it inside, and Marianne groaned helplessly. “And at
your breasts.” He finished by squeezing her breast in his hand. It
tingled through her gown, through her breasts, and shot down
between her legs.
    Whatever it was she was sure it was sinful,
but she gasped and leaned into his touch. God save her she liked
it.
    “I saw all of that,” William kissed her cheek
and smirked again, “and your father told me of him.”
    “You swine!” Marianne pushed hard and
stumbled away from him, humiliated and angry with herself.
    He stared as though what he had done had not
caused his blood to rush like hers did, still did. She could barely
believe her beating heart. How was that