Free Heartsong by Allison Knight Page A

the maid was her keeper, her guard. The thought that deShay would come to her tonight kept her nauseous. Again her stitches looked like those of a beginner, but what did she care, she asked herself. She had no pride in this work.
    When the lord of Knockin insisted on her presence for the evening meal, she found eating no easier than trying to break her fast had been. Although he chose to ignore her, the conversation swirling around her produced a tension so great her stomach roiled.
    She listened to the comments and teasing from the gathered knights, the ribald shouts from the soldiers, and her alarm intensified. It was clear they knew his intentions to come to her this night. Nay, he would not take her. She would fight to the death before she let him bed her.
    The color drained from her face. She wanted to run.
    ~ * ~
    Garrett felt her tension. He heard the comments and when all the color drained from her face, he guessed at her thoughts. His plan to treat her as a guest had only begun this day. He dragged a raw breath into his tight lungs and cursed at his need.
    When he’d taken her arm to guide her to the table, his body had reacted to her nearness. He gritted his teeth, remembering that when they slept together, it would be by mutual need.
    “Come, let me escort you to your chambers,” he said, at the end of their meal. He took her hand and pulled her from the chair. “You look as if you need the rest.”
    ~ * ~
    Rhianna tried to ignore the rush of anguish surging through her. She tried to get away from him then stumbled in her haste. He reached out, grabbed her elbow and pulled her to him, forcing her to walk at his side as they climbed the stairs.
    Her heart thundered. Could he hear the pounding? She shook with an apprehension so great she knew if he had not supported her she would have crumpled on the stairs.
    Finally, they neared her chamber and she reached out and grabbed the latch. She intended to get inside and close the door between them before he could make a move. He was too quick for her. In less than the blink of an eye, he had his arms around her.
    “I’ll bid you good night, now,” he whispered against her hair. “Sleep well.”
    Everything in Rhianna relaxed. She sagged against him. He was going to leave her in peace this night. She felt his chuckle deep in the pit of her stomach, then lifted her head to gaze into his face.
    It was a mistake.
    His lips met hers. Warmth flooded through her, followed by a sense of security. He took immediate advantage, sinking into the heat of her mouth.
    Shock reverberated through her. Pleasure sped through her veins, a feeling so intense she thought to drown in it. For a fraction of a moment she wondered what magic he possessed. Then euphoria made more thought impossible.
    When he released her, she knew her legs could no longer support her. She leaned into him. Then she lifted her gaze and the satisfied grin on his face produced a wealth of guilt. Blessed Virgin, why did he have to look so pleased?
    He turned and Rhianna didn’t hesitate. She yanked the door open and rushed into the chamber she claimed as her own. More humiliation descended as she realized what a traitor she was to her father, the man she had planned to wed, to her brothers. Why, after his lips touched hers, she hadn’t given Lily one thought.
    She gradually realized Mildred stood before the bed, awaiting her.
    “A warm bath, my Lady?” In the corner of the room, a wooden tub stood surrounded by several jars of steaming water.
    Rhianna sank on the bed then nodded gratefully. A bath was exactly what she needed. Perhaps the warm water would wash away some of her humiliation.
    After she finished bathing and had dried herself off, she crawled beneath the linens. Only the fact she had paced away half of the previous night allowed Rhianna the sleep she needed this night.
    The next morning followed the same pattern of the previous day. deShay met her at the bottom of the stairs, then escorted her to