Free HealingPassion by Katherine Kingston Page B

“Have many ladies
felt the need to flee your presence, Sir Thomas?”
    “Only a few. My sister once, when I pulled her hair and
tormented her until she kicked me and then fled in fear of my wrath. A wh… A
woman of ill repute who thought to rob me when I caught her in the act of going
through my purse. By and large, though, the few ladies I’ve allowed in my
quarters have felt no need for a fast exit.”
    “I believe I’ll trust to your word earlier.” She licked her
lips and swallowed hard. “Sir Thomas—”
    He was at her side as fast as he could move and put a finger
over her lips. “Nay. No objections. We both believe you have no husband, lady.
If he be not dead, and I do believe it is so, he’s most certainly dishonored
your vows by remaining away so long. I cannot believe you’ll ever see him
again. You’ve been too long now carrying the burden of this place on yourself
with none to comfort you.”
    “Save my mother.”
    “Save your mother. But while mothers can offer a great deal
of comfort, there is a kind that can only flow between a man and a woman.”
    “But I’ve no right to—”
    “Say no more,” he ordered. “I will not take from you that
which only your husband may by right have. But tonight I take all burdens on
myself. For tonight you are completely in my hands and in my power. You’ll
forget all else and do only as I command, save that if there is anything you
truly don’t wish or can’t abide, you have but to tell me and I’ll stop. What
say you, lady? Will you give all responsibility into my keeping for this
night?”
    She frowned. “I do not understand.”
    He put his hands on her shoulders. “You lay responsibility
for all that happens tonight on me, by agreeing now that you will do whatever I
order you to do, save that it truly offends you. You put yourself completely in
my control. I give my word I’ll not have a husband’s way with you, but will
only do what will comfort and please you. We’ll call it your penance that your
hospitality was initially so cold when I arrived. You kept me waiting out in
the rain far longer than you should have. In recompense, for this night, you
will serve me exactly as I demand.”
    A slow, almost shy, smile spread over her face as she
understood what he wanted. “Ah, I see, my lord. Our hospitality was lacking
that day, and I suppose I do owe you some penance for that. If this is how you
would have it, then I offer it to you.” Her expression turned suddenly arch.
“But, my lord, should I fail to obey a command?”
    “I’ll have to punish you, of course. A loving punishment.”
    Her eyes widened and a sparkle burst to life in them. She
opened her mouth, but couldn’t quite bring herself to ask the next question. It
didn’t matter. She’d already accepted the invitation and was intrigued by the
game, though that didn’t drive away all her apprehension.
    “We’re wasting the hot water,” he said. “I’ll play your maid
and help you disrobe.”
    He only fumbled a bit with the laces and tapes of her
garments, and that more because the sight of her gradually revealed, lovely
body made him shake with need and desire for her rather than any innate
clumsiness. Though Juliana was quiet while he undid and removed her overgown,
her harsh breathing and the fine trembling of her body revealed her nervous
excitement. When he loosened the tape at the back of her shift, she sucked in a
sharp breath and said, “Sir Thomas—”
    “Nay, lady,” he cut her off. “Do you forget already you’ve
given yourself to my use in penance?” She didn’t resist when he pushed the
loose shift off her shoulders and guided it down her arms until it fell to the
floor by its own weight. Without thinking, she crossed her arms over her front,
attempting to hide her lovely breasts and the secrets hidden at the cleft of
her legs.
    He didn’t object. The struggle to control the raging desire
of his engorged cock took much of his effort. She was so beautiful,