Free Star Slave by Nicole Dere Page B

the thick stuff of the jodhpurs. She glanced round. There had been about six of them in the party, but they were all widely spaced now, some of the more experienced having gone ahead and beyond sight. Only Lord B himself was still with her. He moved up to her side.
    â€˜It opens up a bit here,’ he said. ‘We’ll give’ em a bit of a gallop, eh?’
    Somehow she managed to cling on during the terror-stricken minutes which followed. She was too frightened at the time to be aware of the undignified spectacle she must surely present, as she clung on, hanging over her mount’s neck, red faced and whimpering with fear, her hard hat hammed down over her nose.
    Afterwards, back at the stables, he carefully lifted her down, his hands gripping tightly at her waist, and she marvelled at his strength, despite his advancing years. Of course he was still handsome, in a time worn, craggy sort of way. His silvery hair and moustache suited him. He was attractive in the way older men could be. She wondered at his age, and blushed as she found herself trying to picture him as a sexual partner. He looked older than daddy. He must be well into his fifties - at least, she guessed.
    They went through the kitchen garden and in by the butler’s pantry. There seemed to be no one about at all, the house strangely silent, but there was a smell of cooking and some noise of bustling activity from the kitchens.
    He sniffed appreciatively. ‘Ah! Sunday lunch. Always takes me back, that smell. So nostalgic.’ He smiled at her in the dimness. ‘Come on, young lady. I’ve some stuff that should help with the stiffness.’
    He held her arm as they went up the wide staircase. On the first floor she could hear voices and the click of billiard balls. She wondered where John was. Or Magda.
    He was leading her off to the right. ‘I’d better go and change,’ she murmured. ‘I’m—’
    â€˜In here,’ he cut her off abruptly. ‘Come on.’ He spoke firmly in a no-nonsense tone, and she obeyed him. The room was quite small and very modern compared with most of the guestrooms. It was comfortably furnished, with a low bed against one wall. She guessed it was his room. A modestly sized bathroom opened off it.
    â€˜Sit.’ He gestured to a round-backed chair, and she did as she was told, feeling her awkwardness growing.
    â€˜Give me your foot.’ He bent as he spoke and picked up her right one. With a series of tugs he managed to haul the boot off, and then did the same with the other. ‘Get your things off,’ he said, his voice thickening. ‘I’ll run a bath for you.’
    Her face blazed. ‘Please, I’d rather go to my room, if you don’t mind.’ She hung her head, unable to look at him.
    â€˜I don’t mean you any harm, my dear,’ he said gravely. ‘Nor would I ever dream of forcing myself upon you. You know that, don’t you?’ His crooked finger lifted her chin, and she felt the tears start in her eyes once more. ‘I’ll run the bath for you. Then I’ll arrange for your massage.’ There was a slight pause, before the husky voice continued even more softly. ‘You know I care a great deal for you, Felicity. As a person. I don’t mean just for your looks - though you are staggeringly beautiful.’
    She murmured an automatic denial, blushing even more.
    He turned away and went through to the bathroom. ‘There’s a robe on the door there,’ he called, and she heard the sound of water beginning to splash into the tub. ‘Slip it on, if you’d rather. ‘
    With a sensation of helplessness which she somehow felt had been with her for most of her brief stay, she unbuttoned the jacket, slipped it off and laid it on the bed. She unfastened the belt and stiffly bent to drag off the riding breeches. Hastily, she shrugged off tie and shirt, then bra and pants, before reaching gratefully