“Aye.” He sighed. “Have some men stationed around the outskirts. I’ll not have them sneak up on us again. Repairs will have to be made on the morrow. Is the physician here?”
“Aye, my lord. He is in the guard’s quarters, awaiting the injured.”
“My thanks. As soon as the captain returns, have men sent out to check for injuries and damages. We were lucky they did not bring fire, for we surely would have had worst to deal with. I think it unlikely but if there are those with damaged homes, ensure they are aided.”
“As you bid, my lord.” The soldier nodded and dipped his head before hurrying back to the gatehouse.
Dominic gave her a grim smile as he swiped a hand through his hair. She clutched her fist by her side, fighting the urge to run her fingers through the disarray. “Will there be many injured?”
He shrugged but his posture remained tense. “I pray not.”
“T-Thank you for your aid. I fear…” She shuddered involuntarily. “I fear I should have ended up in the reiver’s hands had it not been for you and your men.”
He reached for her and Lucy swayed forward, but the shouts of men at the gatehouse made them both pause and look to the commotion. Lucy’s heart stretched, wishing she had fallen into his arms and wept with relief and fear.
The group of men split apart and Lucy realized they were carrying an injured man. Dominic cursed as he spotted him and hastened towards the men. Lucy snatched at her skirts and followed after but Dominic put out an arm before she could get close enough to see the soldier’s injury.
“Tell the physician to ready himself, lass,” he ordered.
Lucy flicked a look at Dominic’s face and nodded briskly before hurrying to the guard’s quarters.
Inside the dark room, the physician had laid out his tools. The old man glanced up at her as she ducked through the door.
“There is an injured man,” she panted. “‘Tis a severe wound, I believe.”
He nodded briskly. “Will you light the candles, my lady? I need more light.”
“Of course.” Lucy glanced around and spied a taper on the fireplace. Dominic and the other men entered as she finished lighting the candles.
She snatched at the few discarded cups left on the table and they lowered the injured man onto it. They laid the man down and Lucy swallowed down bile as she spied the laceration across his chest. Dominic flicked a look at her and motioned for her to move back. She moved onto her tiptoes to see through the wall of men as the physician peeled away the soldier’s armor.
Lucy glanced over her shoulder as another man entered the quarters, his expression harried, and she recognized him as the Captain, James. He pushed aside some of the men and positioned himself next to Dominic. Between them, they eased him out of his damaged chainmail. The man’s chest sheened with sweat and his harsh breaths echoed in the silence.
As the physician made to inspect the wound, Dominic backed away and came to her side. “You should not be here, lass. Leave now. I will let you know how Thomas is shortly.”
“I want to stay.”
“Nay, ‘tis not a sight for a lady's eyes,” he told her firmly.
“But I may be able to he—“
“Go," he said with a clench of his jaw. “We may have to seal the wound. ‘Tis a sight that I can barely stand. Go now, Luce. Pray, for once, do not argue with me.”
Recognizing the strain in his body, Lucy nodded briskly. As much as she wished to help, she would not add to Dominic’s worries. “I will wait outside but should you need a woman's touch, I would gladly offer it.”
“Thank you, but I fear Thomas needs more than the gentle touch of a woman.”
“As you will.” With a last look at Dominic, Lucy ducked out of the room.
She paced as she waited, the cold air biting through her cloak. The hammering of her heart failed to calm and she watched the door, waiting for some news. The ear-piercing wail made her jump. Was it her fevered imagination that thought she could smell the acrid stench of burnt flesh?
As much as she agonized for the soldier, she longed to be by Dominic’s side. To offer him comfort? Or mayhap she wished for comfort from him. Whatever it was, she only knew that she needed to be with him.
Spinning around at the sound of crunching boots, her shoulders dropped as she realized it was James. Her disappointment must have shown on her face as James gave her an apologetic smile as he approached.
“Lord Dominic begs a word with you, my lady.”
“Thank you.” Lucy tugged her cloak around herself and stepped into the room, forcing her expression to remain impassive as the tang of blood and charred skin reached her nose. She approached Dominic as he talked with the physician, their shoulders hunched over, their heads close as if sharing secrets.
“There is naught I can do, the damage is too great,” the physician told him quietly.
Sweeping a hand through his hair, Dominic nodded wearily. Lucy’s heart clenched as his eyes met hers briefly.
Dominic motioned to James with the wave of his hand. “Summon the priest and have Thomas taken to the guest chambers.” He turned back to the older man. “Does he have long?”
The physician shrugged. “A few hours at best.”
Dominic released a long breath. “His wife will want to be by his side.”
James nodded. “Shall I send for her?”
“Nay, I will go for Beth. I shall bear the bad tidings, ‘twas my fault Thomas was harmed.”
Lucy pressed her hand gently to his arm. “‘Twas not your fault, Dominic. He was doing his duty.”
He offered her a sad smile. “Would that I could believe that. Pray, Lucy, will you do me an act of kindness and stay with Thomas until I return with his wife. A woman’s touch offers much comfort to an injured man.”
She nodded quickly. “Aye, of course.”
“I thank you. I will return shortly.”
Dominic brushed the tips of his fingers briefly over hers before spinning on his heel and she watched him hasten away with a heaviness in her heart. It seemed Lord Dominic was not as carefree as he appeared. Lucy suspected his duties weighed more profoundly upon his shoulders than he ever revealed. A part of her wished that he would reveal his worries to her. Could she possibly ease such a burden? And why did she even want to? His obvious devastation pulled at her heart. Och, he was far from the thoughtless, arrogant man she had thought him to be.
You knew that already, her mind whispered to her.
Why had it taken this terrible act to make her realize that?
James and another soldier smoothly eased Thomas into their arms and carried him carefully out of the quarters. Lucy winced as fresh blood pooled from his wound but Thomas bore the pain bravely with the clench of his teeth. She forced down the tears that sat in her throat. If he could show such fortitude on the brink of death, then she owed him the same show of courage.
Lucy followed silently as they transported him up the winding stairs and into one of the vacant chambers. The men settled Thomas on the bed and James gave Lucy a tight smile.
“I will go for the priest now. Lord Dominic should not take long -- Thomas’ wife lives not far from the keep. Shall I send Winnie to you to aid you in your care, my lady?”
Lucy shook her head. “Nay, I need no help.” Dominic had put Thomas in her care, and she felt the responsibility keenly. “I will look after him well, James, I promise.”
“Thank you, my lady.” He squeezed Thomas’ shoulder. “I shall leave you in the lady’s capable hands, Thomas. Your wife will be along soon.”
The injured man gave a weak nod and attempted a smile that came out as a grimace. With a last anxious glance, James and the other soldier left. Lucy dragged a chair over to Thomas’ bedside and darted a look around, twisting her hands in her skirts. In denying any aid, she realized she had nothing to tend him with. A washbowl of water awaited guests but she had no cloths.
Flicking a glance at her tattered gown, she yanked at her cotte and tore some ragged strip
s from it before snatching the bowl and bringing it to his side. Lucy carefully damped at Thomas’ sweat-soaked forehead and eyed his wound. Christ, he would not last long.
Thomas watched her through clouded eyes as she cleaned it up as best she could and tucked him under the sheets. She did not want his wife seeing him caked in blood. Biting at her trembling lip, she stroked at his forehead. Death by violence was sadly common in the borderlands but she seldom experienced it firsthand. Had it not been for Dominic’s quick response, she and many others may have been injured or killed.
Tremors racked Thomas’ body and Lucy watched as his skin visibly paled. God, where was Dominic? If he did not hurry, his wife would not get the chance to say goodbye. Her chest ached for the young couple.
The door creaked open behind her and she turned abruptly. A pale-faced young woman entered. She was likely no older than herself and she kept her hands clutched tightly together. Dominic ushered her in and met Lucy’s gaze with an anguished expression.
Lucy noted the tremble of the woman’s chin but she kept her head held high and her expression neutral. She could hardly comprehend the woman’s strength. Would she be as composed if she were to say goodbye to the man she loved? Her gaze landed on Dominic and for a brief moment, it was he who was lying on his deathbed. Her heart twisted. Why would she imagine such a thing? It was not as if it would ever occur and she did not love Dominic as Beth obviously loved Thomas.
Putting a tentative hand on her arm, Lucy gave her what she hoped was a reassuring smile. “Do you wish me stay?”
Thomas’ wife shook her head slowly. “Nay,” she whispered. “Thank you, milady. Will the priest be along?”
“Aye, he should be here in but a moment.”
She nodded vaguely and came carefully to her husband’s side. The look they shared prompted her throat to close over and Lucy turned quickly away from them.
Dominic curled an arm over her shoulder and escorted her silently out, closing the door carefully. “Thank you for watching over him, Lucy.”
“I am glad I could help. Were it not for you and your men’s bravery, I would likely be in the hands of the reivers as would many others.”
“Were it not for me, Thomas would not have been hurt.”
“You could not have prevented this, Dominic. Thomas was doing his duty.”
He pinched at his nose. “I should have been more alert. I should have realized that the noble women would have been too tempting a prize for the reivers to resist.”
“You could not have known—”
The priest came hurrying up the stairs and gave a quick dip of his head in greeting, before pushing past them and into the room.
Lucy linked her arm through Dominic’s and coaxed him down the stairs. “Come. There is little you can do now.”
She thought he would protest as a scowl crossed his face but he allowed her to lead him down the stone steps. They paused as they stepped into the frosty courtyard.
“Will you—”
“Are you—” Lucy shifted and waited for him to continue.
“I need to see to the defenses. Will you be well?”
He was concerned for her? “Aye, of course.” She peeked up at the guest tower. “What will happen to Thomas’ wife?”
Dominic’s brows furrowed and his eyes darkened. “I will look after Beth, I am not heartless.”
“Nay, I did not—”
“If you will excuse me, I must attend to my duties. I will send Winnie to see to you, I do not wish you to be alone after your ordeal,” he told her curtly.
“Pray I am well, I need no attention. You would do well to rest, you have faced much today.”
His mouth twisted into a bitter grin. “Not as much as some and alas, rest is a luxury I can ill afford. I shall bid you good night, for I shall likely not see you until morn.”
“Come to me,” she blurted out as he turned from her. Her cheeks filled with heat as he froze and arched a brow. “I mean, should you wish for company. Pray come to me.”
Staring at her, his blue eyes flicked over her and her skin tingled. With a sharp nod, he left her, striding into the slowly darkening night.
Sweet Mary, how wrong she had been about him. Lucy prayed he would come to her this night.
Chapter Eight
The night became clear and cold and Lucy hugged her arms around herself as she peered through the window of her chambers. Dominic had not appeared at suppertime and still he had not come to her. She was not surprised, but it did not stop the sorrow churning in her gut. More than anything, she wanted to offer him comfort, to understand the man underneath the confident swagger.
But she had misjudged him and constantly rejected him. No wonder he did not wish to spend time with her. Lord, what if she had pushed him too far away? She should have been grateful that a man like Dominic wanted any part of her life, whether he was acting through duty or not. No other man had ever paid such attention to her.
A faint flicker of light caught her interest and she narrowed her eyes as she peered through the murky glass. The windows of the solar were still dark but someone was in the Great Hall. Most of the keep was abed, having retired long ago. Was it him?
Hastening down the twisting stairs, her heart hammered as she came to a stop in front of the daunting hall. Drawing in a breath, Lucy stepped gingerly up the steps, lifting her skirts as her soft shoes made tiny slapping noises against the snow-dusted stone. One wooden door remained firmly shut, but the other released a thin sliver of light as it sat ajar.
Pressing herself up against the door, she peered in through the gap. The golden glow of the fire lit the room, but no candles were alight. She pulled the door open a fraction only to halt as her eyes settled on a silhouetted figure in front of the hearth.
Dominic sat on the rug, one knee raised with an arm across it. He kept his head bowed, his shoulders hunched over and his thick hair partially shielded his face. A leather bound book sat limply in one hand.
Lucy drew in a breath. Gone was the confident stance, the bold smile. She was an intruder, viewing that which she should not. She willed her feet to move, but she could not. Her heart ached for him.
With a sudden movement, he came to his feet and Lucy jumped back as he flung the book across the room with a roar. Her heart hammered as she watched the desolation play out through his features. His eyes snapped to the door and she drew in a sharp breath, frozen.
Dominic took a step forward and she released a small squeal as she turned to flee.
“Luce.”
Stiffening, she paused.
“Lucy.”
She faced him slowly. He stood in the same spot, making no effort to approach her, his hand extended cautiously. This one movement, and the pleading look in his eyes, sent her weak at the knees. He was asking for her. He needed her.
She could not deny him.
Pressing through the gap in the door, she closed it carefully behind her, staring for a moment at the carved wood. Once she looked at him, there would be no going back.
The sound of her footsteps echoed in her ears as she stepped towards him. Taking his hand, she gasped as a burst of energy surged through her arm and she struggled to breathe. The weariness in his gaze, however, quickly erased the feeling and all it left was sorrow -- sorrow for a man that bore so many burdens. How could she wipe away such sadness, as powerless as she was?
Leading him back to the heat of the fire, she urged him to sit. He did as she bid, his strong body offering little resistance, and she came to the floor beside him. They sat for a few moments, her hand in his, gazing at the dancing flames.
Hesitantly, Lucy shifted around so that she could kneel behind him. She curled her hands over his slumped shoulders and flattened her body against his back. His breath hissed from between his teeth and she laid her cheek against the soft fabric of his shirt.
Lucy remained there, listening to the steady thud of his heart, her body moving up and down with his every breath. For once, there were no words nece
ssary.
Dominic’s muscles bunched under her palms as he reached for one of her hands. Tugging her hand, he coaxed her in front of him. Lucy shuffled around on her knees until she sat directly in front of him. His blue eyes softened as he studied her and her heart constricted.
A callused finger came underneath her chin and he leaned forward, his eyes penetrating hers. Lips parting, she waited as he bore down upon her, her gaze flicking from his eyes to his lips and back up again.
Warm breaths passed between them and Lucy drew in the scent of him -- wood smoke and soap. His lips skimmed carefully over hers, the sensation so sharp that it instantly set her body alight, and then they were fully on hers, pressing, seeking. His hand came up around her neck, his fingers buried beneath her thick hair.
Lucy sat motionless, the heat of his lips burning through her senses, kindling an ache deep in the pit of her stomach. Her eyes were open, wide and wary, as he teased at her lips. She had always known, somehow, they would reach this point and her pulse thrummed with anticipation and fear. Dare she give herself to this man? Dare she trust him?
Drawing back, Dominic offered her a sad smile of understanding before flicking a thumb over her bottom lip. He let his hand drop but he didn’t draw it away from her, instead allowing it to rest on the silk of her skirt.
She stared at his hand, then back up, meeting his intense gaze once more. A thunder of longing bolted through her and she flung herself forward as a tiny cry left her lips, wrapping her arms around his neck and fastening her lips to his.
Dominic gave a surprised growl and enveloped her in his arms, the strength of them sending a flutter to her toes. He bundled her into him, gripping at her back and buttocks as she opened her mouth to his. His tongue met hers and they crashed together in a deep, delirious kiss. Lucy’s head swam as she ploughed her fingers through his hair.
They tumbled back, Lucy landing on Dominic as he fell with a thud against the rug. She was about to murmur her apologies when he claimed her mouth again, digging his fingers into her back. Moaning, she settled her thighs either side of him, his hard sex now aligned with her juncture. A faint trill of fear skipped down her spine as her breasts pushed up against him and he bucked beneath her, but it quickly turned into a torturous throb that coursed underneath her skin. Kissing him back with urgency, she threaded her fingers back into his hair as he whispered her name between kisses.
The Borderland Legacy Page 25