SeductivePersuasion

by Frances Stockton

  “Ah, little one, can’t you feel how good consummation will be between us? You respond to me as no other woman has ever done,” he whispered, reclaiming her lips.

  Aisley’s hips rolled with his subtle thrusts, spurring an ache that had begun at the onset of their chase. He always savored hunting prey and her fleeing had awakened his primal instincts. Now that he had her in his grasp, he wanted to claim her. The panthera inside of him roared in warning when he felt her shift, but he failed to take heed as her tongue stroked his.

  Thwack! A slap across the back of the head stung and he withdrew before she struck again.

  “Bloody hell, Aisley, that hurt!”

  “I pray that it did! Only a knave would view a woman as prey!”

  “Ugh,” he grunted. Breathing hard, he shifted off her and reluctantly stood. Grateful that his cote-hardie covered his erect manhood, he offered to help her rise. “It’s fortunate that I like you or else I’d punish you for hitting me. Bloody hell, I’m beginning to think sharing my thoughts with you is a curse.” Rubbing the back of his head with his other hand, he stared down at her.

  “I couldn’t agree more! How can a grown man savor chasing a woman through a forest while she is terrified?”

  “You were never afraid I’d hurt you. Mayhap I should remind you that it was you who’d caused the chase. From now on it would be unwise to play such games when you are testing my patience.”

  Though he continued to offer a hand to her, she rose on her own. “Forgive me for testing your patience, milord,” she dared to mock. “Since I’ve never been betrothed, much less married twice, I don’t know how to be a good wife.”

  “Ah, so you ran because you are jealous of my former wives,” he rebuked.

  Briefly she looked away, seeming reluctant to speak. “Nay, I ran because I’m scared,” she admitted. “You’re not a normal man, Lord Danford.”

  Surprised, Garrick’s temper softened. “Where is the woman I met eleven days ago, Aisley? The one who confronted a stranger for his maltreatment of a child was more courageous than this. Face me and tell me why you are afraid.”

  At last Aisley lifted her head, her gaze remaining steady as her thoughts turned to Angelica. “I did what anyone with a heart would have done for Angelica. But I wonder what you’ll do to Sedgewick now that you’ve learned that he has stayed close to Danford.”

  “What mean you?”

  “Did you not see him?”

  “Sedgewick Haywood?”

  “He was in the tavern. John Brewster kept him from hurting me. I didn’t care for him, but I cannot say what Haywood would have done to me if the stranger hadn’t stopped him.”

  “God’s teeth,” he cursed. “Do not be fooled by his aid, Aisley. Brewster is not what he seemed. He is my enemy. He would like nothing more than to take my future countess. If he should align himself with Sedgewick, the danger could be worse. I will do whatever necessary to keep them away from you, but you will have to trust me and stay in Danford of your own accord.”

  Garrick realized Zotikos had not come to Fernley because he’d learned about Aisley. He’d come for Sedgewick. Mayhap the Saturian had heard of Sedgewick Haywood’s banishment from Danford and loss of Angelica. Garrick couldn’t be certain. However, he believed the need for vengeance had drawn Zotikos from hiding. It was unfortunate that Aisley happened to be in the same tavern. He’d heard her tell Zotikos that she was betrothed to the Earl of Danford. If Zotikos and Sedgewick Haywood became allies, Garrick would have to confine Aisley to the manor.

  First he would protect her by law and bind her to him as his betrothed. She wasn’t going to be pleased when she learned his intentions. But he would do whatever necessary to keep her safe.

  “What’s wrong?” Aisley asked when he continued to stare out at the forest, seeking his enemy.

  “Given what I’ve just learned,” he said. “I must take you back to Fernley and speak to a priest. Last eve I vowed we’d be betrothed by sunset. I mean to keep my word.”

  “Nay, I need more time,” she argued.

  Refusing to argue, Garrick grasped Aisley’s elbow. “Worry not, I’ll grant you some time to accept our betrothal, Aisley. When my brothers arrive in Danford, our banns will be read and you’ll become my wife.”

  Immediately, she began struggling. He overrode her resistance and caught her about the waist.

  “You cannot force me to want you,” she insisted.

  Lifting her and casting her over his shoulder with ease, Garrick locked his arm at the back of her knees. “You already want me. I am forcing nothing.”

  He swung away and stalked through the forest, hurrying to secure his mate from a fate she wasn’t prepared to contemplate.

  Chapter Eight

  It was difficult to argue with Garrick while hanging upside down on his broad shoulder. As much as Aisley tried, it took only a squeeze from his arm braced at the back of her knees and a frightening rumble to quiet her.

  A rumble that sounded much the same as Sir Knight’s sawing roar. Finding that odd, she remained still until Garrick halted and set her back on her feet. Much to her dismay he took a moment to brush her tangled hair back from her head and placed her commoner’s cap back on her head, covering her adequately. When had he found it?

  “Hear me now, Aisley,” he warned before she could ask about the cap or attempt to draw away. His voice was quiet, his green eyes narrowed as he watched her. “I am willing to listen to your objections regarding the suddenness of our betrothal, but they will only be spoken in private.”

  “You must realize we cannot—” His thumb pressed against her lips, silencing her.

  “Nay, little one, too many ears could be about at the moment. I cannot risk having someone overhear us. For your protection, do what I say until we return to Danford.”

  Agreeing, she fell into step beside him and remained quiet as they approached the tavern where the Earl’s men waited. Each man was posted at the door as though protecting those inside.

  “Is he gone?” Garrick asked of the Viking-sized man nearest to Valiant.

  “I lost his scent. He must have masked it in someway. It is difficult to say how far he has gone.”

  Garrick inclined his head, and then looked over at Aisley. “At least Aisley and the people of Fernley are safe.” She shifted closer to Garrick’s side, feeling more confident being near him. “There is the added complication of Sedgewick Haywood to consider. He was in the tavern when we arrived.”

  “I will look for him.” One of Garrick’s knights, Sir Brandon Mathews, stepped forward. Aisley remembered him from the night he escorted her to her cottage. He seemed to be a good man and she felt certain that he was loyal to the Earl of Danford.

  “If you find him inside bring him to me,” Garrick told the knight. Abruptly, he caught Aisley’s elbow and began to escort her away.

  They were halted by a man standing in the opened doorway. “Milord, might I ask why you ordered John Brewster from my tavern? Many liked him and were disappointed when he was told to leave. He paid his coin to eat and seemed a gentleman.”

  Garrick mumbled something and faced the burly man. “I did what I thought just. Brewster was a danger to you and your daughters. While I regret any trouble my presence has cost you this day, I do not regret protecting your family. If he returns, tell him he isn’t welcome and he must go. Heed my word on this, Burkett. Tell him to go. Unfortunately, I have not the time to explain why, but I shall send some men on the morrow to make certain he poses no further trouble for you. Now I must find the closest chapel before sunset. Might you tell me where it is?”

  Aisley gasped, bringing the innkeeper’s eyes to her. She was about to object when she recalled Garrick’s warning by the woods. She wasn’t to speak against him in public.

  Her hesitation gave Garrick the opportunity to lead her away before she heard Burkett’s answer. Refusing to let herself be carried or dragged, she walked proudly beside the Earl. The man that reminded her of a Viking and Valiant
followed.

  Before long, she was guided inside a simple chapel. A gray-haired man came to welcome them. Garrick spoke quietly, explaining his purpose there and the other man bowed his head in acceptance. The giant, tawny-haired man withdrew a document from inside his cote-hardie and handed it to the priest.

  A moment later, she was summoned to the front of the church. She knew then that she was about to become betrothed. Garrick stood beside her and responded to the priest with confidence. His rumbling voice echoed through the stone walls of the church and Aisley was unable to resist speaking when she was addressed. She didn’t know if their betrothal ceremony had gone as custom dictated, yet she could not ignore the words that bound them. By rights she should be afraid. Instead her heart soared with wonder and her body trembled as she came to realize that she now belonged to the Earl of Danford according to the law.

  When the last words were spoken and the ceremony complete, Garrick escorted Aisley from the church. Once outside, she discovered that he’d honored the promise he’d made the night before. The sun had dipped below the horizon, the sky was gray and they were betrothed.

  Unexpected fear gripped Aisley’s spine as she and Garrick progressed to the horses awaiting them. Sir Brandon held the reins of the palfreys. She wasn’t certain why that should frighten her. She sensed the knight hadn’t been able to find Sedgewick Haywood.

  “Haywood was not in the tavern,” Sir Brandon told Garrick. “I ventured into the woods to look for his trail but found nothing. Mayhap he moved on.”

  “Let us pray you are right,” Garrick said. “We should escort Aisley back to Danford. Once she’s safe, we can search the area more thoroughly.”

  “Look for Haywood, milord,” she said. “We can return to the manor later.”

  “It is best we take you now,” Garrick insisted. “Valiant, I will place Aisley in your care for the journey back to Danford.”

  “You are gracious, milord,” Valiant said. He took the reins of a chestnut palfrey and led it toward Aisley.

  Before the squire reached her, she asked, “Can I ride with you, milord?”

  Garrick shook his head. “I need you to stay with my squire. Valiant will keep you safe.” He went to one knee and interlocked his fingers, making a step for her. Silently, she climbed onto the palfrey.

  Thinking she’d ride pillion with Valiant, she made to give the squire room. Instead he kept a hand on the horse’s halter while Garrick, the Viking and Sir Brandon took to their saddles. Before long, they surrounded Aisley’s horse, leaving Valiant on foot. The squire patted the horse and started walking upon the Earl’s command. It wasn’t long before they found a trail and headed for Danford.

  The journey from Danford to Fernley had taken her half a day. She hadn’t been familiar with the trail and she’d been afraid of Garrick’s wrath when he learned that she had flown. Once or twice she’d stopped and thought about turning around, then pressed on because she was earnestly uncertain that she should marry the Earl.

  As much as she wondered over what would happen when they reached Danford Manor, she was amazed at how quickly they tracked through the forest. All too soon they were crossing the stream where she first met Sir Knight. She had not seen him today, though she’d heard him earlier at the tavern and in the woods while attempting to flee from Garrick. She’d heard nothing of the leopard since and Garrick remained a strategic distance from her and Valiant.

  She would have been more comforted by the leopard’s familiar rumble or Garrick’s gruff voice instead of Sir Lucien Hunter’s deep, oddly beautiful voice. The man she’d thought of as a Viking was Valiant’s father. The squire told her that his father was a marcher lord with a holding near the English and Welsh border and that Sir Lucien’s mother had been Norman.

  Aisley couldn’t recall seeing a Norman before. She wondered if they were all as big and intimidating as Sir Lucien.

  As the night grew darker, she found herself looking toward Garrick. He rode at the fore, his attention on the forest and the trail. Foolishly wishing he would at least speak to her, she swallowed her pride and kept silent.

  When they reached the stables nearest the manor house, a few servants greeted them with raised torches. Another man bounded from the stable and made to assist the horses. It wasn’t long before Valiant lifted her from her horse.

  Garrick, Sir Brandon and Sir Lucien handed their mounts to the servants and conferred quietly among themselves. Wishing Garrick would have offered to escort her to her cottage, Aisley turned to the squire.

  “Valiant, I would like to return to the village,” she said. “I know Lord Danford wants to search for Sedgewick Haywood and John Brewster. He shouldn’t be delayed further.”

  Garrick was beside her in two strides. “Haven’t you realized the manor is now your home?” he demanded.

  “I cannot live here without a proper maid or lady present,” she said.

  “My wife arrived last eve, milady,” Sir Lucien announced so loudly she thought the entire manor heard him. “Lord Danford asked her to come and choose a lady’s maid from the higher-born servants in the manor. Both my wife and the maid will be eager to attend you.”

  “Why didn’t you tell me earlier?” she asked Garrick.

  He inclined his head to her ear, his breath awakening a curious ache in her womb. “Hold your tongue for now, Aisley. When I am certain danger is gone from this area, we will discuss this in private.”

  Annoyed with her body’s traitorous response to his nearness, she attempted to move away. “Valiant, would you escort me to the house now?”

  “I will escort you to your chambers,” Garrick said, gruffer than usual. “Sir Brandon, Sir Lucien, have fresh horses readied. I shall rejoin you when Aisley is settled.” With his orders given, he grasped her elbow and turned her from the men. “You can be most difficult at times.”

  She started to reply, but wisely held her tongue. He was the Earl of Danford. She hadn’t the right to speak against him. Mayhap she should attempt to start anew. They were betrothed. It was only right to put aside her temper and make an attempt at finding peace with him.

  “Lord Danford, please forgive me. I’m not usually so difficult and ask for patience. I realize much is on your mind and I shouldn’t have spoken to you so harshly.”

  “Much has changed for you since we’ve met. I wish I could stay and assure you that all will be well between us. Unfortunately, I cannot,” he said. “I must secure you in the house and return to my men. Mayhap we could speak of this in the morn?”

  Stumbling, Aisley was certain she misunderstood him. “Secure, you mean to see that I am settled?”

  Garrick’s fingers at her elbow tightened, leaving her to believe more was coming. “It is essential for you to remain in the manor house until I have selected an appropriate guard for you. Unless I deem otherwise, you will go nowhere without myself or a guard in attendance.”

  Aisley drew to a halt. “Are you so angry with me for trying to leave that you would imprison me?”

  Garrick let out a deep breath. “I am not angry. I understand why you left, But I am not certain you will remain here of your own accord. I cannot risk seeing you come to harm because you are scared. As soon as I’m able, I will grant you more freedom. For now, you will remain at the manor.”

  He resumed their march toward the manor house and led her inside. Aisley would have protested if so many servants were not greeting them as they went by.

  Given little time to study the house, she was compelled to follow Garrick. He guided her down a hallway lit by tallow candles. At the end of the hall she noticed an arched, wooden doorway and shivered. She wondered if she was about to be put in the keep.

  “If necessary, I would lock you in the keep to assure your safety.”

  She attempted to stop and argue, though her efforts failed. Garrick overcame her with ease and kept her walking. “Why is it that you can hear me even when I think I’m keeping my thoughts from you?”

  “I’ve been hearing you
since we left Fernley,” he said.

  “You could have said so. I wanted to talk to you. I wanted to understand why you are so worried about Haywood and John Brewster, or whoever you said he was.”

  “It was best to stay focused on the trail.”

  “Nay, you were too busy talking to Sir Lucien Hunter rather than me,” she replied.

  A low, fearsome rumble emanated from Garrick’s throat. “Aisley, I cannot be delayed by an argument. There wasn’t a moment during our journey that you were not first and foremost on my mind. You are my betrothed. Protecting you is my right and I will do whatever necessary to keep my enemies from hurting you.”

  “Very well, I’ll go to my prison. Am I allowed to visit Angelica while I’m forced to stay here?”

  “You needn’t ask. You are not a prisoner. Angelica’s upbringing will now be overseen by you. Might I suggest you have Lady Hunter introduce you to Angelica’s nurse?”

  “As you wish,” she said. “When you deem it safe I’d like to return to my cottage, milord. Please inform me when I’ll be able to go.”

  “There is no reason to return.”

  “I’ll need my trunk. Most of my clothes are in it.”

  “The trunk was brought to your quarters earlier.”

  “I hadn’t prepared it after you’d left last eve,” she said. “Did your men pack my gowns?” Though she knew she didn’t own many dresses, she did have her favorites that she liked to wear when she was working.

  “Just necessities and enough clothing to get you through the next day or so,” he said. “Lady Hunter will assist you in choosing an appropriate wardrobe from the bolts of fabric I bought for you.”

  “What of my herbs and remedies?”

  “They can be brought here when the danger has gone.”

  “A villager might need me before that. I cannot abandon them,” she insisted.

  Garrick stepped toward her, cornering her against the stone wall. His body was hot and muscled, warming her as he wedged himself so close his knee slipped between her thighs, pinning her where he wanted. “Mayhap you should have considered the villagers before running away?” he challenged, his anger evident in the set of his jaw. “I wonder if you’d thought of them or Angelica when you fled.”