When she realised he would take the kiss no further, she grabbed at his neck and pushed her lips hard against his. Dominic growled and immediately took her lip between his teeth, nibbling until she surrendered her mouth entirely to him and his kiss consumed her.
Dominic wrapped his arms around her, his fingers bunching the fabric of her gown. Her mind reeled at the feel of his strong embrace as his tongue swept into her mouth urgently. Her nails dug into his neck in an attempt to bring him closer but he didn’t seem to care.
A giggle reached Lucy’s ears and she pulled sharply back and stared at him. What was she doing? Had she lost her mind? She glanced around but could see no sign of where the giggle had come from. Dominic’s harsh breaths blew against her skin as he kept his arms locked tightly around her waist. His mouth lost its permanently amused tilt and his eyes reflected a tenuous determination.
“Dominic,” she whispered hoarsely, “release me.”
His jaw ticked as his eyes remained fixed on her. “Nay.”
“Dominic…” she protested with a wriggle.
“I fear I cannot. How many rejections can a man be expected to take? Should I let you go, then I can surely expect you to refute your feelings for me once more. But here in my arms you can deny me naught. I should keep you close forevermore, I think.”
“Do not be…” She drew in a ragged breath. “Do not be foolish.”
Oh, why did staying beside him for an eternity sound so good? She was the fool. She would only end up heartbroken when he tired of her. Shoving feebly against his chest, he relented as he noted her tears of frustration. She blinked them away as she stumbled back from him.
Jaw tight, Dominic’s fist curled by his side. When he saw Lucy’s gaze on it, he released it quickly with a sigh. “Some of the ladies are going to the market this morn, I thought you may wish to join them.”
“Oh.” Her throat closed over as she took in his cold expression. “Oh, aye, I should like that.”
“Good. I shall arrange an escort. Good day, my lady.” He gave her a careful bow and strode away, leaving her to watch the swing of his cloak as he vanished around the corner.
Pressing herself against the stone, she tilted her head back and closed her eyes. She had done it. Surely she had. Dominic had lost interest in her. It was what she wanted. So why did her heart ache at the thought of never feeling his lips on hers again? She touched a finger to them. Ack, women like her were not meant to be with men like Dominic. Memories would have to be enough.
Chapter Seven
Skimming a finger over some thick velvet, Lucy glanced as a juggler skipped by and laughed as he threw his clubs towards her, only to snatch them back at the last minute. The other women walked arm in arm as Lucy lagged behind. The younger girls were sweet enough, but to them Lucy was far too old to join in with their conversations and she didn’t exactly feel up to joining in with their gossip. Especially as she was sure it was one of them that spotted her and Dominic together that morning.
The streets of Thornewall were busy. Merchants and customers from surrounding villages all braved the snow to buy and sell. The bakers relit their ovens and the smell of freshly baked bread wafted through the air.
A vendor proffered a bowl of figs for her to try and she took one with a smile. The scrawny man watched her with hope as she bit into the juicy fruit and with a roll of her eyes, she bought a little bag.
Dodging past some pigs as a peasant herded them through the street, Lucy peeked at their escort to ensure he followed. She spied another fabric stall and made her way over to it. She smiled feebly at the merchant as he greeted her eagerly. Ack, even shopping could not distract her. The memory of Dominic’s lips upon hers remained and, worse of all, the look in his eyes as he’d left her seared into her heart. She stroked at some blue silk, thinking how very close it was in colour to Dominic’s eyes.
A shrill scream rang out and her head snapped around. The guard must have heard it too as he froze and drew out his sword. The bustle of the market ground to a halt and Lucy shuddered as a chill threaded its way down her spine.
Another scream.
A different woman this time. And now it was followed by the hammering of hooves. A surge of villagers rounded the corner and in an instant chaos reigned. Lucy watched detachedly as merchants scurried for cover in the tight alleyways and villagers ran for the safety of the keep.
Hazily, she realised their guard was shouting to her as he pressed the young ladies into the door of a cottage but it was too late. A stampede of horses stormed up the road, their rugged riders swinging their swords without prejudice, swiping at the beams holding up the stalls and anyone in their way.
What was happening? Lucy gaped as they bore down upon her. Only when a child darted out from under a stall, did she react, barrelling towards the child and scooping the boy into her arms. She flung herself between two cottages as the horses thundered past. Clutching the wriggling child, she curled her quaking body around him until the hooves and whoops of men passed.
Forcing her breathing to slow, she scrambled to her feet, the boy still in her arms, and peered around the building. Sweet Mary, Thornewall was under attack and from the looks of them, it was reivers. She glanced down at the squirming child and tried to hush him but the boy bit her hand and she released him with a yelp. He ran off and she hurried after him but he quickly disappeared into the jumble of houses.
Lucy took in the destruction, numbly gazing around at the crumpled stalls as she wrapped her arms around herself. She could see no sign of her guard but the ladies and a few peasants remained, peering cautiously out from their hiding spots. Glancing up towards the keep, she saw the men of Thornewall storming down the hill to mount a defence. Her heart jumped into her throat when she realised Dominic would be leading the attack. Dear Lord, please watch over him.
What should she do now? Shuddering as screams rang out, she urged the group of people forward. “Come now, we must make for the safety of the keep. Make haste,” she ordered, surprised by how calm her voice sounded.
~* * *~
Dominic thrust his heels into the mount. Peasants flowed past him, making their way to the safety of the keep. He cursed as he watched for Lucy’s face. Damned reivers. If anything happened to her…
He couldn’t believe they were risking open warfare. The reivers must be getting desperate. Hell’s teeth, he knew they were getting bolder. He should have been prepared.
Screams emanated from the centre of the village and Dominic fought the urge to push through the panicking villeins as sweat prickled under his gloves. He drew out his sword as the crowd thinned and the sound of hooves neared. His men followed suit and they picked up their pace.
Muscles bunching, he felt the familiar surge of energy underneath his skin as he readied himself for a fight. He gritted his teeth and slammed down the visor of his helm as he spotted the reivers slashing their way through the village.
Kicking at his mount, he let out a yell and the two groups of warriors crashed together, steel screeching, hooves thudding. Dominic swung his sword with measured strength, ensuring every hit was as effective as the last. The stampede of horses merged together but Dominic had no problems identifying the reivers, who rode nags and fought wildly, with little care for friend or foe.
He clashed with a heavy-set man whose blows sent his arm shaking, ducking and blocking his powerful hits. Dominic retaliated as the man tired and he swiped across the top of his enemy’s arm. A sword swung at him from behind and he twisted in his saddle, barely parrying it. He swiped back and slashed across the man’s chest. The reiver cried out and the horse reared, throwing his rider before bolting down the street.
The tide turned as the Thornewall men fought on. The reivers were ferocious fighters but they lacked training. Dominic and his men pushed them back until they retreated. Urging his steed after them, his men followed and they chased the enemy through the very street from which they had entered.
The reivers slashed as they went, swip
ing through the remaining market stalls. A few villagers lingered, but Dominic was riding too hard to see if any of them were hurt. He prayed they were not. His throat tightened as he noticed a group of women walking wearily up the street. They panicked and scattered to the edges of the street. It was only then did Dominic recognise Lucy, her fine gown standing out in bold contrast to the war-torn market.
A battle cry reached his ears and he realised it was his own, as a reiver recognised her as a noble and reached to grab her as he bolted past. Her eyes connected with Dominic’s and she ducked at the last moment. Dominic stared on in horror as the soldier turned and made another grab for her.
Lucy ran as he pursued her, snatching at her gown. Her scream wrenched Dominic’s heart and he pushed forward. Dangling from the reiver’s arm, Lucy flailed and fought until Dominic was upon them. He sliced through the man’s arm and snatched at Lucy before she could fall. He flung her behind him as he thrust and cut at her attacker.
The clutch of her arms around his waist brought him out of his blood-lust and he hauled his destrier to a stop. The rest of the soldiers gave chase and they both watched for a moment as they drove the reivers out onto the surrounding hills.
Turning, he latched his hands around Lucy’s waist and hauled her onto his lap. Slamming up his visor, he patted over her frantically as she made sounds of protest.
“Luce, are you well? Are you harmed at all? God’s teeth, I should never have let you out of my sight.”
She attempted a shaky smile as she pushed away his hands. “Nay, I am well, do not concern yourself.”
Staring at her, he pressed his fingers into her arms as if trying to convince himself she was indeed unharmed. He had nearly lost her. In a mere moment, she could have been gone from his life.
“Dominic!” she snapped, bringing his focus back to her face. “I am well enough. You need not concern yourself.”
Loosening his grip on her arms, he nodded slowly. Ack, how could he have lost her when he still did not hold her heart? Will I ever?
Dominic settled Lucy onto the front of his saddle and directed the horse to the keep. For the moment, there were worse things to worry about than Lucy’s heart. Like whether Thornewall had suffered damage greater than a few overturned stalls and broken cottages.
~* * *~
Aware of Dominic’s arms around her, Lucy sat bolt upright in the saddle. The knot in her chest refused to shift and she realised that if he touched her again, she would surely crumble. She closed her eyes as they climbed the mound towards the castle. The reiver…and Dominic…Tears welled behind her lids. As long as she lived, she would never forget the image of him slashing his way through the soldiers. She opened her eyes and glanced at his arms. All was well, he was safe.
He sat just as rigidly, making no attempt to touch her. She should be grateful, Lucy thought, for he would most certainly break through the thin control she had on her emotions if he did. Her heart disagreed. It yearned to be in his embrace. It didn’t matter that she knew he was safe, she needed to feel his arms around her to be sure. But it could not be. Once in his embrace, she would have no control over herself and it would surely lead to heartache.
The soldiers on the wall called out as they saw Dominic approach and the drawbridge lowered with a crash. The sound of horse hooves clattering echoed as they passed through the gatehouse and peasants swiftly stepped aside as Dominic guided his horse to the stables.
Dismounting easily, he helped Lucy down before thrusting the reins into a soldier’s hands. Lucy moved forward to thank him, but he turned from her as another soldier approached. She lingered at his side, taking in the stark expressions on the villager’s faces. A good number of them were within the walls, something to be thankful for at least.
Dominic clutched his helm in one hand and pinched the bridge of his nose as he spoke to the soldier. “What news? Have we many injured?”
“Nay, not within our walls at least. A few scratches at most. But we’ll not know the true cost until we have checked the village.”
“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 worse 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 realised 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 armour.
Lucy glanced over her shoulder as another man entered the quarters, his expression harried, and she recognised 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.”
Recognising 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 agonised 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 realised 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. Ack, he was far from the thoughtless, arrogant man she had thought him to be.
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