Although Blake was twice her size, he had his hands full trying to keep her from shredding him to ribbons. Like a jungle cat, agile and strong, she attacked again and again. Her strength shocked Blake, as everything else about her had. Yet, Rina’s blind wrath drove her to carelessness, and he maneuvered to grab her wrist. He wrenched the knife from her hand and tossed it aside, out of her reach.
He wrestled her to the ground and laid his full weight on top of her, stilling her wriggling form. With Rina’s wrists held firmly in his grip, he looked down at her in disbelief. The wench had actually tried to kill him! The teasing witch.
The muscle in Blake’s jaw twitched and he stared into her cold eyes. Blake knew most men feared his hot-blooded temper, but Rina did not look away or flinch. Her courage only fed his anger, sending him beyond any line of decency.
“This is what you were made for, to lie beneath a man.”
Cruelly his mouth took Rina’s in a demanding and brutal kiss. He plundered her mouth with his tongue, while his free hand snaked through her hair to wrench her head back. Blake could easily snap her neck as he might a twig, but she made no sound at the discomfort he caused.
Blake pulled away from her lips and glared at her, searching for evidence of the agony he caused. He found no pain, no fear, only hot fury. Damn her. He twisted harder and her eyes closed momentarily but no cry escaped her lips. His lips possessed hers again, hungry for the soft sweetness of her mouth. Slowly, his savage grip eased. Instead, he kissed her neck, tenderly caressing it with his lips. A shiver ran through Rina as Blake’s mouth traveled to the rise and fall of her breasts.
An unwilling sigh escaped Rina; her rage betrayed her as another stronger emotion took over. Blake’s mouth brushed her earlobe, the small, gold earring she wore hard and smooth between his teeth, his breath warm and soft on her flesh.
“Should you have succeeded in killing me, you would have been hung.”
As he continued to kiss and nibble, Rina replied quietly. “I do not fear dying.”
Her genuinely honest answer surprised Blake, and he stopped to look at her. His anger gone, he found himself curious. “Who are you, Rina? You must be a witch. You made me go insane, and I hurt you — when all I wanted was to make love to you. It would be worth your time, little one. You would lack for nothing as my mistress. And should I tire of you, I will make certain you are taken care of.”
All the sensuous feelings Blake aroused in her fled as quickly as they came, leaving a cold, empty ache in its stead. “I told you before — I am no man’s whore. I don’t want your trinkets and baubles, Lord Roberts.”
The words came out in an icy sneer. Rina knew her statement affected Blake when his muscles tensed and his grip tightened. She clearly understood the power and strength he held over her.
Blake’s voice came out even, but his meaning was deadly. “I intend to show you exactly what your luscious body is for — to pleasure a man.” Still holding both her wrists in one hand, he began to undress Rina with the other, delighting at her sudden vulnerable look. She squirmed, desperate to loosen his viselike grip.
“You might as well stop wriggling about. I will have you and you can do nothing to stop me.” He smiled down at Rina, but the smile did not reach his cold eyes.
Rina realized the truth of his words, and for the second time in her life, she felt helpless. She ceased struggling and looked into the liquid gold of her captor. Her voice soft, but determined, she responded to his threat.
“You can rape me, beat me … you can kill me. Because you are stronger, you can do any, or all of these things — but you, sir, will never be master over me. I am no man’s whore.”
“You will be mine.”
“Am I so much less than a man I am to be used like a dog, and discarded when I am no longer wanted? I have pride, as you do, and can suffer degradation in a way no man can ever know.”
The emotional intensity of her words rang in Blake’s mind, bringing him back to his senses. His mind cleared and he realized with sickening clarity what his passions and rage had driven him to. How could he be so cruel, so foolish? Blake rolled away from Rina and ran a hand through his hair frustrated. Silently, he lay on his back looking up at the clouds, cursing his stupidity. How could one woman so easily drive him to near insanity?
“You seem to bring out the worst in me, little one.” Blake sighed as he lifted himself onto one elbow to look at Rina who lay silent and still. “I intend to make love to you, Rina. Not today, but I will make you mine. You needn’t worry — I will not take you against your will, you have my word. I will wait until you come willingly into my arms and to my bed.”
Wary of his vow, Rina studied his eyes again. They were no longer cold and hard; instead, they were warm, catching the sunlight to sparkle like an amber stone.
“You had best keep your word, Lord Roberts. I made a mistake today when I tried to kill you …” Rina paused at Blake’s raised eyebrow and amused look on his face. “Do not misunderstand me, my mistake was allowing my anger to take control. It caused me to be careless and give you the advantage. I was taught better. But, I learn from my mistakes. Break your promise and I shall kill you.”
“Men have tried … and failed.”
“You think I jest?”
“No,” he conceded. “If any man said to me what you have, I would pay him no mind. If he tried, he would surely die. If a woman other than you said it, I would merely laugh. But for some strange reason, I intend to make certain you never have reason to come at me with a knife again. You must truly be a sorceress, for you are like no woman I have ever known.”
“I suppose all the women you are acquainted with are spineless and empty-headed, thinking of nothing but marriage and children. They have no opinions, except those of their husbands, and gossiping is the highlight of every long, boring day.” Her voice grew strong and determined. “It’s a man’s world and women are left ignorant, left to do a man’s bidding at his will. We are born, live, and die in the shadows of men. Perhaps I wish to cast my own shadow.” Her words came tumbling out, but not in anger — it was gone, leaving her feeling drained and emotionless.
“You talk nonsense, Rina,” Blake mumbled, standing, not certain why it made him so uncomfortable to listen to her unusual convictions.
“I am a woman. Though I am smaller of frame and more fragile, I am your equal. My mind is as capable of learning and comprehending as yours. Is this notion so difficult to understand?”
“Yes … yes, it is. You were meant to be made love to, and taken care of, to be protected against the evil in this world. You were meant to bear children and run a household. It’s so simple, why must you make it sound so terrible?”
This was ridiculous, he thought, and strange. It was as if he had had this same conversation with someone else recently. But with who evaded him.
“No. It is you who makes it so difficult. For not seeing me as I truly am.” With a deep sigh, Rina stood and straightened her clothing.
“You are a confusing wench who fights like a wildcat and dreams impossible dreams.”
“Perhaps — but dreams are all I have.”
Without saying another word, Rina left in search of Blackstar. Their violent encounter was over. So why did she feel a twinge of disappointment? She found her horse grazing near Blake’s Arabian mare. Gently, she ran her hand over his horse’s back, feeling her hard, sinewy muscles. Admiration for the magnificent animal showed clearly in her touch. The horse moved nervously but calmed as Rina’s soft voice soothed her.
Blake walked up behind her, an amazed look on his face. “What did you say to her? She usually allows no one near except me. Have you cast your spells on her as well?”
Rina ignored his remark and continued to pet the horse’s soft muzzle. “What do you call her?”
“Hera,” he replied.
“After the Greek queen of gods.” Considering this, she smiled. “It suits her, for she is truly a queen.” Rina did not notice the raised eyebrow at her
knowledge of the Greek name. “It seems Blackstar likes her, too.”
Rina laughed openly when her own horse nudged her, jealous and wanting attention as well. Again Blake was taken aback by her loveliness as her face lit up with a stunning smile. Sapphire eyes sparkled and her mirth warmed his heart. Foolishly he wished he could always make her laugh. “You should laugh more often, little one. It makes you look like an angel come down from heaven.”
She eyed him warily, but Rina could not keep a pleased flush from warming her face at his compliment.
“You are far too serious for someone so young.” Absently, Blake ran his finger down her pink cheek, tracing her delicate jaw line.
Rina pulled away, feeling as if his light touch was fire. Her voice remained controlled, but Rina felt as if a war waged inside of her. “I have so little to laugh about,” she said, hoping conversation would calm her. Anything was safer than the feelings he aroused at a single touch.
“Now, what could possibly cause you so much worry and strife?”
“I worry how the people of my village will make it through the coming winter. Will we have sufficient wood to keep warm? Will the small amount of food we have be enough? How will we fight starvation, freezing cold, and disease? We break our backs planting and harvesting, but most of it goes to Langsford. Each year I see suffering, each year I see death. All because of one man.”
For a moment Blake saw pain on Rina’s face and it tore at his heart. “Those are problems the master of Camray should take care of. This land should provide for everyone.”
Rina tensed and Blake witnessed a sudden change in her mood. The fierce, cold hatred in her eyes took him by surprise.
“Langsford is a fool,” Rina hissed between clenched teeth. Closing her eyes, she fought to control her feelings. She should be careful of what she said in front of Blake Roberts — after all she didn’t know this man, he was a stranger.
Blake wrapped his arms protectively around her and whispered, “Rina, it seems my careless words have upset you … again, it was not my intent.” Tenderly, he kissed the top of her head.
Cradled in his strong arms, Rina felt confused by his sudden gentleness and the feeling of security it gave her. One moment he was angry and hurtful, the next gentle and kind. It puzzled her, so she pulled away from his warm embrace and turned back to Hera. “May I ride her, Lord Roberts?”
It took Blake a moment to adjust to the emptiness of his arms. “Please call me Blake, little one.”
Rina hesitated at his request but complied with a shrug of indifference. “May I ride her, Blake?”
“I’m afraid she allows no one else to ride her. We could ride together,” he offered, hoping she would accept, anxious to hold her in his arms again.
“Perhaps no one else has asked her properly. She’s a noble and grand lady — but she is also fickle. Only those who truly respect her may sit on her back. It would be an honor to ride her, and they must know it.” Rina spoke lovingly to Hera, as if she knew the horse understood the meaning of her words. To Blake’s surprise, she mounted Hera, her eyes meeting his astonished look.
“Is that what you want, Rina? A man who will respect you? A man who will know what an honor it is to be with you?”
It was an honest question, with no sarcasm intended. Rina did not turn away but instead held his eyes steadily. Blake read the hesitation in them, her answer barely above a whisper. “Perhaps — I truly don’t know.”
“What of love and marriage? Most women want — no, need them,” asked Blake, eager to understand her.
“I don’t believe I will ever have them.” A touch of sadness tinged her words as she prompted Hera into a canter.
This tugged at Blake’s heart — never had he been so intrigued and bewildered at the same time. One moment he wanted to thrash her — the next he wanted to hold and protect her. His desire for her was maddening, spurring the need to take her and tame her wild nature; her strong will be damned. Yet, he wanted her to willingly warm his bed, full of passion and fire. He was certain she was just a clever strumpet, but she had an air of innocence he could not explain, or ignore. Was she trying to play him for a fool? Why had he made that ridiculous promise, to wait until she came to him?
Rina rode Hera around the pool and returned to where he stood. She started to dismount when he reached up and wrapped his hands around her waist, pulling her close as she slowly slid down the length of him. They froze, their eyes locked as neither was able to move. Tenderly, he kissed her, slowly, sweetly. Rina knees grew weak, as if he physically drained the strength from her. Blake supported her in his arms, his lips roaming to her eyes and the lovely curve of her neck. He buried his face in her soft, golden hair and moaned into her ear, more to himself than to Rina.
“God, you will drive me mad.” As if he could no longer stand to touch her, Blake released her and turned away.
Rina blinked, startled by his sudden withdrawal. She stared forlornly at his back and started to reach out and touch him, but hesitated. Instead, she went to Blackstar and mounted; she should go home.
It was late and it would be dark soon. In silence she made her way from her … no, their, secret place. She was so immersed in her thoughts she did not notice Blake following closely behind her. When she did, she turned and spoke. “I know my way home. You need not go out of your way on my account.”
Blake looked composed again, his self-assured air intact. “A gentleman would never allow a lady to ride about unescorted.” All the passion was gone from his voice, his eyes were shadowed and unreadable. Though he wasn’t much more than a stranger, she knew this was the Blake Roberts most people saw.
When they arrived in the village, Blake helped her rub down Blackstar and feed him. When they were done, Rina stared at the ground in uncomfortable silence as Blake prepared to leave. He lifted her chin so he could look into her eyes.
“Good night, little one. I shall see you soon.”
Gracefully, Blake mounted Hera and rode away. Rina stood watching the lone figure disappear into the darkness, feeling unusually alone.
Chapter Six
BLAKE LET HERA RUN and quickly left Windsong behind, the endless piles of paperwork forgotten, as were the last weeks spent confined in his office. He didn’t give much thought to where they were headed but soon found the village of Tattershall before him. Almost five weeks had passed since his encounter with Rina at the pool. His nights were filled with visions of the tawny-haired vixen; she haunted him, like a ghost who would not rest. In his dreams, she aroused him to the point of madness.
Why was he so interested in the little spitfire? There were plenty of women to warm his bed, more eager and willing than Rina. So why on earth must he see her? She definitely brought out the worst in him — so why did he want this woman so badly? Blake continued to ask himself all of these questions as Hera trotted through the small village. Would he ever discover the answers, or was he doomed to remain under her spell forever?
He stood at the door, but paused, knowing he should walk away. Instead, he knocked loudly and waited. A plump, jolly-looking woman answered; her pale blue eyes curious and smile welcoming. “Good day, m’lord. What is it I can do for you?” she asked.
Blake responded with one of his most charming smiles and bowed in a respectful, gracious manner. “Please allow me to introduce myself. I am Blake Roberts.”
The woman’s eyes widened; to find the master of Windsong standing at her door was unnerving. Flustered, Jenny giggled like a young lass and replied, “I be Jenny Tidwell. T’ what do I owe this honor, m’lord?”
“I believe the young lady Rina lives here?”
“Aye, she does.” A twinkle came to Jenny’s eyes as she studied the gentleman. “But she’s not here at the moment. Would you care t’ come in an’ wait for her?” At his nod, she let him enter. “Would you sit an’ share a cup of ale, Lord Roberts?”
“I most surely would, kind lady.”
Another giggle escaped as she blushed under his warm, go
lden gaze. “Well, come right in an’ make yourself comfortable. It’s not fancy, but ’tis home an’ the ale’s good.” Jenny grabbed two cups and poured them full.
Blake sat at the table and gladly accepted the drink. He motioned to the chair across from him. “Please, sit.”
Jenny obliged and Blake took a deep drink. “Just what I needed, I’m most grateful, Madame.”
“Oh, Jenny will do, sir. No need t’ stand on formality in this here house.”
“Only if you will call me Blake, Jenny.”
“Aye,” Jenny popped up, still flustered, “let me fill your cup, Blake.”
Blake stopped her, “Don’t fret over me, Jenny — I am fine. It’s nice here — charming in fact. Not like the stuffy mansions I find myself obligated to visit.”
Jenny beamed proudly at his compliment, and noticed him stretch his long legs out comfortably. She decided she liked this young man. “If you don’t mind an old woman’s nosiness, what did you come t’ see Rina ’bout? Do you have a horse she needs t’ tend?”
“No. I have no horses she needs to see. I met Rina several weeks ago and I wished to see her again.”
His answered amused Jenny as she took in his casual appearance and manner. If the truth be told, she noticed everything about the young lord; the broad shoulders, wide chest and lean waist. There was nothing pampered and soft about this aristocrat, his linen shirt did little to conceal his muscled arms as they flexed beneath the fabric with every movement made. Jenny pursed her lips and she studied his face with a critical eye. “An’ what would a handsome, rich gentleman like yourself be wantin’ with my Rina?” She paused a minute as if expecting an answer, but came to a conclusion on her own. She clucked in dismay. “Ahh … I suppose the answer be clear, but I’m not sure I be likin’ what you’re thinkin’.”
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