Wary of the direction the woman had taken, Blake feigned a look of hurt. “Would you deny a gentleman the pleasure her company would bring?”
Jenny was not fooled by his smooth talk. “I’m not daft, young man. It’s the other pleasures you’ll be wantin’ that’s not t’ me likin’.”
Blake considered lying, to ease her fears for her niece. But it was not his way. “Your niece is beautiful and I’ll not deny I desire her. Whatever happens between us will be Rina’s decision.”
As Blake drained his mug, Jenny let out a cackle and stood to refill it, despite his earlier protest. “You’re honest — I like that in a man. Well, I suppose if you can tame the girl enough t’ bed her; you certainly will have earned it. So, I won’t be stickin’ me nose where it doesna’ belong. It wouldna’ do no good — has a mind of her own, she does.”
Jenny knew Rina well — the girl would do as she pleased. Rina never allowed what others thought to interfere with her private life. This was, after all, between the two of them. Jenny only wanted her to be happy; she deserved that much in life. Perhaps, she thought wistfully, this would lead to love.
Blake misunderstood Jenny’s casual acceptance of the situation, thinking Rina must have had lovers before. Certainly if she was still innocent, Jenny would object to his blatant intentions.
“I’m glad you understand,” replied Blake, not certain if he was glad or not.
“Well, young man, you havena’ bedded her yet. Me Rina’s no mousy lady. You’ll have your hands full sweet-talkin’ her.”
He took another drink and drawled, “I’m sure I will.”
Rina rode up to the cottage and dismounted in front. She stopped to stroke Hera, happy to see the fine horse, but mostly to give herself time to calm her racing heart. Why on earth should she react this way? Just because Blake Roberts was inside was no reason for her to feel so strange. As serenely as possible, Rina entered the house.
Blake rose to his feet and, suddenly, realized how much he had missed not seeing her in the last few weeks. Her hair hung loose, falling into a mass of tangled curls — curls he ached to touch. Her color remained high from the ride, and her eyes sparkled as she glanced from Blake to Jenny, and back again to him.
“Good afternoon, Lord Roberts.”
Rina looked uncertain, like she didn’t know what she should do. So, Blake lifted her slender hand and gently pressed his lips against her soft flesh. Their eyes locked, the sensation the small, innocent gesture created obvious. “Good afternoon, Rina.”
She pulled her hand free and stood ill at ease.
“I was beginning to think I would miss you — I’m glad I did not.”
Blake’s words were like a gentle caress to Rina’s ears, bringing a flush to her face.
Jenny watched the two young people closely and smiled. Yes — maybe it would lead to love. “Rina, luv, I need t’ take this bread t’ Mrs. McNally — I promised she would have it before supper.” Jenny wrapped the bread carefully and placed it in a basket all the while she talked, “Lord Roberts, it was so nice of you t’ come. I’m sure you will forgive me leavin’, after all, you did come t’ see Rina an’ not an old, married woman.”
Before either of them could say a word, Jenny disappeared through the door, her distinctive cackle drifting behind her retreating form.
“Why are you here?” Rina’s sharp tone cut through the awkward silence; Blake’s presence unnerved her.
“I came to see you — I told you I would. I’d have come sooner, but business kept me away.”
“Why couldn’t you leave me alone?” Rina’s question came out more a plea than a question, recalling the nights she dreamed of the man now standing before her.
“Oh, little one, you could not expect me to stay away. Not when you haunt my dreams at night. I couldn’t bear the torture any longer.”
Rina’s heart jumped when his words echoed her thoughts exactly. “Please, you must go.”
The words were barely above a whisper, and Blake strained to hear what she said.
“I have not seen you for weeks; surely you would not deny me a minute or two?”
Blake took Rina’s hand in his own again, feeling her warmth meld with his. “You are so beautiful — how can I forget? How can I exorcise you from my mind?” He kissed her again, this time palm up, his tongue lightly running to her fingertips. Turning it over, his lips tenderly caressed a faint scar below her smallest finger, frowning at the hurt the injury must have caused her.
Rina jerked free of his grasp, waves of pleasure running over her, muddling her mind further. Weak — she was weak. How could her body continue to betray her?
“Don’t you see? We were meant for one another.” Blake pulled her into his arms, his aching need fully unleashed when his lips possessed hers.
He held her tight against him and her resistance fled, only immense passion remained. They clung to each other and Rina ignored the warnings in her mind, only the sensuality of his touch mattered. Blake stepped back, his eyes smoldered with dark demands; his voice husky and full of angst.
“You are a witch; one kiss and I’m your slave. You cast your spells and work your black magic — how am I to fight against your mystic charms?”
Could it be Blake was as enslaved as she? Could he be feeling as lost and confused? What were these feelings between them? With sudden recollection, she thought of the last time he’d spoken of his desire for her. When he’d asked her to be his mistress — and called her a whore. Did he truly believe this of her? Was this all he wanted, one tawdry night to satisfy his craving? She stiffened and anger rescued her from the temptation his presence created.
Rina whispered, her voice broken and strained, “I have no hold on you, Lord Roberts. You are free to go, and I think it would be best for you to do so.”
Blake laughed; a humorless sound, grating on her raw, strained nerves. His eyes turned cold and he muttered in a low, hard voice, “If you are toying with me, Rina, let me warn you, I am not in the mood.”
“I’m certain you find all this amusing, but I do not. Now, if you would be kind enough to leave, I’m expecting someone.” She turned her back to him, not wanting him to see her turmoil.
“One of your lovers?”
The last straw, Rina spun about, her eyes narrowed and dangerous. Her voice shook from unleashed fury. “I believe it is none of your business who I am expecting. And since you seem so adept at jumping to conclusions on your own, I’ll not bother dignifying your question with an answer.” She spoke the words through gritted teeth. Why couldn’t he leave her be?
“You needn’t act so insulted; it’s obvious what you are. When I made it clear to your aunt I desired you, she laughed and all but wished me luck. She must have grown accustomed to your lovers. How many have there been, Rina?”
The last question came out an accusation and Rina’s resentment peaked like an explosion. “Get out — get out! I don’t ever want to see you again.”
Blake’s own temper reigned free, caution no longer within his grasp and he continued to barrage her with hurtful remarks. “Is it your big blond lover? Are you planning to wriggle and twist with passion beneath him tonight? Do you hunger for his touch?”
His questions pierced her heart, like arrows gone astray, stealing words to leave her speechless. Out of control, Blake grabbed her shoulders and shook her.
“Do you love him, Rina?” The words slipped out before Blake had time to think. He could have kicked himself, for he didn’t care if she did. Or did he? With a growl, he shoved her away, sending her reeling backward into the table. Whether he was disgusted with himself or her, it didn’t matter.
She should have been warned by the evil glow in his eyes, but she had been pushed past her breaking point. Rina had never been able to lie, but she was not averse to not telling the whole truth.
“Yes, I love him,” she all but screamed. Rina knew he would not know her love was as a sister for a brother. She wanted more than anything to hurt Blake Roberts as
he hurt her, and anger spurred her on. “I would give my life for him, I would kill for him.”
Her words accomplished what she intended and she knew it, reveling in his pain.
Blake went numb for a moment, unable to understand why it would matter so damn much she loved the man. But it did — and that made him angrier than Rina had.
“Why hasn’t he married you?” Blake no longer cared and he carelessly rambled on. “But then, why would he want to? He can use you until he tires of you then find a pretty little virgin to take as a wife. You must remember, Rina, men do not marry women of loose morals.”
Rina could not take any more of his venomous words and put her hands over her ears to shut out his ugly words. She shook her head back and forth in denial of his cruel accusations. Dashing past Blake, she ran outside and straight into John as he walked up to the cottage door. Relief flooded through her as she looked into John’s soft brown eyes. Seeing her distress, he protectively pulled her to him. Rina felt his muscles tense when Blake appeared in the doorway, eyes smoldering and jaw clenched; his anger barely held in check.
Blake took in the touching scene before him and a strange feeling tugged at his heart when the younger man’s arms wrapped about Rina protectively. With a feigned casual air, he leaned against the door frame, a sardonic grin on his face as he drawled, “Well, we meet at last.”
John ignored the sarcastic words and turned to Rina. “Are you all right? Is this man bothering you?”
“I’m fine, Johnny,” she assured him, wanting to avoid a fight between the two men. Nervous, she glanced at Blake and said, “Lord Roberts was leaving. Weren’t you?”
Her emphasis made it more a demand than a question, and Blake’s eyebrow shot up in amusement as he considered her request. “Yes, I was — another time, little one.”
Without another word, Blake walked past them and mounted Hera. Nodding to Rina and John, he rode off, leaving one confused and the other angry.
He nudged Hera into a gallop and allowed her to run freely. As he pounded down the road toward Windsong, the tension inside him eased slightly. He couldn’t understand why the woman caused him to lose his temper so easily. It would be better if he forgot the willful female — she was trouble and he knew it. He would certainly be better off without her. Yes, he decided firmly, I’ll put her from my mind. There are plenty of women to occupy my time. What do I need with a wildcat like her?
All the way home, Blake lectured himself for letting the wench get under his skin. By the time he cleaned up for dinner, his determination had been renewed; he would forget Rina and her damned beautiful eyes.
“ARE YOU GOING TO tell me what that was all about?” John asked Rina as Blake Roberts rode away. He sensed her anger and recognized the look in her eyes. Silence followed his question and he knew Rina well enough to be patient. John waited, knowing she needed time to collect her thoughts and gain control over her emotions. They walked over to Blackstar and led him to his stall. Rina picked up a brush and started to groom his silky black coat. He saw the tension leave her as the simple task worked its magic.
“If he’s hurt you, Kat, I’ll kill him. I don’t care who he is.” John’s heated words broke through the wall of silence Rina had put up. His confusion and anger was clear and she reached out and placed her hand on his face. Rina knew she could have no better friend.
“No, Johnny, he did not hurt me. He makes me so angry, though, I think I could kill him myself. I do not understand how he can affect me so strongly. I should have better control, but when he’s near me I lose all reason. I think I hate him, but when he kisses me, I want only to love him. I’m so confused.” Rina’s face flushed with embarrassment at her confession — at her desire for the man.
A surprised look registered on John’s face and concern edged his voice. “Kat, you are a grown woman now, and for the first time you’re experiencing the passion of a woman. I’m not sure I like it. I know you’re capable of making your own decisions concerning men, and I’m not so naïve to think it would never happen. But, because I feel so protective of you, it makes it hard. I don’t think I could stand it if someone hurt you.”
Together they lay down on the pile of hay, as they had since they were children. John chewed thoughtfully on a small straw and Rina leaned on an elbow facing him.
“He wants me to be his mistress.” Rina watched John for a reaction but saw none. Disappointed, she looked away.
“And you told him to go to hell.” John smiled confidently.
Rina sat up, her eyes widened in surprise. “How did you know?”
“You would never allow yourself to be tied to a man in this way. I believe you would give your love freely, with no inhibitions or obligations, but never as a kept woman.” John was amazed at his own thoughts when he actually voiced them out loud. He knew Rina was a virgin and, if he were to guess, the kiss she mentioned her first. But Rina never spoke of marriage, her future tied to a promise and Camray, a promise he knew she would never forget. If she gave her love to a man, marriage would not matter. And, he believed once given, it would be for life. Yes, his Kat would die before betraying a promise of the heart.
“You seem to know me better than I do, but it is something I must work out myself. So, enough of my problem, we have more to discuss.”
“Yes, if you’re still set on this harebrained scheme, we better plan a trip to London to sell your jewelry. I already have two men willing to ride with us. I heard Jenny return, Jake’s home too. Shall we go inside and tell them this crazy plan of yours?”
John rose to his feet and pulled Rina to hers. Rina squared her shoulders, preparing herself for the confrontation. Jake and Jenny were like family, and she knew they would object to her idea, but she must convince them.
Their reaction was as she’d feared it would be.
“Are you crazy, girl? If you’re caught, they’d hang you for sure. Have you thought of that?” Jake yelled, shaking his head in frustration. He saw by the tilt of her chin and the damned determined look in her eyes she would not be swayed, but he had to try to talk some sense into her thick, foolish head.
“Yes, I know the risks and it’s a chance I am willing to take. Anyone who rides with me must realize the danger as well.” Rina sighed and looked Jake in the eye. “My mind is set. I’ll do it with or without your help. It will be two more years before I can try to claim my inheritance. I cannot sit by any longer and watch people suffer. This is one way we can survive — we can take from those who have plenty. It’s the only way.”
“We canna’ let you take the chance,” sobbed Jenny, dabbing at her eyes with her giant apron. “’Tis too dangerous, luv.”
Rina took a deep breath and gathered her resolve for what she knew she must do. “I believe you both know how much I love you, but you cannot protect me any longer. Jake, you have spent eight years teaching and training me as my father wished. Did you teach me to think for myself and to be independent and strong just to sit idly by and do nothing? My future will be determined by the promises I made to my father. I will fulfill them or die. Will you stop me from doing what you know I have sworn to do? Would you willingly destroy me?”
Jake and Jenny exchanged glances. Would they deliberately interfere, knowing Katrina Easton could not live with a broken promise? They both knew the answer. She would pursue her destiny, no matter, and no one could stop her.
“All right, you can count me in,” Jake conceded.
“Oh, Rina, ’tis all you have left, you canna’ sell them,” Jenny protested. She kept the jewelry safe for all these years, the only thing Rina had left in the world. Several times Rina had wanted to sell them, but Jenny always remained obstinate.
Rina took Jenny’s withered hand in hers and looked with love into her saddened eyes. “We must sell them. I think mother and father would understand, Jenny. It will help and perhaps save some lives this winter.”
Without speaking, Jenny stood and went to her bedroom. She came back with a small leather pouch and hande
d it to Rina, her voice full of emotion. “I’m sure your mother an’ father would be proud of you, Katrina Easton. The Lord has watched o’er you so far, and I believe he will continue t’ do so.”
She gathered Rina in a warm hug, tears running down her cheeks. Rina knew how difficult it was for them to give in to her, for they only wanted to keep her out of harm’s way. But this was something she had to do. She stood by for years, now was the time to fight back.
“Thank you, Jenny. I’ll be careful, I promise, for I do not desire to dangle from the end of a noose. John and I will go to London to sell the jewelry, the sooner the better.”
John agreed with Rina and they continued to arrange their trip. In two days they would take the public coach from Sleaford to London, stopping for two nights along the way. The trip would take about a week, but they would get a much better price for the necklace and earrings in the city.
THE SUN PEEKED OVER the hills and turned the horizon pink and orange. Rina sat on the hard bench, deep in thought, a frown creasing her forehead. She pulled her cape about her snugly to ward off the early-morning chill, her worn brown dress doing little to ward off the cold. A small tapestry bag lay in her lap; her fingers fidgeted absently with the frayed handle as her mind roamed over what she was about to do.
Rina knew Jake and Jenny would be angry with her, but John, he would be furious. Common sense told her she should not go alone, but urgency prompted her to ignore logic. She glanced up at the cloudy sky and knew it was going to rain again. The roads were already muddy from yesterday’s downpour, and if she waited much longer, the roads might be impassable for weeks, or more. No, she had to go now. Rina looked down the empty road, wished the coach from Lincoln would hurry up and get there.
Yes, John would be furious with her for sneaking off without him. Why did he have to slip and sprain his ankle now? He wouldn’t be able to walk for several days, or travel for a week, so their trip would have been delayed. Selling her jewelry was of great importance; so, without telling anyone, she’d risen early and left. She managed to get a ride to Sleaford and now she waited for the coach, as planned, only without John by her side. Rina sighed, worried, all hell would break loose when Jenny found her note. But she would be on her way to London by then.
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