Daring Damsels Page 12

  He bent his head toward hers, his brown eyes cloudy with sickening desire, his nose touching her nose. His putrid breath wafted over her and Chloe choked back a gag. Was he going to kiss her? Oh God, what would she do? She wrestled hard to get away from him.

  “Let go of me!” she shouted.

  “I love ye, Chloe,” he said hoarsely against her mouth as his wet lips grazed hers. She wrenched her head away from him, and felt his slimy lips slide along her cheek. Her belly churned. “Ye will marry me. I know it.” A tender smile covered his lips looking completely out of place. She glared at him, her eyes burning with disgust. Anger flared within her that he’d taken such liberties. If her eyes had been daggers he would have been torn to pieces by now.

  “You imbécile!” she shouted at him.

  She began to wrestle against him again and this time, remembering what her brother had taught her, and she gave him a swift knee to the groin. He blocked her maneuver and let out a loud yelp as her knee crashed into his thigh. He let go of her for a moment as he stumbled backward. As soon as she was free of his grasp, she turned to run away, her knee throbbing, only to feel his steely grip on the back of her ankle. He yanked hard.

  By now thoughts of her last two attacks were intermingled in her mind, flashing from one to the other. She was desperate to escape.

  She lost her footing and braced her arms out as she fell forward on her hands and knees. She quickly came to her feet, stumbled and after recovering her balance, she tried to scramble toward the door. James yanked her back down, and she fell flat as he clambered on top of her, shoving her hard into the ground.

  “I’ll make ye my wife,” he grunted into her ear, his anger seething out.

  She could feel him rustling with his clothes, and she feared the worst. She kicked behind her, and tried to lift herself up, bucking around to knock him off. He only laughed at her efforts, sending a chill up her spine.

  “Ye failed to hurt me last time, and I’ll not let ye try again,” he whispered menacingly.

  How was she going to get out of this? He lifted himself off of her. She tried to stand.

  “Helping me out like a good lass, I see,” he said and he helped her to stand. Confused by what he said, and that he had helped her up, she hesitated a moment in bafflement when she should have run.

  He spun her around to face him and stifled her screams when he smashed his lips into hers and kissed her repeatedly, making loud smacking noises. She shoved against him going for the kick again, only to have him deflect it by taking hold of her thighs in his, squeezing to the point of pain. He held her arms tight against her.

  If only she could break free of his hold and grab the dagger.

  She tried to stifle her moan of pain, but a small whimper escaped her lips. After he finished what felt like an assault on her lips he again shoved her to the ground, quickly covering her with his body, yanking the hem of her gown up her legs.

  “What the hell are you doing?” A loud roar resounded from the doorway, as the door itself banged open.

  There stood Lord Hardwyck, an air of command exuding from him. Chloe sighed in relief. Yet at the same time, anxiety and mortification spurted through her. She held back tears and watched as if time had slowed.

  James’s look of anger at being interrupted quickly turned to one of fear. The ground rumbled beneath her as Lord Hardwyck charged over to where they were lying.

  His strong arms reached out and plucked James from Chloe as if he were a blade of grass.

  Chloe stood, trying unsuccessfully to wipe the dirt from her new gown.

  Lord Hardwyck held James by the front of his tunic, his feet left dangling in the air, and slammed his fist into the apprentice’s jaw.

  She knew there was a reason they called him the Dragon.

  James didn’t even utter a sound. He was knocked out from the one punch. Lord Hardwyck threw him to the ground, and then turned to face Chloe. He lifted her chin gently with the tip of his finger and looked at her with regret in his eyes. She was glad for the dim light, and hoped he couldn’t see the tears now forming. She bit her bruised lip and looked toward the ground, a tiny stab of guilt striking the pit of her stomach.

  If I hadn’t lied in the first place, I wouldn’t even be here. Her thoughts were bitter, and she fisted her hands at her sides. No, I’d be in the tower, where this man would have put me.

  Lord Hardwyck wrapped his arms around her and pulled her toward him. Within herself, she resisted the urge to fall into his embrace. The strength emanating from him was so intense she thought she would melt into the safe haven of his grasp forever. She felt light-headed from the overpowering feelings he caused within her.

  “Are you all right, ma cherie?” Lord Hardwyck asked, resting his chin on top of her head.

  His body tensed against her. She tilted her head back, stunned by the intensity of his words and his grip on her.

  “Thank you, my lord, for saving me yet again. I am fine,” she said, pulling herself away from him completely.

  He pulled her back, and she let him hold her again, even if only to have the sweet strength of his arms around her for a few minutes more. They were so different from the roughness of James.

  “Thank God you arrived when you did. I fear I have some strange affect on the men here in England that makes them want to attack me. Should I take my leave?” Now was her chance for an excuse to leave this place, to leave him and the feelings that swirled in and out of her when he was near.

  “Leave? Why would I ask you to leave?” He leaned back from her until their gazes locked.

  The expression on his face was one of utter bafflement.

  “My lord, you have saved me twice within the last two days. You cannot follow me everyday to see to my safety. My presence has become a nuisance.”

  She stepped back from him and straightened her shoulders. She set her chin in a stubborn line and tried with all the power she had left to look strong, to show him she wouldn’t change her mind. He tried to pull her back into his arms, but she wouldn’t let him. The feel of his arms around her had been too sweet, and she couldn’t let it continue.

  “After the example I make of him, no one will dare touch you. You needn’t leave. The keep is the safest place for you. Besides, you have no where else to go, as you told me yourself. It would be against my better judgment to turn you out into the cold.” He paused in what he was saying, his brow furrowing. “What were you doing anyway? I saw you from the battlements. It looked like you were sneaking around.”

  She decided not to lie. There were already too many lies. “I left a satchel here, but when I came to fetch it, it was gone.” She kept her eyes steady.

  “What satchel?”

  “It was on my pack horse. I stored it behind one of the troughs when I unloaded my horse so neither Maude nor James would be tempted to look through it.”

  Chloe’s delicate arm came up and a long slender finger pointed to the trough in question. He walked over to where she indicated.

  “What was in it?” Lord Hardwyck asked, looking up at her as he leaned over the trough.

  Her mouth went dry as she gazed upon him. She couldn’t help but admire his physique. His powerful well-muscled body moved with ease as he walked over to where she’d indicated. Her stomach fluttered as his muscles flexed with each movement. His behind was… Good Lord, could a man have a rear that looked so delicious?

  She gazed at his face, her lips partially open in utter awe of the man. She was confused by the feelings he stirred within her and tried to stifle them, but she couldn’t. The raw masculine power of him overruled any thoughts she had on remaining calm.

  He caught her roving gaze. His eyes took on a devilish glint as he smiled at her and raised his eyebrows. Lord Hardwyck straightened up and she became acutely aware of the size of him.

  “What was in the satchel, Chloe?”

  She was startled out of her reverie and focused her gaze on his.

  “I…I…uh….nothing of importance.”


  A shiver spiraled its way up her spine from the vivid recollection of her plight with James—and prior to arriving in Hardwyck. She could almost hear the brittle laugh of the vicious old lord who’d murdered her nurse. Her body ached thinking about how tense she had felt sitting and waiting by the woods. Waiting for anyone, animal or human, who would jump out and attack her.

  Lord Hardwyck made her feel safe. She knew she would never have to feel such an ache again. Now she felt a different kind of ache, the bittersweet ache of longing.

  What heaven it would be to stay in his arms for awhile. No! I can’t think that way, I am his servant! He will only use me and then throw me away.

  That’s what men of his rank and status did when they were done with their mistresses. She would not become one the numbers notched onto the hilt of his sword.

  Lord Hardwyck was looking at her in a strange way, as if he didn’t believe her or he could read her thoughts. He didn’t say anything to her, just stared. A tense silence filled the room when their gazes connected.

  Sparks fairly flew through the air, as his eyes burned into hers. The pit of her stomach tingled, her nipples hardened. He raked his gaze boldly over her. She shivered, and a knot of longing grew deep inside her. Her pulse quickened and she had the overwhelming urge to be close to him. The room suddenly became warm, then hot.

  He was wreaking havoc on her mind and body. She had to get away from him. These feelings were too strong. She was sure he could sense her desire.

  He started to walk toward her, hunger evident in his every move.

  Now! Leave! The voice inside her demanded.

  She turned on her heel and flew out of the house as fast as she could.

  Alexander had admired the play of emotions that danced across Chloe’s face. Even in the dim light he’d seen her nipples press firmly against her gown. The air tinged lightly with the feminine scent of sweet arousal. She’d felt white hot desire just as he did and she was afraid of it.

  He briskly walked out of the house and caught up to her. Taking her arm, he turned her around to face him. He couldn’t hold back his curiosity any longer.

  “Who are you? Tell me the truth,” he demanded, overcome with need.

  “I am Chloe, as I have told you.” Her teeth clenched tight and her face colored red. “Do you accuse me of deceit?”

  “I know you are not who you say you are. Tell me. Tell me who you are.” Although he’d softened his demand, his voice still held an air of command. His body was pressed tightly to hers, she craned her neck to gaze into his eyes. “Tell me wanting you is not wrong. Tell me you want me too.”

  He brought his face close to hers, lowering his voice to a growl. He pulled her against him, letting her feel just how much he wanted her.

  Instead of responding to him, Chloe wrenched her arm free and slapped him hard on the face, anger and fear spilling from her eyes. Before he could register what happened, she ran into the village.

  He stepped back in shock.

  Did she just strike him?

  All Alexander could do was look after her as she ran away. His face still stung. He reached up to touch the spot.

  For a second, he was in awe of the woman. Then he recalled where he was, who he was and what exactly had happened. She struck him, disgraced him in front of his people. Alexander’s hands clenched and unclenched at his sides, and his mind raced as anger seethed through him. He bore a hole into her retreating back with his glare.

  How dare she!

  He was at a loss. The people in the bailey had started to gather and stare at the spectacle. His people would expect some action from him. He couldn’t let her leave. He couldn’t let her get away with what she’d done. On the other hand, what could he do? He wanted her, and hoped to break down her resistance by wooing her. He’d lost control.

  He looked toward the heavens, then the ground, not daring to look at the villagers lest they’d see his turmoil. He started to walk in the direction she’d run and then turned around. He shouted orders to a loitering retainer to take James to the dungeon, then in one swift motion, he mounted the nearest horse and rode after her.

  Chloe ran aimlessly through the village. She didn’t know where she was going. Her tears blinded her, making it harder for her to maneuver through the little lanes.

  She had tried to leave the little house before anything happened, but he’d ruined it by following her. He knew she lied, and then he’d rubbed against her! She’d felt the desire emanating from him. His thick hard length had throbbed against her belly, and her insides thrilled at his touch. Oh, how her body had hummed and urged her to press back… But she’d struck him instead.

  What have I done? He will surely throw me in the tower now!

  In one moment she’d ruined any chances she may have had for a safe and comfortable future. He was only toying with her. Her suspicions of him providing so securely for her so she’d warm his bed were correct.

  Fear and anger knotted inside her as she flew through the village blindly, bumping into people along the way.

  Her senses were suddenly on fire, and she could hear hoof beats coming quick behind her. She knew it was his horse pounding behind her without even looking. She began to run faster. He would probably trample her. She’d been foolish to anger him in such a way.

  The hoof beats came faster and louder, and the ground beneath her trembled from the charging beast. Before she could even interpret what was happening, she was lifted into the air as Lord Hardwyck’s muscular arm gripped her around the waist. She grabbed onto him as hard as she could, afraid she would be thrown under the mighty warhorse. In one motion, he sat her on his lap and kicked the horse into a faster gallop through the streets.

  The village onlookers stared in awe at the mighty dragon as he whisked her, the frightened woman, out of the gate and into the forest beyond the village walls.

  Chloe was afraid at first by his actions. Then the events of the day caught up with her, unleashing the tigress within. She fought hard against him, kicking and hitting him as she yelled at him to put her down. Her balled fists landed on hard muscle and her knuckles hurt as if she’d just hit solid stone. Her behind bounced heavily on his hard thighs as the horse raced onward. His tight grip around her waist made it difficult to breathe.

  When she was able to catch a breath here and there she could smell him, and his scent was intoxicating. It was a manly smell of leather and horses, with a hint of sandalwood and mint. She found herself leaning closer to breathe his scent in further. Forcing her mind back to the present situation, she yelled at him to stop, to put her down.

  He drew up the horse abruptly in the forest, almost causing Chloe to fly over the beast’s neck. Alexander gripped her tighter around the waist and slammed her back down onto his lap. Then in one quick motion he dismounted the horse bringing her with him. He plopped her squarely on the ground in front of him.

  For a moment he looked like he was worried she would run, but she didn’t move. She planted her feet rigidly on the ground, her hands automatically coming to rest on her round hips. With her head held high, she stared straight into his smoldering eyes.

  “How dare you snatch me up like that,” her accent thickened with the heat of her rage, an odd mix of French and Scots.

  “How dare I? Oh, I do dare, mademoiselle. And just who do you think you are to strike me? Do you not realize who I am?” His voice was quiet but held a deadly tone, his breath coming out in a puff of steam.

  She knew exactly who he was, but she realized at that moment she didn’t know him. She didn’t know his anger, his aggression, what he’d do. He stepped closer to her, the tips of his boots touching the toes of her slippers. His tall muscular frame towered over her as he stared down at her. She tilted her head further back to see him better.

  “I know perfectly well who you are, and I care not,” she snapped loudly, hoping to persuade him she was not in the least bit intimidated by his overpowering stance. The sound of her shout faded into the stark tr
ees, leaving only the soft chirping of a few confused birds in its wake.

  Alexander’s rage swirled inside him. No one had ever dared talk to him this way before, let alone a woman. They all did his bidding but not this little minx. She stood ready to do battle with him. As he took in her face, flushed pink with anger, her lips pursed in a haughty way, his cock grew harder still, and an intense yearning to kiss those insolent lips took over.

  Finally he’d met his match, and she was breathtaking.

  The air hung heavy, charged with the tension between them.

  Chloe could only watch wide-eyed as Alexander’s face filled with anger, then turned dark and hot. His hand slid around her waist and he ferociously pulled her against him. He fixed her with a burning gaze. She couldn’t look away. Her body reacted instantly, nipples hardening, and a warm glow cascaded through her limbs, swirling into a sensual pit in her belly. The feelings were so intense, she was a little frightened. Enjoying too much the way her soft curves molded to the contours of his hard body, she tried to pull away.

  But he wouldn’t let her. He held firm. Desire permeated her being. His masculine scent surrounded her like a cloud, disturbing her senses and her ability to think straight. He never took his eyes off her. Grey pockets of desire devoured every inch of her. Chloe couldn’t suppress the shudder that went through her. Those eyes promised carnal delights she couldn’t even imagine.

  With one arm around her waist, he whipped her hood off and tossed it. She watched the slip of fabric float to the woodsy floor, it’s descent to the ground symbolizing the nice neat life she’d pictured here. She shouldn’t be doing this. How would she be able to protect herself, keep her identity secret, if she succumbed to her most base desires?

  She was lost, as she stood with every inch of Lord Hardwyck’s body touching a part of her. She didn’t protest when his hands threaded through her hair, undoing her braid. Time stood still as she gazed into his eyes. Again, she didn’t protest as his face came closer, his heated breath caressing her face. Should she fight? She half-heartedly pushed against him, but it didn’t stop his descent.