1606011324-Lady-Knight-Chenery Read online

Ranulf watched Ariel fling off her armor with more force than was necessary to relieve her of it. Obviously she was not in the best of moods. Whatever had happened between Broc and herself must not have been to her liking.

  Seeing the tankard of ale in his hand, Ariel took it from him and drank it down. Ranulf accepted the empty tankard back and laughed. “You just had to ask and I would have happily poured you a drink.”

  Ariel chuckled. “Sorry. Broc is a pompous ass. He actually had the gall to tell me who I could associate with.”

  “Ah, let me guess, he doesn’t want me around you. Right?”

  “Aye, but I put him in his place.”

  “Just exactly how did you manage that feat?”

  Ariel took Ranulf’s hand and pulled on it so he stood before her. “I told him you had asked me to be your wife.”

  Ranulf sucked in his breath. “And?”

  “I told him I probably would accept your offer.”

  Ranulf pulled her close and bent his head down so he could rest his forehead against hers. “Why the sudden change of heart, Ariel? You said you were not ready to have another man in your life.”

  She sighed deeply. “I know. Maybe I hoped in the back of my mind Broc would still be mine one day. But that has all changed, he has a wife, he has no need of me. Besides, he is not happy with what I have become. He would prefer me to don gowns and do nothing more strenuous than lift a needle.”

  Kissing her forehead, Ranulf pulled her head down so it lay against his chest. “The bastard. He told you this? How could he, especially when it was he who brought about all the changes in your life?”

  Ariel gave Ranulf a little squeeze. “Don’t let him upset you so. I’ll let him be a part of Colwyn’s life, but that’s all he will have. I want to start a new life, with you.”

  “You know how happy that makes me. I just think you still need some more time. You’re not ready yet, but I won’t let you get away that easily. Tomorrow, you and I will sit down with your father and sign betrothal contracts. Then, when you are truly ready, we will wed.”

  * * * *

  He walked for what had seemed like hours. Finally pulling himself together, Broc found himself standing behind the hall where Ariel and her father lived. It was inevitable. Ariel had been the one and only constant thought on his mind. Seeing Ariel’s chamber still held light, Broc moved around to the front of the hall. It was time to make a decision before it was too late.

  The main part of the hall was cloaked in darkness. The only light came from the banked fire in the hearth. It was just enough for Broc to quietly make his way across the room. At the closed chamber door he paused, not sure what he was about to do was the right choice.

  Without knocking, Broc plunged into the room before his courage left him. What he saw made his heart skip a beat. Ariel was stretched out on top of her bed in a deep sleep. The tunic and trews that she usually wore had been taken off for the night. In their place a chemise clung to Ariel’s curves. The light, white material only came to the tops of her knees, exposing a great deal of her legs. With her chest unbound, Broc had a view of the tops of her breasts. The sight of Ariel lying there, free to be herself, almost undid him.

  As quietly as he could, Broc stepped over to the bed. He stood over her, unable to stop staring at her. She was a vision, a vision of what could have been his.

  Taking the opportunity given to him, Broc sat down on the edge of the bed next to Ariel’s sleeping form. He had to touch her, hold her. It was an urge too strong to put aside. With hands that shook, Broc reached out and gently stroked her face. Ariel slept on without waking. Growing bolder, he cupped her cheek, only to have her snuggle her face deeper into his hand. Broc knew he couldn’t turn away. He crawled into the bed beside her.

  * * * *

  She was having a dream and a very erotic dream. Since Broc’s return Ariel had been having them on a regular basis, but this one felt so real. almost as if Broc actually touched her body, doing delicious things to it. Not wanting it to stop, Ariel let the sensations that engulfed her body have free reign.

  An ache started between her legs along with heat and wetness that pooled in her core. Broc’s dream hands played her body so knowingly. Ariel needed the sweet release only he could give her.

  A moan that came somewhere deep inside her body, escaped Ariel’s lips bringing her fully awake. Shocked, Ariel realized she was not having a dream after all. Broc lay stretched out on the bed beside her. His fingers were still devastating her body with infinite finesse.

  Seeing Ariel was fully aware of him, Broc moved so he was partially lying atop her. He was fully aroused. She could feel the long, hard length of him pressed against her side. This was not right. No matter how much she had dreamed of this, wanted this, it had to stop.

  Fighting the sensations that took over her, Ariel tried to speak. She found she couldn’t even manage the smallest of sounds. Broc bent his head and took one of her nipples into his mouth. All the fight drained out of her. Through her chemise, he used his tongue to lave and suckle her, until she ached for him.

  Broc’s fingers moved to the ribbon at the neckline of her chemise. Giving it a tug, he untied it then pulled down, causing her chemise to slip down to her waist. He once more bent his head, only to stop before he reached her breast.

  Following his line of sight, Ariel knew he saw the ring. The ring he had given her. She still wore it on a gold chain around her neck. She hadn’t been able to bring herself to take it off.

  Broc smiled. He growled with pleasure, swooped down and took her exposed nipple deep inside his mouth. Unable to control herself any longer, Ariel laced her fingers into his hair, holding him to her. She arched her back offering more of herself.

  Releasing her breast, Broc claimed her mouth. His kissed her demandingly. At the feel of his tongue sweeping her bottom lip, Ariel opened her mouth to allow him access. Their tongues mated, tasting one another. There would be no going back for both of them. Ariel needed him just this one time more than anything.

  His lips left hers. Ariel opened her eyes to see Broc staring at her, intently. His gold eyes darkened with passion. Without taking his eyes from her, he reached down and pulled her chemise up her body then threw it to the floor.

  Ariel fought the urge to cover her breasts with her hands. This was the first time she had ever been naked before a man. Sensing Ariel’s hesitation, Broc moved off the bed. With her attention focused on his movements, he stripped off his clothes until he stood gloriously naked before her.

  Ariel gasped. He was beautiful. There was no other way she could describe him. The thick slab of muscle that made up his chest was covered in curly dark blond hair that arrowed down past his navel. His arms were heavily muscled as were his legs, and covered with the same curly hair that could be found on his chest. What caught Ariel’s attention though was what he had between his legs.

  His cock was fully aroused. All Ariel could think was how large he appeared. She couldn’t believe her body had easily accommodated him the first time their bodies had joined together. She couldn’t seem to take her eyes from that part of him.

  Broc seemed to sense her reservations. He climbed back on the bed and pulled her into his arms. He once more swept her away on a wave of passion. He moved to stretch his full length on top of her. His legs came to rest between hers. The feel of his weight on her was glorious. Clutching at Broc’s back, she tried to pull him closer.

  Keeping his lips on hers, Broc devoured her with his mouth. Trailing his fingers across her ribs he shifted so he lay on his side next to her. His hand moved lower until he reached her hot slick channel. He groaned. Ariel knew she was wet. His cock jumped in response. Rubbing a finger against her clit, he pushed her arousal higher. Ariel moaned his name. He slipped one finger, then two, inside her wet opening, sliding them in and out of her. His tongue mirrored the movement of his hand.

  He was driving her wild. Ariel needed more of him. Even though his skilled fingers were devastating her, they were no
longer enough. She needed his body inside her. Whimpering with need, Ariel pulled at Broc’s back urging him to take her.

  Broc spread Ariel’s legs with his thigh then entered her slowly. Inch by inch he pushed his hard cock into her body until he was buried to the hilt. He kissed her tenderly, making Ariel feel completely loved.

  Broc moved inside her, pulling out until he was almost at the point of leaving her body then slowly entered her again. Ariel arched her hips matching his strokes.

  Pleasure built to greater heights with each thrust of Broc’s body. Keeping his movements steady, Broc’s hand drifted down between their bodies until he reached her clit, the center of her pleasure. He rubbed the little nubbin of skin back and forth. It was enough to send Ariel plunging into an intense climax. As her body clamped around Broc’s shaft, she moaned her pleasure into his mouth. Broc thrust powerfully a few more times. His body stiffened then he filled her womb with his seed. He collapsed on top of her.

  Ariel let her eyes drift shut as little spasms of pleasure still gripped her. She held Broc tightly in her arms. She felt loved and cherished.

  Chapter 26

  Rolling onto his side, Broc pulled Ariel up against his body. Her eyes were closed, but he knew she didn’t sleep. He quietly studied her face. She was lovely. After what they had done, he loved her even more, if that was possible. He knew he would never be able to give her up now. She had become a necessity, like the air he breathed. Ariel stirred, her sky blue eyes fluttered open and she gazed up at him.

  He smiled warmly at her. “Hello.”

  Broc watched the blood drain from Ariel’s face until it appeared quite white. “My god, what have I done?” She tried to sit up, but he pulled her closer and wrapped his arm around her waist holding her to him.

  “Shh. You have done nothing wrong.”

  Ariel fought his hold and managed to slip out of his arms to sit up on the bed. “Nothing wrong?! I’ve done it again. I don’t know what it is, but whenever I’m around you I lose my senses. I vowed I would never give myself to you again.”

  Broc couldn’t keep the smug smile off his face. “Well, you did. I for one do not regret it.”

  Ariel had to stop herself from trying to smack the satisfied look off his face. “Of course you wouldn’t. But what if we made another child?”

  “If we made another child, I will be happy for it.”

  “You would be glad to have another child born illegitimate?”

  Broc shook his head. “Nay, I never said that.”

  Ariel looked at him with a confused expression on her face. “It will be. If you have forgotten, you are married to Alwen.”

  “Not after I go to London and meet with William.”

  “You are making less sense with each word you say. How exactly is that going to be of any help?”

  Reaching for her, Broc stroked Ariel’s cheek. “I learned something about Alwen today. It seems she’s still a virgin.”

  “How can that be? Everyone knows the bedsheet had blood on it the next day.”

  He had shocked her, he could tell by the blank look on her face. “On our wedding night I drank myself into a stupor. To put it bluntly, I could not perform my husbandly duty. I passed out.”

  “Then explain how the sheets had blood on them,”

  Broc chuckled. “Alwen decided to hide the fact she remained untouched. While I slept she cut her arm and divested me of my clothes. In the morning I assumed I had truly made her my wife. I had no memory of that night.”

  “You just found this out today?” Broc knewAriel had started to piece together the information.

  “Aye, I know what you’re thinking. I couldn’t bring myself to touch her. She wasn’t you.”

  Ariel brought Broc’s head down and thoroughly kissed him. Ariel was the frist to break the contact. “All the nights I lay in my lonely bed picturing you making love to Alwen, and she was a virgin. What will you do in London?”

  Already feeling the absence of her lips, Broc pulled himself back under control. He could understand Ariel’s need to have all her questions answered. “I’m going to ask William to give his support in having my marriage to Alwen annulled. I don’t love her, I never did. I want to be free of her.”

  “So where does that leave us? I need to know.”

  Broc smiled and kissed the tip of Ariel’s nose. “That depends entirely on you, my lady. When we last spoke you said you were going to wed Ranulf. If I obtain an annulment, will you wed me instead?”

  Ariel nodded her head. “Aye, my lord, I will become your wife. I’ll talk to Ranulf. I hope he underdstands my decision.”

  With a whoop, Broc hugged her close to him. “I will leave for London in the morning.”

  Ariel managed to pull back far enough to look intently at Broc. “I will be your wife, but I’ll not change what I am. I’m a knight. Just because you take me to wife, it does not mean I will go back to wearing gowns and sit sewing the whole day through. If you can’t accept that, then I suggest you don’t go to London.”

  The smile on Broc’s lips disappeared as he turned serious. “I would never ask you to change.” Ariel opened her mouth to speak. Broc pressed a finger across her lips to silence her. “I know what I said this afternoon. I only said it to hurt you. Every time I see you with Ranulf I go a little crazy. I love you just the way you are. I would be proud to have a wife who is a knight. One who fought with the fryd and was one of Harold’s house carls. We could protect Elmstead together.”

  Ariel smiled. “Well, then I will be your wife. God speed on your trip to London, my lord.”

  * * * *

  The moon was full with not a cloud to cover its bright face. The thousands of stars that hung in the heavens glittered like diamonds. Alwen noticed none of these things.

  A heavy, hooded cloak covered her form. She stood in the shadows a few yards from the old thane’s hall, waiting. Even though the hour was late and no one else stirred, she patiently waited. Alwen knew he was in there. It was only a matter of time before he came out. Broc would not be able to get rid of her so easily. She was still his wife, and he could not treat her so.

  At the sound of voices, Alwen stepped deeper into the shadows. Broc walked out into the night. He turned to talk to the person who stood in the doorway. The light shining in the hall cast enough brightness for Alwen to see who it was. It was Wulf, but a very different looking Wulf. The face was his, but the body was that of a woman. Wulf wore nothing but a lawn chemise. Everything suddenly became quite clear. Wulf was actually a woman. Obviously Wulf was not her real name. Alwen wondered why the girl posed as a man.

  The voices stopped and to her horror, Awlen watched her husband pull the girl into his arms and kiss her passionately. He never kissed her that way. Now all made sense. Broc rejected his wife only to make a woman who acted as a man his mistress.

  Silently, so as not to make her presence known, Alwen moved back in the direction of the main hall. One thing ran through her mind—revenge. Broc would pay for the grave insult he had given her. He would pay if it was the last thing she did.

  * * * *

  Broc knocked on Alwen’s chamber door. It was dawn. The time had come to tell her of his intentions. At her call, he entered the room and shut the door behind him. She stood at the window with her back toward him. Even though she didn’t turn, Broc knew Alwen was aware of his presence.

  “I’m leaving Elmstead for a few days. I go to London.”

  Still not turning to face him, Alwen spoke. “I bid you God speed, my lord. I hope nothing distressing has come about.”

  “Nay, nothing like that.” Broc hesitated for an instant then forged on. “It has to do with our marriage.”

  Alwen spun around. Her face twisted in a scowl of rage. “What do you intend to do, my lord?”

  Broc took a deep calming breath. This was not going to go very well. “Since our marriage has never been consummated I wish to petition for an annulment, with William’s permission.”

  “How dare
you?” Alwen shrieked the words at Broc. In an unexpected move, she threw herself across the room and slapped his face.

  She hit him with enough violence to snap his head to the side. When it looked as if she would strike him again, Broc caught her wrist in a vise like hold. “Do not do that again, my lady. We are ill suited. We would only make each other miserable if our marriage continued.”

  All the fight drained out of Alwen. With eyes that shimmered with tears, she spoke in a quiet voice. “Am I not beautiful enough for you?”

  “I find you quite pleasing to look at, that’s not the problem. There is another.”

  That turned out to be a mistake. Broc’s words set Alwen off once more. “Is it that whore in the other hall? The one who pretends she is a man?”

  Broc stiffened at the insulting way Alwen spoke of Ariel. “How did you know?”

  Alwen’s laugh was anything but pleasant sounding. “That bitch is your mistress. I saw you together last night. She was practically unclothed and you had your hands all over her for the entire world to see. How could you do that to me? I’m still your wife.”

  Broc released Alwen’s arm and took a step away from her. “You followed me? You have overstepped yourself. Whoever I decide to associate with is my business. You have no say in the matter. As to you being my wife, when I return from London you no longer will be. Now, I bid you adieu.”

  “What will become of my father and me? Where will we live?”

  Broc shrugged his shoulders. “I guess you had better sober up your father long enough to make plans for your future. You may stay at Elmstead until my return then I want the both of you gone.”

  * * * *

  Ariel nervously paced the floor. With each step she took the scent of the flowers mixed with the rushes beneath her feet wafted around her. She had watched Broc ride out of Elmstead on his way to London. Now she had to face Ranulf. She didn’t want to hurt his feelings, but there was no other way around it.