Captive Heart

Captive Heart by Fawn Lowery

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Copyright ©2006 by Fawn Lowery First published in eXtasy Books, 2006 NOTICE: This eBook is licensed to the original purchaser only. Duplication or distribution to any person via email, floppy disk, network, print out, or any other means is a violation of International copyright law and subjects the violator to severe fines and/or imprisonment. This notice overrides the Adobe Reader permissions which are erroneous. This eBook cannot be legally lent or given to others. This eBook is displayed using 100% recycled electrons.

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The scanning, uploading and distribution of this book via the Internet or via any other means without the permission of the publisher is illegal, and punishable by law. Please purchase only authorized electronic editions, and do not participate in or encourage the electronic piracy of copyrighted materials. Your support of the author's rights is appreciated. This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. Captive Heart Copyright ã 2006 Fawn Lowery ISBN: 1-55410-704-0 Cover art and design by Martine Jardin All rights reserved. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher. Published by eXtasy Books Look for us online at: 3

Captive Heart by Fawn Lowery

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Captive Heart by Fawn Lowery

CAPTIVE HEART BY Fawn Lowery

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Captive Heart by Fawn Lowery

Chapter One England, 1194 Myla snuggled deeper into the fleece coverlet that was her pallet on the frozen ground. Very near lay her servant, Nadra. Judging by her restlessness, Nadra too seemed to have difficulty finding warmth in the harsh English night. Traveling across the countryside was dangerous because of marauding knights and their bedraggled armies returning from the Holy Wars. Myla's small party—herself, Nadra, and the three male servants her father sent to protect them—had found a small grove of aspen to camp in. They dared not leave a campfire burning for fear of attracting predators wandering the area. Three days into their journey, Myla was homesick and dreaded their arrival in Melborne, a village east of Willmore. Tears sprang to Myla's eyes as she vividly recalled her departure from Willmore and her beloved father, Baron Edmond De Burke. Her dear father had fallen on hard times, unable to pay his taxes, he feared his lands would be taken. Just a fortnight earlier, Myla overheard a conversation between her father and visiting Baron Winthrop. Baron Winthrop came to her father to discuss Myla and an arranged marriage between Clive of Melborne. Baron Winthrop explained that Clive would pay handsomely for a pure noble maid to wed. Perhaps enough gold could be bartered to enable Baron De Burke to pay off his debts. Myla's father was adverse to the Baron's offer, but come morning, Myla gathered her courage and spoke with her 6

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father. She had heard of Clive, a knight with a sizable army who fought the Crusades for gold and property. "I shall marry Clive of Melborne, father. And you shall have my large dowry to settle your debts." "My dear child," her father began, shaking his craggy head. "You do not know this man. He is a warlord. He leads men into battle." Myla managed to stifle her surprise at her father's words, and insisted she be allowed to do the honorable thing. "It is my duty as your daughter," she maintained. In the end, her father tearfully gave in, and contacted Baron Winthrop. The Baron returned to Willmore accompanied by Clive and Myla got her first sighting of her future husband. Myla watched as Clive and Baron Winthrop arrived at her father's house. The Baron was in a small carriage but Sir Clive rode a beautiful black horse. He sat tall in the saddle, Clive was an impressive looking man with shoulder length red hair. Myla's gaze raced over the tall lean body of her future husband as he dismounted and handed the reins of his horse to a young servant boy. The child was eager to please. Kitchen gossip spread the news in the household that his ladyship's betrothed would pay a visit. In his haste the boy was clumsy and bumped into Sir Clive as he made to bow his greeting. What Myla witnessed shocked and dismayed her. The child was unable to regain his footing due to the prancing of Clive's horse. He stumbled and fell against Clive's legs. Angrily, the knight grabbed the boy by the back of the tunic and cast him aside, yelling words that Myla was unable to understand from her vantage point at the window. The 7

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child immediately scrambled to his feet and made his apologies, bowing as he attempted to back away but Clive kicked the boy, making him fall again. The knight then placed his hands on his hips, threw back his head, and openly jeered at the child. Myla turned from the window, horrified by the display. Was it too late to change her mind? Was she destined to go through with her marriage plans to the knight? Oh, but what of her poor father's predicament? Her assessment of the situation was interrupted by Nadra's entry into the room. Sir Clive followed closely behind the servant. Indeed, the broad smile gracing his face hardly belied his past show of anger at the young servant boy in the courtyard. "Milady," he said. He bowed slightly and crossed the room to stand before Myla. Myla curtsied politely, then steeled her emotions when Clive beckoned for her hand. He pressed his lips to the back of her hand, making Myla stifle a shiver of disgust. How unlike his physical appearance he seemed. His attire was that of a well-to-do landowner, fine wool tunic and breeches. He was handsome to gaze upon, with thick red hair heavy on his shoulders, a chiseled countenance and deep blue eyes. Myla offered him a seat in a chair across from where she and Nadra sat. She smiled uneasily at the knight as his blue eyes inspected first her facial features, then the bodice of her shift, and lastly, continued on to the tips of her leather shoes. 8

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"I shall be quite delighted to have you as my wife," Clive remarked, settling back in the chair. He pinned his stare on her face. "You are chaste?" Surprise shown on Myla's face at his words. She glanced at Nadra, relieved that it was the servant's duty to chaperone her. "Yea, your lordship." "Very good." Clive smiled his pleasure. "I wish to have many offspring. Preferably sons." He tipped his head and eyed her curiously. "Perhaps one daughter—if the child might have your beauty." Myla blushed. She wasn't accustomed to speaking of such matters. She lowered her gaze. The knight was handsome as well as bold in speech. His wide smile was disarming and his blue gaze quite heated. But what of his actions in the courtyard? "You will come to Melborne. We shall be wed there." "Yes, your lordship." His gaze stole to Nadra perched beside Myla. "And you may bring your personal slave." Myla's gaze rose at once. "Nadra is my servant and companion." She swallowed nervously. "She is not my slave." "I see." The room fell quiet. Myla tried to push aside the memory of what she'd witnessed in the courtyard—and now his debasement of her companion, Nadra. Praise the Saints! She should be grateful that a knight of Sir Clive's caliber wished her for a bride. 9

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"Then by all means, Nadra will be welcome in our home." Clive rose from his chair suddenly. He strode over to Myla and reached for her hand. He pulled her to her feet. "Perhaps you could send your good servant out of the room so we can be alone." "Beg pardon, your lordship. But such liberties are not permitted in my father's house." Clive laughed—a reminder of how he had taken such joy when he kicked the small boy in the courtyard. "Very well." Clive leaned closer to Myla's ear. "But soon we shall be husband and wife and then the liberties will be mine to partake of." "I pray for strength, Nadra," Myla confided to Nadra minutes after Clive and Baron Winthrop took leave. "Sir Clive appears quite handsome on the outside, but I fear he is pocked within." She shook her head. Myla shifted her position on her pallet. It was best to keep such thoughts out of one's mind. She was committed to following through with her promise to her father. Indeed, Clive had already turned over the sizable dowry for her hand and she was less than a fortnight away from her trek to Melborne. Sleep was elusive. The night was bitter cold, though no wind howled to further chill the body. Low clouds concealed the moon and stars. Myla lay still and listened to the men snore. They have no troubles to keep them from slumber, she noted with a sigh. She only hoped their loud noises didn't attract any wild animal searching for food. **** 10

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Myla must have dozed for she awakened with a start the instant a gloved hand clamped across her mouth. A husky male voice warned her to silence. "Quiet, wench!" A tremor of fright shot through Myla as the fleece cover was stripped away. She was lifted from her pallet, then hoisted against the cold metal breastplate of her abductor. Within seconds, he was running from the camp and she was jostling about in his arms. Frightened by the untimely ordeal, she tried to see what was taking place around her. Within moments she found herself riding across the frozen English countryside held tightly against the armor-clad chest of her giant abductor. Was Nadra abducted as well? And what of the men her father sent to escort them to Melborne? Had they been murdered in their sleep? What was going to be her fate? **** Jase of Claymoor, the mighty warlord, kicked his powerful steed in the flanks, turning its head toward his fortress. Clasped in his long arms was the future wife of Clive of Melborne. Clive was the cowardly knight who had attacked Claymoor only a fortnight earlier, massacring many in Jase's absence. When he discovered his father gasping his final breath, he promised revenge against Clive. Once, Clive and Jase had commanded mighty armies under the leadership of Richard 1 of England to fight the Third Crusade, but Clive proved to be bloodthirsty in his quest for power. Previously 11

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Clive had come in the dead of night to attack and plunder Claymoor—stealing great treasures that the elder lord possessed, now he had attacked Jase's fortress for a second time. By the Saints! Clive brought about his own undoing, for like his father before him, Jase would be stubborn in his quest for revenge. The woman in his arms tried to squirm free of his grasp, twisting her body from side to side, kicking and flailing. "Be still," Jase growled. Zounds! He had no patience. "Be still or I'll end your life here and now!" But the wench paid him no mind. She continued to claw and squirm. "Be still!" **** The deep menacing voice sent a tremble through Myla. At least her resistance had managed to make her abductor loosen his arm a little. She was able to turn her head a bit and view the rider accompanying them. He was powerful as well, visible against the backdrop of nighttime sky. She drew in a quick breath when she spied her maid, Nadra, flung across his broad thighs. By the Saints! They were both being abducted. But why and by whom? The gloved hand was withdrawn from Myla's mouth and she dragged in large gulps of freezing night air, but not before she was given another warning. "Your screams will not be heard now," he said. "But be warned. I am quick to anger." 12

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At last she was able to breathe and reasonably certain her abductor wasn't going to kill her immediately. The steed's uneven gait made the journey uncomfortable. Myla clung to the powerful arm clasped across her waist. The smell of a horse ridden hard filled her head. The relentless pounding of hooves echoed through miles of barren blackness that sprawled out ahead. Her kidnapper seemed to have his course set and wasted little time covering the distance. They rode for hours across the frozen countryside, the blackness of night concealing them. Clad only in a linen day shift and missing her fleece coverlet, Myla had long ago grown so cold that she couldn't feel her limbs. Night eventually gave way to sunrise when Myla spied a stone castle perched high atop a distant hill. It loomed out of the fading darkness like a giant menacing ogre, its tall spires stabbing at the heavens. Was this their destination? When they were close enough for the lookouts in the turrets to spy her kidnapper, they hurried to lower the heavy wooden drawbridge. A yellow blaze of torches illuminated the massive walled fortress as the two knights guided their steeds into a wide, gravel-covered courtyard. Her abductor reined in his mount and Myla's fright intensified. A number of soldiers and young squires rushed forward. Her abductor released her to stand on her own. But nearly frozen, her legs felt wobbly, and she nearly sank to her knees, cold and stiff from the long, hard ride. The commotion in the courtyard continued around her. The knight dismounted, then stroked the neck of his steed before handing the reins over to his squire. His brief display of caring 13

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gave her hope that a measure of kindness lay somewhere beneath that fearsome exterior. Perhaps if she could figure a way to reach him, her life and that of her maid might be spared. "Oh my ladyship!" Nadra rushed to embrace Myla, sobbing her anguish. "My ladyship. What will happen to us now that we are in this place?" Myla pushed Nadra to arm's length. Bravery had never been Nadra's strong suit. "Silence. Do not cry." She looked into Nadra's frightened face. Her brown eyes harbored terror and her thin body trembled violently. "But I am so frightened, your ladyship." She looked at the large number of soldiers milling about. "Surely we will be raped! Surely all these men will have their way with us!" "Silence," Myla hissed, looking round at the soldiers. "Clearly our abductors are in command. Don't you see the soldiers awaiting orders?" "Your ladyship, you are as frightened as I am." "Aye, Nadra. I am frightened. But we must reason out our every option." "We have no options," Nadra replied in a weary whisper. "You won't die." Myla gave Nadra a little shake. "I will do anything," Nadra assured her. "I will become the soldiers' willing whore to save my life." She buried her face in her hands and sobbed. A deep toned chuckle sounded behind them, then her captor strode forward. 14

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Myla forced her eyes upward. He was a towering giant, helmeted and clad in iron mail. He stood looking down at her, not moving or speaking. Myla drew in a shuddering breath at the thought that he might be considering their fate. He raised his hands and removed his helmet. Long dark hair loosened to lay about his broad shoulders. Even in the dim light of the new morning, Myla could make out his hawk-like features. Dark brows shaded equally ebony eyes, and high cheekbones accentuated a full-lipped mouth. He was fearsome—yet compelling. She drew in a quivering breath when she saw him sneer. "So you are soon to wed Clive of Melborne," he said, his angry voice filling the wide courtyard. "I relish the day when your lover comes to rescue you, Lady Myla." He placed his hands atop his hips and glared at her. Fright gathered in Myla's stomach. Surely she would be killed by this powerful knight. Would Clive come for her? "Your lordship." Nadra said in a frightened voice. "Nay, do not speak," Myla commanded. She reached out to Nadra but the maid wrenched out of her grasp. "Your lordship, we are but helpless women," Nadra said in a pleading tone. She was trembling in fright. "I beg you, your lordship, spare our lives." She clasped her hands together in a beseeching gesture. Jase threw back his head and bellowed with laughter. "You ask for your lives to be spared, wench. I will tell you this much. Your servitude to me will be far worse then losing your life!" He leveled his dark gaze on the women, daring further pleadings. 15

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Nadra let out a shriek of horror and cowered behind Myla. "I dare say, your lordship." The knight who had ridden with Jase strode forward, an amused smile on his handsome face as he lifted off his battle helmet. "I could warm my bed with this wench." He was stocky and muscular with thick brown hair and hazel eyes. He grabbed Nadra by the wrist, yanking her against his broad chest. "She appears as terrified as a little hare captured in a snare and is much in need of consolation." He chuckled slightly. "Slim as a willow with nut brown hair and a kindly face. Aye, from the looks of the wench, I would enjoy consoling her." He gave Nadra's wrist a little squeeze as he met her gaze. "What say, brave little maid, would you like to warm my bed?" "I'll do anything you desire, your lordship!" Nadra quickly said gazing up into his broad face. "Only please spare my life." Myla saw that Nadra could not hold his gaze and servantlike, dropped her eyes to stare at the gravel at her feet. The knight's fingers visibly gentled around the delicate bones of Nadra's wrist. "Patience Menton, my friend," Jase said with a scowl. "You may have your way with the wench in good time." **** Myla's stomach churned as he turned his black eyes on her. He was so large that he made her feel small and delicate. She leaned forward so that her waist length red hair obscured her form, but still his eyes roved over her body, resting on 16

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her full breasts straining against the front of her shift. Then he raised his eyes to her face. A look of surprise shone in Jase's ebon gaze, or so Myla thought when their eyes locked briefly, but then his dark orbs became shuttered and the sneer on his lips seemed to intensify. He raked one hand through his dark hair, clearly agitated. His hot expression gave her pause. "Take the maid to the scullery and put her to work," Jase commanded gesturing toward Nadra. "And take this wench to my bedchamber. I shall use her to sate my lust." He chuckled audibly. "Until her lover comes to rescue her and I have my revenge upon him." Revenge? Myla thought. Her legs felt weak and numb. Her feet faltered on the gravel courtyard almost making her fall as the knight roughly urged her along. "Your lordship!" Nadra screeched. "Your lordship!" She rushed forward, breaking from the knight leading her away, and fell on her knees before the powerful Lord. Jase threw up one mighty hand, halting the women's removal from the courtyard. "You are an insolent wench," he declared, glaring down at Nadra. "I wish only that you do not harm her ladyship," Nadra said in a rush. "She ... she is ... she is pure." "Pure!" Jase bellowed. "The lady Myla is pure!" He was clearly amused at the maid's words and made no attempt to hide the fact. He smiled broadly. "Aye Sire," Nadra continued. She drew in a shaky breath. "It is the warrior Clive's desire to wed a pure damsel." 17

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Rage seemed to emanate from Jase's big body. He reached out angrily and grabbed Myla's arm, forcing her to her knees on the gravel before him. "Clive of Melborne is little more then a marauding coward! How dare he demand purity in a wench! You are my whore!" Jase sneered down at Myla. "Do you understand? You are my whore!" His rage was such that his big body tensed as he ground out the words. Myla felt a new wave of fright ripple through her body. She stared up at the angry knight. If only Nadra would grow silent, perhaps there would be an end to this torment. "Say the words. You are my whore!" Jase commanded. "I ... I am ... your ... whore," Myla repeated in a quiet voice. Truly, she feared the knight's wrath for he was very big and powerful and she knew of his battling the Crusades with his vast army. "Then you will rid me of his lust I harbor. My cock is hard and in need of your mouth." He then moved aside his codpiece and allowed his massive hard phallus to spring forward. "Now open your mouth and service me, my whore!" With one big hand he grabbed Myla by the head and began pulling her toward his crotch. At first Myla struggled against the hand painfully grasping her hair, her body flailing about in the gravel, but then a piercing scream from Nadra rent the air and the crowd in the courtyard seemed to surge forward for a better view. Then Myla stilled her actions, aware that her very life, and perhaps Nadra's, depended on her curtailing her defiance. Better to have a cock thrust into one's mouth then to lose one's head. 18

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Steeling her emotions, she parted her lips and felt the hot stick of flesh lunge inside, only to strike the back of her throat and send her into a fit of gagging. "You have much to learn, my whore," Jase declared, giving Myla's head a yank. "And I am all too willing to teach you. Clive will not receive a pure wench to wed if I have anything to say about it!" He held her by the hair, his long fingers wound tightly in the red mass, while he slid his hard cock along her tongue. Myla was aghast at the size of him—So big! So long! And his audacity to make her perform such an act before his men was beyond reason, but at the same time, she told herself that being his captive couldn't be as bad as marrying a man she didn't love. The assault on her mouth was brutal. Her lips were stretched so wide that her jaws pained, and the rapid thrusts from the knight's large hot phallus against her tongue, all but shut off her ability to breathe. And the tight fist in her hair prevented her from pulling away. How much longer could this continue? Her breath was coming in short gasps and her pulse was racing, then she realized a strange sensation was spiraling through her insides. It was alarming. By the Saints! She was battling this new emotion when suddenly his lordship yanked her head from his crotch, dislodging his cock from her mouth. "Take the wench to my bedchamber," he bellowed. "Have a bath prepared for her." He grinned maliciously and turned his dark gaze on Myla. "I desire you to be washed when I take your maidenhood." 19

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Chapter Two Jase's bedchamber was a large, sparsely furnished room on the upper floor of the fortress. A massive wooden door separated the room from the corridor and Myla could only guess the things the mighty warrior did when that heavy door was closed and latched. A fire blazed in the hearth at one end of the room and a wide bed with a straw mattress and fleece coverlets sat against the end wall. A table with ewer and bowl sat beneath a small window overlooking the courtyard below. Noting the severity with which it was furnished, she surmised it must be a space occupied by a man. She rushed to the farthest side of the room and pressed her back against the solid stone wall, anticipating the coming of his lordship. He had threatened rape. She was still shaking from the scene in the courtyard when he had forced her to take his hard cock into her mouth. Never had she experienced such a thing. All her life, she had heard of such lusty acts by men. She had never expected it to happen to her. She raised one hand and placed it against her lips. They felt bruised and yet, strangely wanting. A noise startled her, and caused her to draw in a quick breath. The heavy wooden door was pushed open and three serving wenches entered carrying steaming pots of water and a wooden tub. They went quickly about their task, positioning the tub near the hearth at one end of the room, and filling it. "Strip!" Jase bellowed the order as he stepped through the door, ignoring the serving wenches rapid departure. 20

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He did not seem pleased to see Myla cowering against the far wall. He had shed his armor and stripped down to rough cotton breeches and a tunic. His long black hair framed hawklike facial features and fanned across his shoulders. With his hasty entry, his presence filled the bedchamber with a measure of menace. An aura of carnal lust spilled into the room. "Must I repeat my order?" He pulled up short and pinned Myla with his dark gaze. Myla jumped at the comment. His lordship's voice was very deep and resonated throughout her very bones. Gathering every ounce of courage she possessed, and cautioning herself against any rebellious thoughts, she raised her hands to the fabric tie of her shift, then with trembling fingers reached for the cord. Jase gave the door of the bedchamber a kick, making her jump yet again. He strode over to where Myla cringed against the wall. She trembled in fear of him. Myla stared at her foe with narrowed eyes, and slowly released the tie at her throat, her shift falling about her feet. Her shiver of fright was intensified by the coldness in the chamber. With a measure of disgust for his ill treatment, she folded her arms defiantly across her breasts. But then she saw the keen interest with which the powerful knight was looking at her and she felt a resurgence of utter terror. Jase strode across the chamber floor and took a seat near the hearth. "Bathe," he barked, aiming a menacing gaze at Myla. 21

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Figuring bathing was one means of delaying his rape, Myla rushed across the room and stepped into the tub of steaming water. She sank to her knees, then immediately sat down, allowing the water to rise to her chin. **** Jase hungrily eyed the small woman submerged in the tub of hot water. At the moment, his eye entertained with creamy flesh, emerald green eyes, a small pert nose and a full pouting mouth, revenge was the last thing on his mind. And that waist length red hair—such a prize for Clive! Zounds, Clive didn't deserve to wed a wench like this. Her expression, flushed cheeks and trembling mouth, revealed her embarrassment at having to bathe with him as audience. An amused grin pulled one corner of his mouth upward. "Perhaps you need assistance in your task," Jase said, his tone slightly teasing. He leaned forward in the chair. "Nay, your lordship," Myla replied, "I can manage." "Then be quick about it." Jase stood. He strolled round the room, his eyes on the naked woman now beginning to wash herself. Then he paused in front of the tub and crouched, leaning his forearms on its rim. Her breasts were very large with rosy pink nipples and dusty brown areolas. Her waist was trim and tapered into rounded hips. He could faintly see the reddish bush at her crotch peeking at him from her bent up legs. The skin on her arms and legs looked velvet soft and reflected the glow from the hearth in shimmery hues. He watched water droplets sluiced along the deep cleft between her breasts as she 22

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squeezed water from a sponge positioned on her left shoulder. The water had soaked her long red hair, making the mass curl wistfully around her face. He could become lost in her body, he thought, then berated himself for thinking of his enemy's wench in such a manner. **** Myla didn't like his dark gaze wafting over her naked body. His stare seemed to possess more heat then the tub of steaming water. And already the lusty message his eyes sent began to make her nipples tighten. She felt his gaze careen over her shoulders and inch along her breasts, each in turn, then roam lower, pausing on her flat belly, briefly, then lowering to the womanly place between her legs. She purposely tightened her knees together, causing his stare to rise upward in protest. He locked his black eyes onto her and the breath caught in her throat. He desired her! "That's enough bathing," he suddenly announced. "Stand up." Myla swallowed nervously and prepared to rise, but Jase was quicker then she and grabbed her by one wrist, jerking her upward. Water splashed out of the tub, onto the floor and Jase's boots, but he paid little attention. Myla stood before him, stark naked, her large breasts begging for his hands. "Your lordship..." Myla began, trying to regain her footing. He had made her stand, but he hadn't as yet allowed her to leave the tub of water. She was clearly most uncomfortable with being wet and naked and so vulnerable to his dark 23

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assessing gaze. Her cheeks flamed and she tried to cover her breasts with her free hand. Her chin trembled, as though she were on the verge of tears, then she pulled her bottom lip between her teeth and nibbled nervously on the pink flesh. A guttural moan escaped Jase's throat as he grabbed Myla by the hair at her nape and forced her head back. Her lips beseeched him to tend them. With ferocity, his lips pressed hard on her mouth, greedily devouring her tender flesh. Surprise shot through Myla. His mouth was hot and demanding, yet so very sensuous. For all his previous rage toward her, his lips conveyed none of it. The pressure was exquisite and a pleasurable sensation began to spiral throughout Myla's body. A whimper of carnal need leapt unabashedly from her throat. Never had a man been so forceful with her, taking from her with such wild abandon. She moved her lips beneath his, returning his kiss. **** Jase felt her response, the slight movement of her lips, the whimper of submission that leapt from her throat. And his body shivered in lusty want. He hadn't expected the wench to respond, let alone appear to like what he was doing to her. At once he grew angry with himself for allowing his own emotions to override the very reason he had kidnapped her. He jerked his mouth from hers. Anger soared through him as he gazed down into her upturned face. Her green eyes implored him. Enraged at displaying weakness, he tightened his hand in her hair, forcing her head back even further. Then 24

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he took her mouth, roughly, with a command that left no room to speculate who was in control. His mouth devoured her lips, roughly, yet sensuously. And Myla responded in kind. Her lips parted at his command and he thrust his tongue deep inside her mouth, slicking across her teeth and tasting her most inner recesses. Jase pillaged her mouth, taking and filling the need within him, then he released her and stared down into her face. Her eyelids fluttered open and he saw the confusion there. It pleased him to know he had bested her. He pulled her from the tub of water, his fist still in her red tresses. A sense of victory raced through him as he forced Myla to her knees before him. "Finish what you started in the courtyard," he commanded, loosening his drawers and releasing his long hard cock. "Pleasure me with your mouth." There was little Myla could do except obey. Jase rammed his cock inside her mouth, then he began to pump his powerful hips, thrusting across her tongue and jabbing at the back of her throat. Aye! The wench had a pleasing mouth; hot, wet, a perfect orifice. Once, he thought he felt the play of her tongue as he drove inside but when he gazed down at her head positioned against his crotch, he deemed his notion in error. He was holding her much too tightly for her to dare to play. He felt how she cupped his large hairy balls in one small palm, while she twined the tapered fingers of her other hand around the hot base of his phallus. She had little control over 25

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his powerful thrusting. When he felt the onset of orgasm he heaved a deep sigh as the powerful sensations raced through his body. Pumping his hips, he released his seed inside Myla's mouth, causing her to gag and cough so that he had to release her for fear she would choke to death. He strode to the bed and stretched out on his back, spreading his legs on either side of the straw mattress. Hands clasped behind his head, he let out a satisfied sigh as his rapidly deflating cock came to rest in a moist pool of semen and Myla's spit. "If his lordship ... might permit ... me to ... speak—" "His lordship doesn't wish to hear you speak," Jase said, quickly cutting her off. He rolled his head in her direction. "But, its just—" "Silence! Come here," he ordered, rising upward to prop one elbow on the mattress. Myla scrambled to her feet and walked timidly over to the bed. "Turn," Jase commanded, motioning with one hand. "I wish to look at your naked body." Myla turned slowly before him. By the Saints! The wench was exquisite. Her body was delicately shaped, large breasts with pert nipples, a flat belly, and beautiful shapely hips. He skimmed her flesh, once more admiring her pale creamy skin. It reminded him of the richest satins worn by nobility. The fall of long red hair brushed the rounded tops of her hips and gave him the desire to run his fingers through the silky tresses.

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"Come lie down beside me," Jase said in a low rumbling tone. He inched to one side of the mattress, making room for her. Myla slowly approached the bed where he lay, his phallus beginning to take on new life.

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Chapter Three Nadra washed the dishes in the scullery of the castle, under the direction of an older servant wench named Pella. Pella had scraggly gray hair and knobby, crooked fingers and she seemed as commanding as his lordship himself. Nadra made up her mind not to annoy her in any way lest she tell his lordship and her life be ended. When it was time to break the fast, Nadra was sent into the fortress to serve the knights. The serving area was at one end of the great room, separated by a tall wooden screen. Behind the screen, a number of small tables stood laden with loaves of bread and large hot pots. A serving wench dished up wooden bowls full of steaming gruel and set them on trays to be served to the knights then gave Nadra a tray laden with bread. A long wooden table with wooden benches spanned the main great room, which was sparsely furnished with several sheepskin chairs. The walls were decorated with numerous rich tapestries. Several long tables, pushed against the stone walls displayed goblets and statues of gold and pewter. Many knights, loud and boisterous, filled the room for the morning meal. "Aye wench, I think I desire more from you than the bread on your tray," a burly knight announced to Nadra as she tried to serve him. He wound one arm round her thin waist and tugged her down across his lap.

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Startled, Nadra struggled silently while others nearby urged on the knight. His strength was such that her struggles were futile. He held her fast with one powerful arm. "Please, your lordship," Nadra pleaded, dropping her tray to the floor and spilling her load of bread. "Be merciful." "Merciful is it?" the knight mocked. He pulled at the front of Nadra's shift with a large beefy hand, aiming to rid her of her garment. "Show me your tits and perhaps I will give you my big cock. It grows hard as we speak." Nadra pushed against his broad shoulders trying to dislodge herself but already she felt the object of his talk rising hard against her buttocks. "My brother! You hold in your grasp the wench I have designs on!" Nadra jerked her head round at the sound of the booming voice that filled the large chamber and stilled the rowdy knights. At once the large hands wishing her menace withdrew. Nadra fled toward the commanding voice. Her legs felt weak and she was near tears, but relieved to the point that she felt like flinging herself against her rescuer's broad chest, wrapping her arms around his stout neck and hugging him. He stood near the front entrance of the fortress and reached out to place his arm about Nadra's shoulders when she approached. She could feel her heart pounding, but she'd never felt so protected. She gazed up at him in gratitude, and it took all of her remaining will not to break into tears. "You are trembling, my little maid. And I feel the need to protect you." "I am most grateful, your lordship." 29

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"You stare at me so warmly. I can think of no other who has looked on me so." He raised one hand and stroked her trembling cheek with one finger. "Fear not." **** "I am in your debt, your lordship." He smiled at her, his brown eyes amused. "And I shall come to receive my due shortly," Menton informed Nadra in a lusty whisper. Nadra blushed and lowered her brown gaze. He was a handsome knight—this Menton who appeared to have status over the army. By the Saints! Her head barely reached his shoulder. And such a broad chest. She wondered if he was hairy and muscular beneath his rough cotton tunic. "Aye, your lordship," Nadra replied in a tiny voice. She gave a little curtsy and felt her heart flutter at his promise. Then she returned to resume her serving duties, feeling reassured of her safety now that the knight Menton was present.

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Chapter Four Myla was awakened by sounds in the courtyard, relieved to note that she was not only in bed alone but also that his lordship was absent. At some point she fell asleep but for the life of her she could only recall her fright at having to bed the powerful knight. Mentally, she assessed her body. She really couldn't say he had ravished her—surely she would recall him between her legs. From the small window in the chamber, she could see the wide expanse of courtyard, graveled and dusted with new snow. Beyond lay a number of out buildings, including a large stable and pig sty. And beyond the tall walls, lay the village of Claymoor, and his lordship's vast lands. Numerous men and women hurried across the courtyard, some on route to the outbuildings, their arms laden with feed for the livestock, others toting objects relating to the everyday running of the fortress: firewood, cooking pots, saddles, perhaps to be mended. Voices sounded, then a wagon with a man and woman drew up to the side of the castle and several of his lordship's knights began helping the visitors to disembark. A wave of familiarity washed over Myla. The visitors to the fortress were Baron and Lady Winthrop, acquaintances of the knight Clive of Melborne. Why the Baron and his wife had come to the castle in place of the knight himself? Myla began to pace the bedchamber, nibbling nervously on her bottom lip. Was there an attempt to rescue her in the 31

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making? That it might be true alarmed her. She paused in her pacing and wrung her hands. However hopeless her situation was here, she had no wish to resume her journey to wed Clive of Melborne, despite her promise to her father. A noise at the chamber door interrupted her thoughts. She raced to the bed to cover her nakedness but then relieved, she saw it was Nadra. They embraced. "Nadra, how is it that you have come to me? Do you have freedom to come and go as you please?" "No one was about and so I came to find you," Nadra curtsied in respect. "Has his lordship taken your virginity, my lady?" "Nay, Nadra, he only made me suck his big cock again." "And has he commanded you to go about without a stitch of clothing—even in this horrid winter cold?" Nadra rushed to pull the sheep fleece from the straw mattress to cover her ladyship. Myla shook her head. "My gown disappeared with the bath water and so far I have not been given any replacement. But do not concern yourself with me, Nadra. How are you faring? "Your ladyship, a gallant knight named Menton has set his sights on me and I feel safe here now. But I fret for you. His lordship is holding you captive until your betrothed comes to rescue you. I overheard him speaking with Menton. He wishes revenge upon Sir Clive for attacking Claymoor in his absence." "I know all that, Nadra. My worry is that his lordship will grow tired of waiting for Clive and slay me in revenge. And Nadra, his lordship is never to know of the large dowry Clive 32

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paid." Her voice lowered slightly. "Lest he decide to go rob my father." A knock on the chamber door silenced the women. The wench Pella poked her head into the room. "His lordship wishes your company in the great room. And he wishes you to wear this." She threw a garment in and laughed loudly as she took her leave. Nadra picked up the gown from the stone floor. "It is barely more then a bit of cloth!" Myla exclaimed. She was aghast as she stared at the day shift Nadra held up. "It is no matter. You must obey his lordship. Put it on," Nadra insisted, pushing the scant bit of cloth into Myla's hands. "Remember your fate is undoubtedly in your own hands." Myla let out a dejected sigh and pulled the garment over her head. "It is much too little!" She tried desperately to make the smock cover her buttocks. The pair of plump cheeks peeked out from the narrow hem of the gown. "Steel yourself my lady," Nadra uselessly tugged the garment down to no avail. It did not stretch one iota. "The covering leaves little to the imagination. Trade dresses with me my lady, please." "I fear we make trouble for ourselves," Myla warned, her tone hesitant. "But my lady, you can not leave this chamber in a garment that fails to cover your bare rump." "You are right, Nadra. But I fear we make trouble for ourselves." 33

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The gown Nadra traded her was only a bit more concealing but Myla donned it nonetheless, then opened the door and strode forth, her teeth clamped together in defiance. Voices came to Myla as she paused at the top of the stone staircase. The Baron and his wife were indeed visitors to his lordship's Claymoor, but the question why burned in her mind. She gathered her courage, shaky as it was, and began descending the stairs. Mid-way down she spied his lordship watching her. The steely grip of his jaw told her he was not pleased and at that moment she regretted her hasty decision to defy him. The voices quieted as Myla stepped from the final stair. "As you can see, the lady Myla is well." Jase announced striding forward and holding out his hand to Myla. His gaze raked her form, then returned to lock gazes. "How dare you defy me?" He led Myla to a chair at the far end of the room adjacent to the hearth, and pulled her down on his lap. His warmth immediately engulfed her buttocks and the back of her thighs. Her breath caught in her throat as she stiffened. Baron Winthrop and his wife watched with curious eyes. Myla was all too aware her attire was that of a servant, only quite tight across her breasts and rump. The Baron cleared his throat and mopped his brow with a lace edged handkerchief as he moved to a seat very near Jase and his captive. "My dear," Lady Winthrop said, aiming her words at Myla. "Are you being treated fairly?" She took quick little steps to 34

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reach the others gathered near the giant hearth in the room, her skirts gathered in one well-tended hand. She was short and squat, the result of rich food and too little work. Her eyes were deep set amid pudgy cheeks, but they weren't missing anything. She fanned her rosy-cheeked face with one hand as she reached Myla's side then placed a demure palm on Myla's shoulder. Myla didn't like the feel of Lady Winthrop's hand on her body and had a weird feeling that at any moment the woman might lower it to capture her breast. She gave a shrug, dislodging the clammy palm, but the action only succeeded in bringing her closer to his lordship, a motion that he emphasized by tightening his arm around Myla's waist. "Aye. I am fine." "And why wouldn't she be fine?" Jase's words hung in the smoky air filling the great room, a dare lingering for the Baron or his wife—whichever was the braver, to rebuke the powerful knight. Baron Winthrop shrugged. He was as squat as his wife, with ruddy cheeks and plump jowls that grazed his stiff white collar. He cleared his throat and sat forward in the sheepskin chair, aiming his beady eyes at Myla. "My dear, we have come to bargain for your release," he said. He licked his lips nervously. By the Saints! Myla could scarcely believe her eyes. His right hand had found its way into his lap and his palm lay clasping his hard cock! "There will be no bargaining," Jase said. 35

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Jase deliberately raised one big hand and clasped Myla's right breast, then he rubbed his thumb across her nipple, feeling its firmness through the dress. "Why have you come in place of Clive of Melborne? Is the knight too much of a coward to come to Claymoor in my presence?" Myla pulled in a surprised breath at his lordship's action. Her cheeks burned at the overt intrusion of her body—and in front of Baron and Lady Winthrop! She was embarrassed at the effect Jase's manipulation of her breast was having on both the Winthrop's—they were both sexually aroused. Their stares were pinned on her breast and Jase's exploring fingers. And the Baron had a hard cock trying to burst his drawers. "Your lordship, please." Myla raised her right hand and placed it atop his, trying to still his fingers. "Please, my pet?" Jase taunted, as though his manipulation of her nipple was making her ask for further exploration. "Beg me to touch you," Jase ordered, his gaze warning her against any defiance. Myla swallowed suddenly aware of a thin film of perspiration moist on her skin. "Beg. And pray tell, where did you get this garment?" "I made Nadra change with me." Jase smiled at her, his top lip arching upward in a nasty sneer. "I see. And how would you like it if I commanded you to disrobe in front of our guests—since you saw fit to disobey me." 36

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"Please, your lordship—" There was nothing left to do except beg. She raised her eyes to implore his lordship, but all the while his hand on her breast was wrecking havoc with her senses. "You need discipline." Jase took hold of her hips and turned her body on his lap, landing her across his knee with her bottom in the air. She yelped in disbelief. "Your lordship!" she cried, trying to squirm free. The Winthrops' gasped as Jase proceeded to hold Myla across the back with a mighty forearm and yank up her garment with the other hand, fully exposing her naked rump for all to view. "Your lordship!" Myla screeched trying in vain to wiggle free. "Your lordship!" "A good spanking will set the matter straight." SMACK! SMACK! SMACK! "Oooooh! Oooooh!" Myla yelped. Myla wiggled and squirmed trying to get loose. "Oooooh! That hurts!" But even as the words left her mouth, she realized it felt good as well—it felt arousing. And she was at a loss to reason why. "Beg me to stop!" "Please stop, your lordship! Please!" SMACK! "Oooooh!" As quickly as it began, so it halted. 37

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She saw the Winthrops then. The Baron had ejaculated, soiling the front of his drawers, and Lady Winthrop was prancing about nearly in a sexual frenzy. Jase spun Myla upward, then tugged her once more onto his knee. Her mane of red hair flew about, covering his arm and her face as she settled her bare rump against the warm firmness of his muscled leg, her pulse racing rapidly. How was it that such a display should arouse her so?

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Chapter Five He enjoyed watching Myla perched on his knee, as she tried to catch her breath. Her cheeks flamed with shame and she sat with lowered eyes, unable to look at either the Baron or his wife. She was trembling from the sexual arousal that still wafted through her body and puzzled her mind. It was ironic—he had agonized over spanking her. He hadn't wanted to harm her—just to plunge between her legs. It was obvious that she had never been treated in such a manner. It must be all very confusing to her, and quite strenuous. Her breasts still heaved. Jase resumed fondling her nipple through the thin fabric. The plump flesh was weighty in his palm and at once he recalled the previous night when he had first seen her naked. Arousal flitted through his loins. He adjusted her position on his lap to a more pleasing location. "Carry the message to Clive of Melborne that I am enjoying his wench," he instructed the Baron and his wife. He smiled, deliberately lascivious. The Baron was at a loss for words, or cover for the wet stain on the front of his drawers. He mopped his brow once more and fidgeted in the sheep-skin chair. "I dare say, Lord Jase, his lordship will be sorely disappointed with the news." "I should hope so," Jase pulled Myla back on his lap, forcing her to lean against his chest, then he lay one hand upon her belly. "And add also that the lady has a most comely 39

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red bush between her legs." He chuckled and smiled at the Baron. Myla immediately tried to jerk free, but Jase held her fast. He did not really mind her squirming. "Shall I discipline you again?" he whispered. "Nay, my lord," She relented and settled against his chest, but Jase could tell by her pulse that she was as keenly aware as he of his hand on her belly, and nervous about where he might have intentions of sliding it next. When she glanced at the Baron, Jase realized the baron was thinking along those lines as well. He thought of the tale the Baron would soon be carrying to Clive. Jase flexed his fingers against her belly and she immediately grasped his hand. "What do you think I am intending to do, my pet?" Her scent filled his nostrils, whetting his appetite. Myla's unease communicated itself in the rigid manner in which she propped her back against his chest. Lest he weaken, he reminded himself of the brutal massacre of his people and his promise to avenge them. Jase began to massage Myla's belly, his palm flattened, his fingers flexing sensuously. He rubbed her belly upward to the rise of her breasts, then traveled low onto her body, his eyes on the Baron and his wife. They were leering, sweaty, hoping he would show them more of Myla's nubile body. He felt strangely aroused at their lusty gawking. She tightened her grasp on his hand. Her voice trembled as her gaze flitted from the Baron to Jase and back. "Your lordship," Myla said, "Their staring is making me leery." 40

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"You desire me to stroke you, is that it, my pet?" "Nay, your lordship. I ... beg you ... to stop." "You are aroused," he alleged in a whisper. He noted the Baron and his wife were straining to hear what they were saying. He found it humorous and didn't hesitate to laugh out loud. "What you do to me ... is ... is ... not funny, your lordship." Jase stilled his hand. He had carried the act far enough. Maybe it was the desperation of Myla's voice as she pleaded with him. He lost the desire to further debase her—at least the desire to debase her in front of the Winthrops. He pushed Myla from his lap. "Return to my bedchamber," he commanded. Despite the murderous glare she shot him, she was perfectly obedient. He smiled in satisfaction as she sprinted upstairs. **** Relieved, and madder then a wet hen, Myla burst through the doorway, giving Nadra a start. "Are you alright?" "Aye ... and nay," Myla leaned her back against the heavy wooden door and panted to catch her breath. Her mind was spinning in agitation and puzzlement. "Aye and nay? What does that mean?" Nadra still wore the too-small day shift. Truly it was too small for Nadra even with her thin shape. They exchanged clothes. 41

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"His lordship was not pleased that you disobeyed him," Nadra guessed. "He spanked me" "Spanked you?" "He spanked me in front of Baron and Lady Winthrop." Nadra's eyes went wide. "Pray tell... "I am somewhat puzzled by the feelings it brought about. I was aghast that my bare bottom was on display for all eyes to view, but then when his lordship's hand landed with such authority against my bare flesh—" She pulled in a shaky breath. "I must admit I was somewhat aroused—though I fail to understand why." "Did the spanking hurt my lady?" Nadra asked with wide staring eyes. "Aye—it was painful—in a peculiar way." Her long red hair fanned about her shoulders in disarray. Nadra shook her head. "Now it is I who do not understand." She giggled then covered her mouth with one hand. "Perhaps ... perhaps I will get a spanking from this knight Menton ... and then I shall experience the feeling for myself. But I will be spared the presence of Baron and Lady Winthrop." "I think the spanking was for discipline measures—though I can not associate such action with sexual arousal. If his lordship was trying to make me sorry for disobeying him— why did he do something to me to bring about sexual desire?" "It is confusing," Nadra agreed, her cheeks pink. Nadra took her leave. 42

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The shift was dreadful. How much worse the scene earlier would have been in this briefer garment. She was freezing. She struggled to add a log to the fire. What, pray tell, would his lordship demand of her next? "Take that off." Myla whirled around at the sound of Jase's voice. He held out his hand. He was offering her a gown— something more substantial than what she was wearing. Her gaze fell on the gray wool gown lying across his palm. She accepted it gratefully. "Thank you." Without giving her self any time to think about it, she grabbed the rag she wore and pulled it over her head, then pulled on the other garment Jase had given her. "This is much better." She was flooded with relief and grateful for his act of kindness. **** The spanking episode downstairs had aroused his senses— even more so when he noted the arousal on her flushed face. He watched her for a moment, trying to still his racing pulse. He had come upstairs with the intent of rutting with her—of staking his claim on his enemy's wench—but her responsiveness was disarming. He turned his back on her and exited the room, angry with himself for allowing his emotions to guide his senses. "Blast!" Jase muttered. Angry strides carried him down the corridor—but then he halted. He had lost sight of his plan. He turned on his heel and retraced his steps to the bedchamber. 43

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Chapter Six Myla scrambled to her feet when his lordship suddenly returned to the room. She had been crouched near the hearth, warming herself against the cold in the room, but with his lordship's entry, the very air seemed stifling hot. "Disrobe!" Jase barked, removing his belt. Myla bit on her bottom lip, afraid of his next command. Her feet felt frozen to the floor as she watched the big man remove his own clothing. By the Saints! He was a towering giant! "Obey me!" he bellowed, stripping his tunic over his head. The threat in his words went straight to Myla's heart. Not daring to rebuke him twice in one day, she pulled the day shift over her head, and dropped it on the floor at her feet. Jase was completely naked and standing in the middle of the bedchamber floor. His long cock was hard. Myla gasped at the sight of it. It was so big! "Come here." With tentative steps, Myla approached the big knight. Was he intending she suck his big cock again? She started to kneel before him, but he stopped her. "Get on the bed," he said, giving her a shove. "Lie down and open your legs." Myla hesitated before sprawling out on her back and splaying her legs. She averted her eyes from him, staring instead at the ceiling of the chamber. 44

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What was he going to do to her now? In the back of her mind she knew the time of her innocence was at an end. Jase of Claymoor, would be the man to defile her and she would have no choice in the matter. The straw mattress rustled from his weight. She refused to meet his eyes directly, but could see he was smiling. He raked his fingers through his hair—he did have beautiful black hair. How could she be thinking of his appearance at a moment like this? But he was so big, so male, how could she not? His gaze swept down her body, fastening somewhere about her thighs. Embarrassed beyond belief, Myla covered her face with both of her hands—but then he affixed his grip on her hips, and fell on her torso, no not her torso her ... he ... fastened his mouth between her legs! Myla shrieked loudly and tried to leap off the bed. "I desire to taste you!" "You scare me!" Not being put off by her fright, he grasped her buttocks in both hands and brought her crotch upward to fit against his mouth, making it impossible for her to escape the bed. Then he tasted her to his heart's content. Myla yelped and wiggled and flailed her arms to no avail. She was assaulted by the feel of his tongue, mentally, as well as physically. He was tickling her as she had never been tickled! It was hot ... and wet. "Oooooh! What are you doing?" She moaned, her senses reeling. "Be still." 45

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"Is this also discipline?" She had ceased to try to get away. Indeed, the most she could do was tangle her hands in his long black hair and pant, for the sensations he was causing her to have were all consuming. By the Saints! She had never felt such blissful tingles as he was bringing about. "You are mine to teach." "But your lordship—" "Silence! You taste of musk. I shall have my fill of you." His mouth continued to assault her sensitive tissues, making her gasp. Suddenly he stroked her with his fingers. Then he shoved his index finger against her lips. "Open your mouth. I command you to taste your own musk." A surge of confusion wafted through Myla at his command, but she did not refuse him. She parted her lips and sucked his finger inside, tasting her own juices. He laughed out loud. "Shall I take your virginity now—or shall I use your mouth?" Myla could only stare at him. He pulled his mouth off her and sat back on his haunches. "What do I care about your pleasure!" he bellowed. He reached for her, grasping her by one wrist, then levered her upward in the bed. "Rid me of this lust!" He pulled her head against his engorged cock. Shaken from the aroused state she had slipped into, Myla was breathing heavily and felt a bit disoriented, but she did not disobey. She fitted her mouth over his big cock and sucked it inside, feeling its long hot length glide along her 46

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tongue. Then she steeled her mind and endured the fit of heated thrusting leading to his climax. "Swallow my seed!" Jase barked, holding Myla's head when she tried to pull away. The hot stream shot down the back of Myla's throat without her even giving thought to swallowing. His big body shuddered, and she listened to his rapid breathing. Why was she glad she had pleasured him? She should be irate that he had started something with her that he hadn't finished. But then it was all so confusing. Jase gave her a push, sending her backward onto the mattress, then levered himself off the bed. She was glad— and puzzled—that it was over. She didn't know whether to look at him or not. Her body was still on fire from what he had done to her with his mouth. She turned on her side, putting her back to him. He threw a log on the fire and stepped back from the spray of sparks that threatened his naked body. Myla lay on her side and listened to the sounds Jase made in the bedchamber. Confusion blanketed her mind. Why had he pleasured her so—only to leave her needing? The door of the chamber slammed, alerting her to his leaving. Sitting up on the bed, she wondered if he would change his mind again and return. She could think of nothing but his tenderness with her when he pleasured her with his mouth. ****

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Storming down the hall, again he berated himself for taking such leniency with the wench—to no avail. He seemed to repeat the mistake over and over. She was his to teach. He could still taste her musk. Her womanly fragrance went straight to his senses. He remembered her green eyes heavy lidded, her full lips slightly parted, the straight white line of her teeth. Blast! Motherless since childbirth, he had no direct knowledge of wenches, aside from the fact that they were abundant at the fortress when his lust arose. Reared at his father's knee, he knew only of commanding armies and waging war. The softness of the wench confused him; her willingness to do his biding; the sight of her. Aye! She was different than any wench he had ever encountered. She might have been the wench of his hated enemy. But she was his now.

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Chapter Seven Nadra entered the scullery and began washing the pots. First she poured water that was heating on the hearth into a large clay tub but then a noise sounded at the entry. Glancing around, she spied the knight of her interest coming through the doorway, and all thoughts of chores vanished immediately. "Aye, you are so big you block all the light from the doorway." Nadra put down the pot she had been cleaning. Indeed, Menton filled the small doorway with his broad form. "Little maid, I grow aroused just looking at you." He crossed the dirt floor of the scullery and stood before her. "I watched you cross the courtyard and the way you swing your ass caused my cock to harden." Nadra raised her eyes and stared up at Menton. Despite his large size, she felt no fear of being alone with him. She heaved a relieved sigh and smiled up at him. Menton reached out and took her left hand. The size of his hand dwarfed hers. Visibly amused, he chuckled aloud. "I dare say, my lordship, are all your parts so big?" Nadra commented with a giggle. "Aye my sweet. My cock is enormous as well. What say I give you a peek? He wants me to suck his cock. Nadra's senses were ablaze. "I have never been with a man, your lordship, but if you will be patient with me—" 49

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"Your request is amply noted, my sweet." He led her to the carving table in the center of the scullery, then he grasped her around her trim waist and lifted her to sit on the table. "You are as light as a feather, yet the mere thought of touching you arouses my senses like nothing ever before." Nadra giggled and settled on the wooden table, wondering what Menton had in mind. Then she recalled the earlier discussion with her ladyship about spanking and wondered if she dared ask Menton about the practice. She bit nervously on one fingernail. "There's no need to fear, my sweet." He raised his hands to the neck of her shift and pulled the tie, loosening the garment so he could pull it over her head. "Your lordship, I do not fear you." His hands were quite adept at loosening her shift but then, with his uncanny ability to charm a wench, he had probably loosened many a maid's gowns. "I was just wondering..." She grew flushed in the face and lowered her eyes, a little embarrassed to ask. Menton placed one finger beneath Nadra's chin and tipped her head upward. "By the Saints! You have lovely lips and I desire to kiss you." A low moan escaped his big body as he grasped her small chin in his fingers and guided her mouth to his. Tentatively, Nadra moved her lips ever so slightly wondering if what she was doing was in favor of the knight. "When I press my lips to yours, open your mouth so that my tongue gains entry, my sweet," he instructed. "Aye, my lord." Her heart was fluttering at a fast frenzy. "I shall try." Already she was growing light headed. 50

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Menton lowered his head and pressed his lips atop hers, groaning in sensual want as Nadra parted her lips. He slid his tongue inside her mouth and slicked it across her teeth, then began a sensual play with her tongue, coaxing it into his mouth. Nadra began to respond to his foreplay. She wound her arms about his neck and pressed her breasts into his muscled chest. He fed on her mouth, delving his tongue inside and exploring all her recesses. In no time he needed more and pulled away. He ran his big hands across her breasts. They were small mounds with pale pink nipples, but they were exquisite. He dipped his head and pulled each nipple in turn, into his wet mouth. "That's very nice," Nadra cooed, watching him. Growing braver, for he had been very patient with her concerning kissing, and now he was taking liberties with her breasts, surely she could ask him what he knew about spanking. "Do you have a mind to spank me?" Menton stilled his mouth on her nipple, then released the rosebud altogether and looked up at her. A smile played across his handsome face. "You want me to discipline you, my sweet? Have you been naughty?" Nadra giggled and covered her mouth with one hand. "Nay, your lordship. It is only that I am curious to learn of spanking." "Perhaps another time. Right now I desire you to open your legs and take my big cock. I have a heavy load of lust 51

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and I desire relief." He pushed aside his codpiece and released his big phallus for Nadra to see. "It is so long!" Nadra remarked, staring at his cock with wide eyes. "It can give you much pleasure." She could feel his hot gaze traveling over her naked body. She felt excited like never before. He took hold of her buttocks and moved her to the edge of the table. With his hands, he pushed open her thighs, exposing her brown bush and the hot spot between her legs. The light was just enough to allow his lusty gaze to make out her small pink lips beckoning to his big phallus. He gulped in a quick breath of air as if her willingness had gone straight to his head, then he pushed his long phallus between her legs. "It hurts," Nadra said in a tiny voice. Her body tensed as the hot male phallus jabbed inside her warm virginal recesses. "Only for a little while," Menton assured her. "Aye, It has been some time since I've taken a wench's maidenhead. It makes my chest swell with pride to be the first to rut with your, little maid." He grasped Nadra's ass and slammed into her core, making her yelp out loud. Nadra's ass bounced about on the table as Menton thrust wildly. She wound her arms around his broad shoulders and tried not to yell with pain, then, after a few thrusts, the pain went away and a most pleasant sensation—unlike anything she had ever felt before—started to filter throughout her body. 52

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"You are right ... your lordship." His wild thrusts caused her to catch her breath. "It feels ... quite nice." It felt like nothing she had ever known. A titillating sensation began in her belly and shot ramrod quick along both her limbs, spiraling out from her very center and most especially right in the place where Menton's long cock jabbed in and out. "Oooh! Your lordship! Oooh!" Nadra hunched her hips and tried to keep pace with Menton. "It is feeling ... very ... wonderful! Oooh!" She was experiencing an explosion of sensations that totally took control of her senses and body. "You are reaching climax, my little virgin. And it gives me a powerful feeling to give you your first orgasm!" Nadra grasped Menton's powerful shoulders and rode out the orgasmic storm, a happy grin spanning her face.

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Chapter Eight It seemed the shift his lordship had given her had become lost. Perhaps his lordship had felt the need to take it with him when he'd left the bedchamber. She knew not the reason for its absence, only that it was gone. Aware of her nakedness and afraid someone would see her if she stood too close to the window, Myla craned her neck to look down on the courtyard. She spied a knight rutting with a servant and a number of soldiers hurrying about. Her brows drew together in perplexity. How was it that the knights of the fortress seemed to rut at any given time—regardless of their audience? By the Saints! Claymoor seemed a place without morals. His lordship lead a white horse from the stable, then mounted up and rode toward the front of the fortress. A knight followed him leading a large number of soldiers. At the thought that his lordship may be away for a time, she felt relief. The chamber door suddenly squeaked on its hinges and a serving wench appeared. As the woman burst into the chamber, Myla tried to cover herself with her hands, to no avail. She raced back to the bed to snatch the fleece coverlet to hide her nakedness. "Who are you?" "I am Pella." She tilted her chin in the air. "I command the servants of Claymoor." "Is there no lady of the fortress?" 54

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Pella shook her craggy head. "Nay. His lordship's mother died in childbirth. And he has no wench of his own. But he has many wenches who are willing to warm his bed." Myla stared at the old woman. "Then it is true. Claymoor is a place dominated by warlords." "His lordship is an honorable man. See. He has sent you a gift." She produced a pale green bundle from behind her back. "A gown. How nice," Myla wondered why Pella didn't cross the room and give it to her, as a servant should. "Give me the gown." Myla tried to take command of the situation. She stretched out one hand, demanding the shift. "You are not the lady of the manor. You are only his lordship's whore. If you desire the garment, come and get it." Myla stared at the old servant, disgusted at her ways. She frowned at her hoping to scare her off. "You are an insolent servant." Myla rushed across the floor and grabbed the clothing out of Pella's hand with such force that she nearly upset the old woman's footing. "Now take yourself out of this room!" Startled, Pella left without further sass. Myla hurried to pull the gown over her head. Truly, his lordship's household could use a hefty dose of discipline. Not only did his lordship feel the need to debase her, but his servants were rude to her too.

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Myla returned to the window. The courtyard was completely empty of soldiers or servants. She then turned her thoughts to Nadra and where she might find her. Certain his lordship had taken leave of the fortress, Myla ventured into the hallway. In his lordship's absence, perhaps she should try escaping. With Baron Winthrop's visit to the fortress, she had become completely puzzled as to his lordship's plans for her. Perhaps she could escape and journey to another village where neither Clive, or his lordship, could find her. The idea had merit, but she didn't want to leave without Nadra. She had been a good and loyal servant and it would be an injustice to leave her behind. From the top of the massive stone staircase, Myla peered into the great room. The fire from the hearth gave the room a smoky aroma and dimmed the candlelight. In preparation for the evening meal, the long eating table was laden with cups and bowls but there were no soldiers about. The woman servant stirring a pot was not Nadra. Gathering her courage, she ventured down the stairs and started toward the front door of the fortress, only to jump in fright when the door opened and two burly soldiers strolled inside carrying armloads of firewood. Myla scurried out of the way, racing round the long dining table to make way for the soldiers to carry their cargo to the end of the great room. Growing suddenly anxious because of the soldier's stares, Myla seated herself at the table with the idea she would make them believe she was prepared to be served her meal. 56

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The two soldiers returned through the great room talking quietly as they neared Myla. They were big men, tall, and broad with beards on their chins and long hair hanging to their shoulders. Myla held her breath hoping they would leave. "His lordship's whore is loose," remarked one of the soldiers. The two stopped and stared at her. Their clothes were stained and they smelled as foul as a hog sty. "Perhaps we should return her to his chamber for safe keeping." "Maybe we should see what she hides beneath that green shift," the other added. He stared at Myla, a lecherous grin on his face. "Not a bad idea." Seizing the moment, Myla jumped to her feet, her long red hair flying about her shoulders. The soldiers jeered. "The wench moves with much haste. I wonder if she couples with such speed," one of the soldiers yelled. "In his lordship's absence, we could find out." Myla raced from the room, up the stairs and took refuge in the bedchamber. Surely the knights would not trespass in their lordship's private chamber. She had never been subjected to such people! Pella all but raped her with her leering gaze, and then the two soldiers had nearly taken liberties with her. She leaned against the solid door of the bedchamber, trembling in fright. What was to become of her?

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Chapter Nine Myla took up a vigil at the chamber window. Had she not encountered such threat from the two soldiers earlier, she would have followed through with trying to escape. His lordship took such vexing liberties with her body. Sometimes he was gentle—arousing her to near bliss, then other times his anger surfaced and he roughly commanded her to sate him. There were several servants milling about outside, then she spied Nadra crossing the courtyard toward the stable. She rushed to catch her still hoping she and Nadra might steal a couple of horses and make their escape. "Nadra! Nadra!" Myla yelled catching up to the maid. "My lady," Nadra exclaimed, dropping the armload of fodder for the horses. "We must hurry," Myla grabbed Nadra's arm and rushed her toward the stable. "His lordship is away and we must seize the opportunity to escape. Hurry! We must steal two horses and flee this place while the drawbridge is still down!" Myla and Nadra gave little thought to the possibility that other soldiers might be lurking about. They were forced to take cover when they discovered a squire mucking out another stall. "Blast!" "My lady, we can't possibly escape with his lordship's squire in attendance." Nadra crouched down against the straw 58

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strewn stall floor. A note of reluctance sounded in Nadra's voice. Myla turned curious eyes on her. "What has happened that you do not want to leave this place?" "I have found a knight," she admitted, her eyes lowered. "I think he has intentions toward me." "He only wants to rut with you." "Perhaps you are right. But he was quite gentle with me and more then willing to teach me." "He is merely commanding you do his bidding in such a manner as to win your confidence." "He has already won my confidence." Nadra raised her eyes and smiled at her ladyship. "It was my first time, and I enjoyed it more then I can say. He kissed me as well." She raised one hand and touched her lips. "His mouth was gentle on mine and when he slid his tongue inside—" Myla gave Nadra a little shake. "Fool! He only wants to rut with you! Don't you see? He is a man and you are a woman. Men rut. Women submit." "But your ladyship ... the pleasure." "What pleasure?" "Has not lord Jase taken your virginity yet?" "He has not!" "Nay? Pray tell, how is it then that he has not when upon our first encounter he forced you to suck his big phallus?" "I know not, Nadra. Perhaps it is because of the knight Clive of Melborne." 59

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"Nay, my lady. The talk about the fortress is that of revenge on his lordship Clive. Only yesterday I overheard his lordship and Menton planning yet another scheme to draw the knight out into the open." "Another scheme? What did they say?" "Only that they are set to display you at a local tournament in hopes that his lordship Clive is in attendance." "I have no love for Clive of Melborne, nor do I wish to be his wife, but such a scheme is preposterous." "His lordship is out scouring the countryside for signs of the knight." "Then let's pray they find him and I am not forced to go along with any scheme." A commotion near the stable door caused them to shrink in silence. They waited as sounds of male voices and horse's hooves drew near. A large white steed was led into the very stall where they crouched. "My lord!" The young squire's call brought Jase to glare at Myla and her maid. He grasped Myla by her wrist and forced her from the stall. The hue of his face was not promising. Panic skittered along Myla's limbs as Jase took hold of her arm. The steely set of his jaw showed how he was angry with her. But it was too late to mend the situation. He was angry and she would be on the receiving end of his ire, so whatever reaction she took to his authoritative manner toward her mattered not one whit.

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"Your little maid is in the stall as well," Jase said to Menton. "Perhaps you need to discipline the wench," he suggested, pulling Myla along behind him. Myla tried to brace herself with her feet, making her legs as stiff as possible, but her show of resistance only succeeded in forcing Jase to lift her into his arms and carry her back to the fortress. "Put me down!" Myla ordered, pushing against his muscled chest. Her show of resistance was short lived. "You do not command me." Clasped in his long arms, she nestled quite seductively against his warm chest. Their contact, breast to chest, created warmth that belied the cold winter day, and assaulted Myla's senses like nothing before. Her efforts to break the contact only caused his lordship to tighten his grasp on her body, exposing the fullness of her breasts over the neckline of her shift, and—Myla feared—raising his lust. She kicked, trying to dislodge her body from his lordship's grasp. "How dare you try to escape to be with your lover." Myla kicked again, glaring angrily at his lordship. She didn't wish to discuss Clive of Melborne—or anything else for that matter. She just wanted her body dislodged from Jase's muscled chest and arms. "By the Saints! Wench. You beg to be disciplined!" He halted his strides and propping one heavy booted foot on a wooden cart near the scullery, turned Myla over his knee. In the next instant he had pulled her green shift up over her rump and was pounding his open palm against her hot skin! 61

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"Stop that!" Myla shrieked. She was bent over his muscled thigh like a helpless babe. Her red mane fanned over her head while she kicked her feet and flailed her arms, trying to swat any part of his body she could reach. It did little good. It had come about so quickly she had not time to re—think her defiant act of squirming but now she flamed with embarrassment for there were all number of people strolling about the courtyard doing their daily chores. "Oooooh! Oooooh!" SMACK! SMACK! "Perhaps you will cease to defy me with a few more spankings." His big open palm landed firmly against Myla's rounded rump. It was very painful. Much like the first time his lordship had spanked her for wearing the wrong gown, the stinging pain increased then gave way to something quite sensual— quite arousing. One moment she was mad as a soldier marching into battle, then the next, she was assaulted by hot waves of sexual want so strong that they scared her. She found it very puzzling indeed. "You will defy me no more, wench!" he declared. He pulled Myla upward from his bent knee and hefted her into his arms. He strode toward the fortress. Myla gave him a piercing look, and tried to hide her face from his dark gaze.Suddenly he halted and locked gazes with her.

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"You are aroused by my discipline." He stood motionless in the middle of the courtyard, amid the gawking servants and soldiers who had gathered to watch. Myla was panting heavily. She dropped her gaze from his, aghast that he could know her thoughts so well. Her body felt on fire from his pummeling hand! "I am aroused as well," his lordship admitted, with a crooked smile. He stood Myla before him. "Kneel and take my cock into your mouth!" He didn't force her to her knees. His words rang in her ears. She glanced round at all those gathered about. How dare he command her to perform such an act in front of so many—again! Myla raised her head and looked up into his lordship's face. Lust and anger. Her ability to read his expression nearly unnerved her. It would be wise not to rile him further. She drew in a steadying breath. "I beg you not to force me to suck your phallus in front of so many, your lordship," Jase stared at Myla. "What do I care of your embarrassment?" he muttered. "You are my prisoner. You have no rights." "I can only beg your mercy," "Would you rather I force you to submit to me here in the courtyard? Or do you wish to retract your objection and do as I command?" "Submit, your lordship?" "Do you wish to rut with me here, before my servants and soldiers?" He grinned menacingly as he waited for her reply. 63

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"Nay, your lordship. I do not." Myla lowered her head and prepared to drop to her knees on the gravel courtyard fearing she had lost the argument. Inexplicably he scooped Myla into his arms, and set off at a fast pace to the entry of the fortress.

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Chapter Ten Jase didn't make any show of releasing Myla until they were concealed inside his bedchamber. Then he allowed her body to slide slowly along the hard length of his, his warmth melding with hers and further jolting her senses until finally, her feet touched the floor. His hands were slow to withdraw from their place around her waist. His hesitation further warned her to be wary of his intentions. Myla straightened her shift, adjusting it across her hips and breasts. What did his lordship have in mind? Her senses were spinning. She felt on fire, her body screaming out to be sated. Yet he merely stared down into her upturned face, his dark eyes shuttered and unreadable. She trembled beneath his gaze. She sensed she should put some distance between herself and the big knight. He had glared down at her for several minutes now and she feared action of some degree was close to coming about. Slowly, she took a tentative step backward, admitting she was truly fearful of his retaliation because of the events earlier in the courtyard. True, she had escaped the embarrassment in front of his servants and soldiers, but at what cost? She sensed he had a private revenge in store "Remove your garment else I will rip it from your body." The statement was growled out, rasping from his throat in a low rumble that left Myla fearing the worst. "Your lordship—" 65

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"Silence!" he barked, beginning to strip out of his own clothing. Fearful that he might indeed follow through with his threat, Myla hurried to remove her shift. She stood naked before him, her breasts heaving with her panicked breathing. Jase kicked off his boots. Naked, he reached out one arm and grasped Myla behind the head, curling his fingers in her long red hair, then he pulled her against his chest. His skin was like fire against her bare breasts. She pulled in a quick gasp at the sensation of the contact. She found it hard to resist the urge to splay her fingers and run her palms across his flesh. A strange curling sensation began in her belly. "You dare to defy me," Jase declared in a low voice. Myla didn't dare reply, only held her body rigid in his grasp. Indeed, despite the warmth of his body pressing into hers, she knew his powerful strength. He could end her life so easily. The thought raced through her, adding fearful intensity to her all ready volatile emotions. Jase grasped Myla's nape, forcing her head back so he could gaze down into her face. A slanted grin spanned his mouth. "You smile at me." "It is not because I am amused at your resistance to my command." "Then why ... pray tell?" Her voice was a tiny whisper. The dark covering of hair on his chest had teased her nipples into tight little rose buds already and she was aroused at the possibility of his toying further with them. 66

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"I smile because I am lord and master here at Claymoor and you are under my command." He scooped her into his arms and carried her to his bed. Roughly, he released her, causing her to yelp out in surprise. Myla landed in the middle of the straw mattress, her legs splaying open and her long red hair flying across her breasts. Jase levered himself atop her, his hands catching her wrists and pushing her arms above her head. "Beg me to rape you," he commanded. "Beg me." Myla stared up at him. The moment she had feared was upon her. His lordship was going to rape her upon his bed. She felt a tremor race through her body. An aura of suspended lust seemed to hang in the air of the bedchamber. His face, though fearful to look upon, didn't appear threatening. A note of confusion wafted through her. He was towering over her, commanding in every sense, yet she had no fear of him. "On the contrary, your lordship, I have been expecting you to rape me since you stole me from my pallet," she said in a whisper voice. "And now, if it is your wish, get on with it." She drew in a steadying breath. "I ask only, your lordship, that you do it quickly, that I may not suffer." She had resigned herself. She looked away from him, staring at the ceiling instead. Jase laughed out loud. "Suffer?" he questioned, laughing again. "It is a wench's delight to have my cock inside her." "Is not the act of rape a vile injustice?" 67

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He gazed at her lips while she spoke. "Hush," he commanded, his tone low. He lowered his dark head and brushed his lips across hers, making her draw in a sharp breath. "You are the wench of my enemy," he said, his breath wafting across her cheeks. "But your lips taste of honey." He lowered his head and kissed her again, this time pressing his lips firmly against hers and forcing her to open her mouth. He thrust his tongue inside her mouth. "Your lordship—" Myla tried to distract him from kissing her, wary of his intentions. "You are not to speak." Jase trailed his mouth the length of her throat, tasting her silken flesh with his tongue. He kissed the sweet valley between her breasts. Myla could barely breathe. The heat from his mouth set her ablaze with heightened emotion. She struggled to understand what was taking place. "This ... cannot ... be ... rape," she whispered. "Silence!" he growled. He trailed his tongue the length of her belly leaving a wet trail on the surface of her flesh then he lowered his face into her bush. His tongue began an assault that caused her to cry out. "Beg me" he commanded. Myla was breathing rapidly. "Please ... your lordship." Jase levered his body atop hers. Myla squirmed beneath his weight. His chest flattened her breasts. 68

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"Beg louder." "I will not." "You dare refuse me?" He clasped her rounded buttocks in his hands. Her hands freed, Myla pushed at his shoulders. Already she could feel his stiff manhood between her legs. He thrust into her with one quick lunge. "It hurts!" Myla yelped. "Only for a short time," Jase assured her. Myla felt him inside her, felt the fullness of him pushing in, pulling back slightly, then pushing in again. The sensation was unpleasant at first, painful enough to draw her near tears, but as his lordship continued, a new feeling bloomed within her core. It was alarming at first ... but then it became something she wanted. She clung to his shoulders, then wrapped her legs around his hips. "By the Saints, wench! Are you on the verge?" Feelings like no other wafted through Myla. She bucked her hips against his, rising upward to meet his mighty thrusts and feeling him deep inside. Myla was beside herself. She withered against the bed, her body seductively curled about Jase's, her eyes closed. Sensations she had never experienced before raced through her. Her eyes flickered open. She stared at the face hovering just above her own, the pair of dark eyes looming out of the hawk-like features. The look he was aiming at her was not hate. 69

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Chapter Eleven After the goings on in the courtyard, Nadra spied Jase carrying Myla into the castle. Myla's punishment had intrigued her immensely. It set her pulse to racing. But, alas, she could find no trace of her knight Menton who had been called away by another knight on other business. "His lordship is a lusty knight," Nadra muttered aloud as she entered the serving area of the fortress to begin her duties. Indeed, she was finding her stay at Claymoor to be quite an education. That very day she had watched a knight rut with a serving wench out behind the scullery. And then, moments before his lordship had caught her and her ladyship in the stable, she had viewed two of the serving wenches fondling each other. "Aye, his lordship has quite a sexual appetite," Pella replied, glancing at Nadra. "Her ladyship's house was run with discipline of another sort. There was no dishonor within. Milady was respected and well treated." She blushed slightly. "Rutting was between man and wife—and a private matter." "Not so at Claymoor," Pella declared. "The knights take what they will from a wench and she is not to complain. It is the way of the warriors. But it is no concern of yours. Now get about your duties." Menton strode through the door of the fortress in search of Nadra just in time to overhear Pella's statement to Nadra. 70

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"Aye. The wenches at Claymoor like a good cock between their legs." Nadra wheeled around, thrilled and grateful to see Menton. She rushed to Menton's side. "Your lordship, it would be most kind of you to arrange other duties for me about the fortress," Nadra said, sliding her gaze to Pella then back to Menton. "My pet," he caressed Nadra's cheek. "You need only to understand Pella's ways." Nadra didn't quite know whether to speak further or hold her tongue. Surely Pella was the wench in charge and surely his lordship gave her authority to discipline the servants. "Do not fear." He moved aside his codpiece and his big hard cock sprang forth. "Pull up your shift, my pet and I shall rut with you here and now and you shall see that Pella is not always to be obeyed." Nadra giggled and covered her surprise with one hand. Her eyes were fixed on Menton's big phallus. My, but it was long and thick and the twin balls hanging beneath it were magnificent. "You are very lusty, your lordship." "And my lust needs sated, my pet. Now do as I say and pull up your shift," he coaxed. Nadra shivered at the arousing thought of rutting with someone looking on. She bit on her bottom lip, nervous, but then the lusty sensations the sight of Menton's hard cock brought to her body took over and she hurried to pull up her garment and straddle Menton's hard phallus. 71

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Pella gave a loud derisive snort and quickly left the serving area. Menton took control. He pushed Nadra against the wall and entered her body, making her grunt with the force. Menton's big cock thrust with such force that Nadra soon found herself on the fringes of climax. She wrapped her arms around the thick neck of her knight and allowed the sensations to flood her body. "Oooooh! Oooooh!" Nadra said when the climax was upon her. "Oooooh!" Nadra's day shift was pushed clear up to her neck and she savored the feel of Menton's big hands as he stroked her breasts. He dipped his head and sucked her right nipple between his lips. "My sweet, you must come to my bed tonight so I can enjoy every inch of your body." "Oh Menton," Nadra cooed, enjoying the feel of his mouth on her nipple. "I shall delight in warming your bed, only there are many soldiers in the barracks." "Fear not. I have claimed you as my wench, my sweet." A merry feeling traveled through Nadra. She brushed her lips across Menton's forehead as he suckled her nipple. Already she was feeling aroused again.

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Chapter Twelve Myla sat atop the giant steed as it pranced along side Jase's white mount. The winter day was crisp and cold. The sky warned of coming snow with low dark clouds suspended on the northern horizon. Myla pulled the sheep fleece cloak about her shoulders as the small group of soldiers rode in the direction of Tims, a neighboring village where a tournament was scheduled. Myla had never been to a tournament and felt fearful of attending. Nadra had confided to her that Jase was taking her there only to lure Clive of Melborne into his grasp. Apprehension welled up inside her at the threat of battle between the two knights. The small village of Tims lay below. The small procession paused on a hill overlooking the valley. Already hundreds of knights had gathered and set up camps on the sloping terrain surrounding the town. Jase surveyed the camps, keen to spot any sign of Clive and his cohorts. Jase nudged his steed and the procession picked its way down the steep incline to the village's eastern edge. Minutes later Jase pulled his steed to a halt, deciding on the area to set up camp. Plumes of smoke from campfires rent the darkening sky and the low sounds of voices mixed and mingled on the air. Myla sat quietly on her horse, gazing about. "Dismount," Jase ordered. Myla glanced down. He held out his hands to grasp her waist but she cringed. 73

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"I do not like this place." "You have nothing to say about it!" He reached up and grasped her waist, then pulled her from the saddle. "Don't defy my orders again," He lowered her to the ground then took hold of her right wrist and pulled her along behind him. Within a short time, a tent was erected and Myla was thrust safely inside with orders to stay put. Several soldiers remained behind to set up camp while Jase took a number of soldiers to scout the surrounding camps in search of the Melborne encampment. Myla prepared a pallet on the ground and sat down, shivering from the cold. Perhaps her fate would be decided there on the frozen terrain outside Tims. Perhaps she would be dead by morning at his lordship's hand. The thought was fleeting, yet left behind a fragment of worry. Darkness arrived. The scouting soldiers had not returned. Weary from the all day ride and the torment over her fate, Myla snuggled into the sheepskin pallet and tried to sleep. **** Shortly before daybreak the soldiers returned to the camp and Jase crawled into his tent where Myla lay curled up on the sheepskin pallet. He crouched beside the small bundle huddled on the cold ground. Her hair was in disarray, splayed across the dirt and covering her face. He lifted the tresses and swept them aside. She slumbered peacefully, the dim light inside the small tent only vaguely illuminating her delicate features. On the morrow he would display her for all 74

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to see and then, should Clive be among the warriors, he would surely come to claim her. A strange feeling accompanied his thoughts. He let loose a weary sigh. He had grown tired of trying to assess his emotions for the wench and reached a decision, more for peace of mind then anything else. She had found a way inside his head. True! The wench had beguiled him with her soft body and bewitching green eyes. He would not let her go. He had decided. She would stay with him. But what of her feelings? Did she hate him for stealing her away from her future husband? Did she hate him for taking her virginity? By the Saints! A wench's virginity was the only private thing she could give to her husband. Uneasy, he leaned back on his haunches and closed his eyes. He would rest until daybreak, then parade his prize among the tournament entrants to lure Clive into the open.

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Chapter Thirteen Myla was awakened at daylight and given cold venison to break the fast. Outside the tent she could hear all manner of voices and the shuffling of horses' hooves as the soldiers saddled their mounts. Abruptly, the flap of the tent was drawn back and Jase poked his head inside. Their eyes locked in a knowing gaze. It was time to put his lordship's plan into motion. Myla put aside her meat and rose, gathering the sheep skin cloak about her shoulders. His lordship helped Myla mount up and then he took the reins of her horse. They set out, slowly picking their way down the frozen slanted slopes into the valley of Tims. Hundreds of soldiers bore down on the town. Long lances and battle shields glinted with the gleam of the awakening sun on their polished metal surfaces. Raised voices shouted challenges. Myla perched on the giant horse, her hand clamped round the pommel, her eyes downcast. She was altogether too aware of Jase, riding beside her, searching for his quarry. If she could be anywhere else— "Pull away the cloak," his lordship commanded, his voice a tone not to be rebuked. Suddenly his lordship jerked down the crude sheepskin cloak, baring Myla's head. Her hair, caught by the wind, whipped furiously about her face. He nodded in satisfaction. "Your red tresses must be seen." 76

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Myla pulled the sheepskin high up her neck, allowing her hair to fan about her shoulders. An ill wind swept through the valley, chilling her body and freezing her face. For hours his lordship paraded her about the streets, pausing and dismounting to speak with a group of soldiers who might know of Clive's whereabouts. Myla was almost in tears. "You weep for your lover?" "Nay. I am weary of being displayed." His lordship stared at her briefly before urging her mount forward. For the remainder of the day and into the evening, they roamed the streets of Tims, while his lordship picked his way amid the camps in search of Clive of Melborne, to no avail. When darkness finally engulfed the hoard of people encamped outside Tims, Myla was allowed to crawl back into his lordship's tent and rest. Weary, she quickly fell asleep. **** She felt the strong arm clasp about her waist and her body being pulled backward, then the immense heat that radiated from his lordship's big body. Puzzled, and suddenly angry at being awakened after such a harrowing day, she opened her eyes against the darkness inside the tent. His lordship reeked of wine. "Blast!" his lordship muttered. "Blast!" Myla lay still and tried to reason what his lordship would be annoyed with at that time of night. She could feel his body snuggled against her back but she refused to give up any 77

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portion of the sheep fleece she lay encased in. After all, it was his fault they were out in the dead of winter. "Wake up, wench," his lordship muttered. He gave Myla a little prod. "I command you wake up!" Myla gritted her teeth. His lordship may be big and fearsome—a powerful warlord to the people of Claymoor and even his mighty army—but by the Saints—he had commanded her far too much! "You command I wake up!" she shouted, throwing off the fleece coverlet and lunging upward to face him. "You have commanded me to do your bidding for a fortnight now. You have humiliated and embarrassed me before your army and the people of your fortress. You have seen fit to dress and undress me. You have disrupted my life—" He moved so quickly she didn't have a chance to evade his touch, yet she bravely slapped at his hands when they clamped onto her wrists. "Silence!" he barked. "You are drunk!" "Silence, wench!" "I am the daughter of a baron—I command you release me at once!" He threw back his head and roared with laughter. "You are the betrothed of Clive of Melborne! You are in no position to command me." Myla felt hot tears overflow and spill down her cheeks. Trembling with rage and fear, she held her body rigid, her chin tipped upward in defiance—though his lordship was quite 78

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drunk and swaying miserably and she doubted he would remember any part of their quarrel come morning. "This has never happened before," he mumbled. He slid his hands up her arms to clasp her shoulders. "I feel sure your have been drunk before," she threw at him. "My cock is flaccid," he said. "What?" she muttered. She twisted in his grasp, eager to be free of his hands. "Give me your hand and I will show you." "No." She refused, trying to hide her hand behind her back. "Give me your hand!" he bellowed. They scuffled briefly until he succeeded in capturing her hand. Quickly, he pulled her forward, forcing her hand to his crotch. "I do not wish to touch any part of your body!" Myla asserted, tying to free her hand. He forced her palm against his soft cock. "Make it hard." "Me? I can not." "Put your mouth on it and make it hard," he insisted. "I will not!" she asserted, yanking her hand away. "I refuse to do any more of your bidding!" He grabbed her by the upper arms and gave her a little shake, then, to Myla's great surprise, hauled her against his chest. "You dare defy me again?" he hissed. 79

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Fear shot through Myla's insides. Perhaps she had gone a bit too far with her rebellious act— "You are not only the wench of my enemy but—" He paused his words and Myla could feel his hot gaze on her face, the intense pressure of his hands grasping her upper arms— Suddenly he kissed her, pressing his mouth so hard against hers that she tasted blood on her tongue. "I find your defiance arousing, wench." Myla pushed at his chest, to no avail, as his powerful arms wrapped around her body. He splayed his hands across her back, flattening her breasts against his bare chest. His mouth devoured hers. Myla couldn't get free, nor end the attention he gave to her mouth. And while he was rough initially, after several moments he gentled his kisses, lathing her lips and pushing his tongue inside her mouth. Myla stopped struggling, her anger tempering. He pushed her backward onto the softness of the fleece cover and levered his body atop hers. He pushed his hard cock inside her, sighing with great relief when she didn't protest. Still he tended her mouth. He began to thrust. His kisses intensified. Myla was helpless to halt him, or to completely dissolve her anger. She had little choice but to endure his lordship's heated bout of thrusting accompanied by his assault on her mouth. 80

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He reached climax quickly and pulled his mouth from hers to burrow his face in the long hair at her left ear. His breathing was ragged and Myla felt relieved that the ordeal was over. She lay beneath his big body, struggling to breath against his heavy weight. His hand moved along her side, lowering to her crotch. He began to stroke her flesh, bringing about a most satisfying barrage of sensations. She pulled in a long breath as his fondling brought her to orgasm. A breathy sign slipped from her mouth. This man plagues me so. She could feel his heart pounding. "Myla." Had she imagined it? Could it have been the rustle of something outside the crude tent or had his lordship— "Myla." No. She was not mistaken. He had said her name—a slight caress against her ear. "I love you." His body settled relaxed atop hers as he gave in to the call of sleep. Myla lay pinned beneath him, her mind racing at the whispered notions she had heard. Could this mighty warrior be losing his heart to her? A tiny smile crept along her lips as she raised one hand and gently stroked his broad back. Praise the Saints! For her heart sang the same tune.

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Chapter Fourteen They broke camp at daylight. Myla was once again ordered to sit on the horse and ride. His lordship did not like to fail and the grim set of his jaw revealed as much. It was dusk when the party reached Claymoor. Myla breathed a sigh of relief when they reined the horses into the gravel courtyard and the drawbridge was once more raised, sealing all inside the walled fortress. "Your ladyship," Nadra said, rushing to Myla. "You look weary." "I am fine, Nadra." "Milady, there are guests at the fortress," Baron Winthrop and his wife were seated by the hearth. A note of dread wafted through Myla. She stood there as though frozen to the stone floor until his lordship burst through the main entry, demanding wine in a loud voice. When he spied the Winthrops, he too froze in surprise. The Baron bowed his greeting to his lordship. "And to what do we owe this visit, Baron?" His lordship poured himself a goblet of wine and pinned his dark gaze on the Baron. "I have come on behalf of Clive of Melborne, your lordship." The Baron's attention flitted to Myla and he proceeded to rake his inspecting gaze along her body, before glancing back to Jase. "I have a message to deliver to you concerning his future wife." Jase stared at the Baron with ruthless hawk-like eyes. 82

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"Speak." The Baron clasped his hands behind his waist and strolled toward his lordship. "Assuming you have deflowered his little bride-to-be, Clive challenges you to a duel." Jase snorted angrily. He raised his goblet and downed the liquor in one hefty gulp. "I accept the challenge. The weapons shall be swords." "I shall carry the news of your acceptance back to Melborne and his lordship," the Baron announced. "And I shall return in a fortnight with further news of the duel." He gathered his cloak and offered his wife his arm. "My dear." Baron Winthrop nodded his farewell to Myla. "You are a most beguiling creature." Lady Winthrop stopped very near Myla. She reached out one bejeweled hand and touched Myla's left shoulder. "I shall relish the presence of your company ... once this ordeal is over." **** "Swords!" Jase pinned his eyes on Myla. "Must it be a duel? Can't you and Clive reach an agreement without violence?" "You fail to understand the depth of my revenge." "However revengeful you are, you must not fight a duel because of me." "I shall have my revenge on Clive for his attacking Claymoor. I shall avenge those he murdered in my absence." 83

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Myla stared at him. He was driven in his pursuit of revenge. "But do not fret. I have known Clive a very long time. He is a coward. If his army cannot fight his battle, he will have nothing to do with it. There is something more to his plan." Myla pulled in a quick breath. "You suspect treachery of another nature?" A slow smile pulled at Jase's lips. "Aye. Clive is not to be trusted—not even by the wench he plans to wed." "Me? But I am merely the innocent victim. I am the pawn in your devious game of revenge." "Heed my warning."

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Chapter Fifteen "Ummm. You make my cock hard, my pet," Menton murmured, pulling Nadra beneath him. "Aye, your lordship." "I am ready my pet. Be still and allow me to sate my lust." He drove his cock between her legs. "Ummm. Your body is warm and welcoming." He bucked his hips and lunged inside. The straw mattress rustled and awakened several knights sleeping nearby. Menton's cock was already thrusting wildly inside her. She coiled her legs and arms around Menton's body and savored the thrusts, reveling in the sexual heat his body brought to her own. Quickly her climax was upon her, and she began to buck her hips, causing the mattress to rustle even louder. A number of knights were awake and propped upon their elbows watching. "The least you could do, Menton, is silence your rutting so the rest of us do not get hard cocks listening. Have pity. We have no wenches to warm our beds," a drowsy knight said, causing a boisterous bout of laughter about the barracks. "Aye. Or pass your wench around," another knight suggested. "Nay," Menton replied, panting. "This ... wench ... is mine alone." His words filtered through Nadra and she moaned thru her orgasm. 85

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Menton climaxed and bellowed his release. **** A noise at the door of the bedchamber awakened Myla. She lay very still and listened, her ears straining. His lordship slumbered deeply beside her. She listened for a moment to his even breathing, realizing she had not been aware of when he came to bed. She had fallen asleep almost the moment she lay down, the weariness of the trip taking her strength. The noise sounded again beyond the door and she raised up on one elbow to stare through the darkness. Was she imagining things? Or was there something—or some one— beyond the door? Curiosity bid her investigate. She slid from the warmth of the bed and donned her shift, then tiptoed to the door. Everything seemed to happen very quickly then. The door burst open. A number of hands grasped Myla's arms; a cloak was thrown over her head, muffling her screams. She was hoisted atop a broad shoulder and carried from the room. She could not see nor defend herself but she knew when her kidnapper carried her down the flight of stairs to the great room, and felt the freezing cold when he carried her outside the fortress. Her fears intensified when she was tossed inside a wooden cart and held to the floorboards by strong hands. The creak of the drawbridge sounded as it was being lowered. Myla knew for certain that she was being taken from Claymoor! Hot tears filled her eyes. She was being abducted for a second time. What would these abductors demand of her? 86

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**** Nadra inched cautiously from her hiding place in an empty cauldron in the great room. She had been in search of food when she'd heard a ruckus in the tower. Her ladyship's voice rose in distress, then she heard footsteps on the stairway. Then her mistress's muffled cries passed outside. It appeared her ladyship was being abducted from the fortress. As soon as it was safe, she'd rouse Menton. He'd know what to do.

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Chapter Sixteen "We must wake his lordship," Nadra said running to catch up with Menton as they rushed thru the fortress. After a quick search of the courtyard and surrounding outbuildings, Menton finally reconciled his mind to the fact that something had happened to Jase. All along Nadra had insisted her ladyship had been stolen from her bed and his lordship had not been seen. Jase was snoring loudly when Menton and Nadra entered the bedchamber. A brisk shaking failed to awaken his friend. A second and third try failed as well. "Something is amiss!" Finally, Menton poured a ewer of water over his head. "Blast!" Jase sputtered, "What is the meaning of this?" Jase grabbed Menton's tunic. "Her ladyship has been abducted, your lordship! Soldiers took her from the fortress—." "How long ago?" "Perhaps a quarter hour." "By the Saints!" Jase released his hold on Menton and shook the water from his face. "Rally a small guard and prepare to ride!" His movements were clumsy and awkward, but he was already pulling on his drawers and boots. He rubbed his head as if to quell the megrim, but spoke sharply, "Be quick!" 88

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Menton stayed long enough to see Nadra fluttering around Jase, trying to help speed him along. At any other time, it might have been amusing. Minutes later Nadra stood nearly alone in the courtyard and watched the mounted army ride out of the fortress in search of her ladyship. After they had ridden out, Menton could still picture her standing there, a forlorn, frail figure, yet somehow a picture of hope. He would not disappoint her— he'd bring back her mistress or he'd die trying. **** Jase was a bundle of nerves as he sat his horse and began the search for Myla. If Clive harmed her, he would pay. A brisk north wind howled around the hills and wafted through the low lying valleys, chilling the soldiers and wreaking havoc on the lighted torches. Dark clouds obscured the stars and threatened more snow. The things in his lordship's favor were the visible tracks of horses and the ruts made by a two-wheel cart in the meager dusting of new fallen snow. "The tracks head toward Melborne," Menton shouted. "And it appears they are few in number." "Aye. Clive has come to rescue his beloved." A feeling he had tried to ignore came full bloom. He had grown to think of Myla as his own. "A torch burns on the hill top," Menton said, reining his steed and pointing. "They are quite careless." Jase murmured. 89

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"Winthrop left you drugged and slumbering, your lordship. It appears they have retired for the night feeling secure in their victory." "They are very foolish." He ordered his small guard of men to dismount and sneak up on the sleeping camp from three sides. "Nadra saw only four soldiers leaving the fortress," Menton reminded. "But others could be camped nearby, lying in wait." "We will take no chances. Be cautious. If at all possible, I want Clive captured alive." "But your lordship, his treachery—" "Aye, Menton. It is his treachery I'm thinking of. Go quietly now." The men moved quickly and quietly, positioning strategically around the campsite, awaiting the order to attack. Jase held back his steed, the big white horse prancing and chomping at the bit. When his men were in place, he raised the torch and gave the signal to attack. Then he gave his steed his head and raced straight toward the camp, revenge fueling his anger.

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Chapter Seventeen Myla shivered with the cold. Naked, she was tied hand and foot to four sturdy pegs driven in the frozen ground. A rag covered her face, preventing her from seeing who was in the small tent with her. "So, my enemy has made you his whore." Myla struggled against the leather straps holding her wrists and ankles. She was unable to see Clive of Melborne, but his voice was familiar. "You have spread your legs and allowed Jase of Claymoor to defile you," he sneered. "Well then, I shall rut with you and leave you here to die in the cold. I desire a pure maid to bear my babes." Clive moved aside his codpiece and allowed his hard cock to spring free. "My cock is quite comely to look upon. Perhaps I will remove your blindfold so that you can lay eyes upon its beauty." He pulled off Myla's blindfold. Chuckling, he tossed it aside, then rose again, posing in front of her. "You disgusting bastard!" Myla hissed. She glared up at Clive and tried to wiggle free. A small torch burned near the mouth of the tent casting sickly yellow shadows across Clive's ugly features. "Oh my," Clive exclaimed. "Your tits are quite lovely when they jiggle about like that. Do move some more so that I may watch." 91

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"Turn me loose!" She demanded, tugging against the leather straps securing her wrists and ankles. "Nay," he said, shaking his ugly head. "And if you continue to be ungrateful for my uncovering your face, I'll have to put the blindfold back on you." Myla glared up at him. He was the ugliest man in the world and she was about to be raped by him. "Is my long cock not lovely?" he goaded, wiggling his hips and making it bob. Myla refused to play his little game. "I don't want to see your "lovely cock"—or any other part of you!" "Would you like to suck on it?" he asked smiling and touching his cock with a fingertip. "I will bite it off!" Her voice reeked with venom. "Oh, but you are a feisty wench. Rumor has it that you were eager to suck Jase's cock." "Rumor would be correct," Myla said between gritted teeth, deliberately baiting him. If she were going to be forced to suffer his indignities—then she would lash out in any way she could. Clive's top lip curled upward in a derisive sneer. "You dare to mock me!" he growled. He wound his fingers round his cock. "I shall make you rue the day you were born, Myla, daughter of Baron De Burke of Willmore!" A scream tore from Myla's throat as Clive threw his body atop hers and began lunging between her legs! Myla fought with all her might against the leather straps holding her wrists and ankles. She thrust her hips and tried to 92

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move from side to side to make it impossible for Clive to enter her. Her naked buttocks scraped and bumped against the cold frozen ground. Her arms and legs ached from the taut leather straps holding them down, but she had made up her mind to die before she allowed Clive to violate her! **** Myla's screams rent the air and tore into Jase's heart. Enraged, he urged his steed straight up the hillside. Jase reined in his horse at the tent while his soldiers swept across the area, uncovering Clive's bedraggled guards slumbering in their pallets. A heated battle broke out. Jase's men, fresh from the cold ride in the night air, hacked at the groggy soldiers as they tried to mount an attack, struggling to get to their feet and arm themselves. Without ceremony, Jase leapt from his horse and bolted inside the small tent. It was dim from want of light but he had no trouble catching sight of Clive struggling to control Myla's thrashing body. "My lord!" Myla screeched. Jase grabbed Clive by the back of the tunic. Bracing his feet, he hoisted the man upward, freeing his body from Myla's. With an angry bellow, Jase shoved Clive outside the tent. Clive landed on his hands and knees against the frozen ground, an audible thud renting the air. "My old friend," Clive snarled trying to right his body. He yanked at his clothing, trying to get his drawers up and anxiously glancing around at the commotion with his army. 93

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All manner of bedlam rang out. The metal clash of swords as the men battled; the loud cries of pain as a sword broke the skin and ended a life. Even the thunder of horse hooves as men tried to escape the foray. Clive scrambled to gain his footing. A broadsword lay nearby and he picked it up. "You are my enemy!" Jase declared, pulling his sword from his belt. "Aye! You kidnapped my betrothed! For that, you will die!" Clive yelled. Clive raised the broadsword above his head and lunged at Jase. Jase sidestepped Clive and made a lunge with his weapon, narrowly missing his mark. "You attacked Claymoor twice in my absence. You are a coward, Clive!" He lunged at Clive's mid-section, making Clive stumble back. The frozen terrain was pebble strewn, making footing treacherous. Clive slipped, and slid down an incline. Jase was quick to follow, his sword poised to end the battle. A malicious laugh tore from Clive's throat as he steadied his footing. The cover of the pine grove could work as an advantage for him. The dark night reeked havoc with the eyes. One second the gleam of the sword was apparent, the next, obscured. Jase had Clive in his sights. He would not be fooled by his treachery again. He too, knew of the cover the grove of trees afforded. Carefully, he stepped amid the foliage, his senses 94

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keen, his eyes pinned on the shadowy figure mere feet before him. "Perhaps your attention to my prize has taken the edge off your ability to do battle," Clive sneered. "You deserve no prize!" Clive laughed loudly, and lunged at Jase with his sword. Jase quickly jumped aside, evading the point of Clive's sword, then he lunged with his own sword, making Clive curse aloud and seek refuge behind a spindly tree trunk. "I have rutted with the very wench you seek to kill me for! I have planted my seed inside her!" "You lie—and the truth is not in you!" Jase watched Clive's shadowy figure as he moved slowly amid the grove. He dared not take his eyes off him. Sounds of his soldiers battling Clive's men came to his ears but he dared not allow any distraction to grab his attention. "I shall lop off your head and then the wench can mourn." Jase felt a new surge of anger rise up inside him. He gripped the hilt of his sword tightly. Enough of Clive's pandering. He had allowed him to live much too long. Jase raised his sword above his head and lunged quickly, feeling his blade meet its mark. Clive yelped out in pain and rushed backward, stumbling in the dense underbrush of the grove. Jase was quick to charge onward, lunging once more with his sword, and feeling it come into contact with Clive's body. Clive fell back, careening into the branches of a tree and dropping his sword. He yelled out in pain, clutching his belly in agony, and giving Jase the edge. 95

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Jase pushed the point of his sword against Clive's chest. "Clearly I am the better man." "Kill me. Or are you too cowardly?" Jase laughed. "Your life shall be ended, as you wish, but it will be by the order of our King. You will stand before him and face charges of treason for your treachery against my army." "You have no proof!" "Aye. The proof lies within the deed. Your greed cost an entire English encampment their lives. You allowed the Moores to bribe you with gold and treasure. In turn, you divulged secrets bringing a surprise attack. Had not I been conferring with Richard, I would have met my fate as well." He poked the point of his sword sharply into Clive's belly. "But I live to tell the story and shall be in attendance when King Richard passes sentence against you." Clive sneered in his painful agony. "Our King knows of my conquests. I've served him well." "Lies, Clive. You claim victory when indeed, the conquests belonged to me." Clive spat at Jase. Jase withdrew his sword, sheathed it, and grabbed Clive by the tunic. "On the morrow, I shall take you to King Richard and I will have my revenge against you." "Aye!" Menton exclaimed as he made his way into the pine grove. "And I shall witness our King's sentence against you as well." He bound Clive's wrists behind his back. Jase made his way up the sloping hillside to the small makeshift tent. He only hoped Myla was unharmed by the bastard. 96

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"My lord." Her voice rang of relief when Jase pushed aside the flap of the tent where she was held captive. "My lord." Jase could tell by the quiver of her voice that she was near frozen. He kneeled and worked feverishly to untie the leather straps binding her ankles and wrists. His anger was hard to quell, he realized, his mind wrought with thoughts of what Clive might have done to her while she was his captive. "My lord," Myla whispered, as her hands and feet became freed. She went eagerly into Jase's arms, her body shivering. "I thought surely I would die." "You are safe now, my pet," Jase assured her. He helped her up and despite his desire to inspect every inch of her body for injuries, he removed his battle cloak and wrapped her in it. "Did he harm you?" he dared ask. "Nay," Myla answered meekly. "He tried to rut with me. But his attempt was unsuccessful, my lord." Her words soothed his anger to a degree. Clive had lied to him only to plant doubt in his mind. He was a treacherous bastard in more ways than one. Silently, Jase lifted Myla into his arms and carried her outside.

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Chapter Eighteen Myla was quite content to be pressed so tightly against his lordship's broad chest. Her heart sang with glee that he had come for her, foiling Clive's plan in the process and ridding her of any further marriage obligation to the knight. When they arrived at the fortress, Jase carried Myla upstairs and placed her on the bed, then he added several logs to the hearth to heat up the room. She was quite frozen. "My people will soon be avenged for all Clive's wrongdoing and King Richard will know he is a traitor." "I am glad, your lordship." "You are not sorry that Clive is now my prisoner and tomorrow I take him before the King?" "Nay, your lordship. There was never any love between us, only a large dowry. My father had fallen on hard times and the money Clive paid for me to be his bride, saved my father's estate. Baron Winthrop helped to arrange the betrothal. But he is your enemy as well. Clive boasted that the Baron and his wife drugged your wine," Myla informed him. "The Baron escaped my wrath—this time," Jase added. He finished with the fire and rose. He walked over to the bed, and looked down on Myla who shivered beneath the sheep fleece coverlet. "I will not let it pass. Their treachery will be dealt with." A tight muscle in his jaw flinched.

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"The Baron is his own worst enemy," Myla remembered his soiling his drawers when he watched his lordship spank her. "He thinks with his cock." Jase chuckled at her observation. "And how would you know this about the Baron Winthrop?" He began undressing. "Clive of Melborne said many vile things." she confessed, shivering beneath the sheep fleece. "He told me the Baron liked ... liked to couple with him." Jase raised his dark brows in surprise. "And what of his wife?" "She made overtures toward me that I found not to my liking." Jase threw back his dark head and laughed out loud. "You have much to learn about rutting and sex play, my pet." "I desire to learn everything, your lordship," she admitted demurely. He reached for the sheep fleece and pulled it from her naked body, turning to the hearth, he spread it out before the blazing fire. "Come," he said, offering his hand to her. Myla placed her hand in his and scrambled from the bed. "Teach me something new," she whispered. "I am in your debt, your lordship ... and quite your willing partner." Jase pulled her against his chest and kissed her mouth, parting her lips with his tongue and tasting her sweet insides. "I shall show you a new way to rut," he whispered against her lips. "Get on the fleece on your hands and knees." Myla did as he asked, eager to experience more rutting with him. 99

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Jase proceeded to cover her body with his, his broad hairroughened chest pressing atop her back. With one hand he pressed open her buttocks, his inquiring fingers lingering against her silken skin, then he poked his hard cock between her legs and entered her from the rear. He wrapped one long arm around her hips and held her steady while he thrust inside, setting the pace. Myla moved her hips in rhythm with his. Jase caressed her breasts, finding her nipples tight and sensitive. He nuzzled her neck and trailed his hot mouth along her bare shoulders, making her sigh softly. The rhythm he set was slow and methodical at first, giving Myla time to adjust her pace, but as he grew near his time, so his thrusts intensified. He clasp Myla's hips tightly and rammed wildly into her core. "That wondrous ... feeling ... you cause me to have ... is starting ... my lordship! Oooooh! It ... is ... beyond ... compare!" She pressed her buttocks against his groin, giving his big cock full entry into her passageway! Sated, they lay on the sheepskin in front of the hearth, the yellow fire heating their flesh. They dozed, Myla held securely in Jase's arms.

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Chapter Nineteen Menton perched one hip on the stable stall and watched Nadra remove her shift. "I have never spanked a wench before," he confided with a slanted grin. "Explain to me again why you want me to do this." Amusement twinkled in his brown eyes. "I wish to know the arousing feel it brings about," Nadra divulged. "Her ladyship says it is very sensual, though somewhat painful." She blushed slightly and lowered her eyes. "This sex play is very new to me," she confided. "But I do so enjoy your big cock when you thrust it inside me." "I would rather rut then eat when I am hungry," Menton admitted. He reached out and fondled Nadra's left breast. "I merely look upon you and become eager to get between your legs." "Then you may do so, my lord, just as soon as I experience this spanking act I am so curious about," she said, giggling. "Then lets waste no more time," Menton urged, taking her by one hand. "Bend your naked body across my knee and I shall pound your bare rump until you say stop." Nadra hurried to drape herself across Menton's bent knee, her bare rump poking upward. "I dare say, my pet, you picked a rather cold day for such an experiment. Your little rump is covered with goose flesh." Myla laughed. "I think perhaps, a spanking will heat me up." 101

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"Very well," Menton agreed, grinning broadly. He raised his right hand and gave her a smack. "Oooooh!" SMACK! "Oooooh, your lordship!" "Shall I stop?" "Oh no! It is only beginning to arouse me." SMACK! SMACK! SMACK! "Oh, my lord!" Nadra exclaimed. "I can not begin to explain the feelings you are bringing to me! While the spanking is painful—it is causing my body to want you with such urgency! Oooooh! It is magnificent!" SMACK! SMACK! SMACK! Menton's breathing had increased in speed. And his cock was fairly straining at the seam of his drawers! "My pet!" he growled deep in his throat. At once he grabbed Nadra and pulled her upright on his lap. "Thrust inside me quickly, your lordship, for I am on fire for your cock!" Nadra declared. Her face was sweaty and flushed; her chest heaved. Menton was equally aroused. She ran inside the stall and flopped down on her back on a pile of fresh straw and thrust open her legs, urging Menton to come to her. Menton hurried to her, his long cock hard and ready. 102

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They joined in a heated bout of thrusting, wildly rutting on the floor of the stable stall atop the new straw, their naked bodies gyrating in a sexual frenzy. "I am climaxing! And I fear my head will burst with the force! Oooooh! My lord! It is truly wonderful!" Menton was unable to speak. When the force of climax was heavy upon him, he grunted and lunged in to the hilt, letting loose his seed inside Nadra. Then, as though unable to thrust another time, he collapsed atop her while she continued to wither and moan her delight. "I say ... there ... is ... definitely something ... to that ... spanking ... my pet," Menton murmured trying to catch his breath.

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Chapter Twenty Jase awoke with the new light of day. All night they had slept in front of the fire, cradled in each other's arms. Now the embers were dying and the bedchamber bore the chill of the winter day. Myla dozed peacefully nestled against his left shoulder. He gazed down at her placid face. "There is no other wench like you," he murmured softly. He reached one long finger to her cheek, sweeping aside a stray red tendril. "From the first moment I saw you, I was captivated." She slept before him, but he continued to speak, aware that he was saying things he had been keeping to himself. Did it matter that she slept and didn't know of his thoughts toward her? Nay. He needed the words revealed to himself first. He shook his head, as though trying to understand his own reluctance. "My lord, you are one of a kind as well." Her voice was barely a whisper, drenched in a drowsy tone. "I disturbed your sleep." "You disturb my senses, my lord." Myla turned to face him. She stroked one tapered finger along his jaw. "You will soon have your revenge on Clive of Melborne, what then?" Jase lowered his head and brushed his lips across hers. "You shall stay with me always, my sweet," he said in a soft voice. "I should like that," Myla replied, her heart jumping for joy. "But if it pleases your lordship, I would like very much to 104

Captive Heart by Fawn Lowery

return to my father's house—just to let him know that I will not be marrying Clive of Melborne." "So it shall be, my sweet, and I am truly sorry that I mistreated you in the beginning, but I was so set on getting my revenge—" "Shhhh, my lord," Myla interrupted. She urged his head down for another kiss and when he fondled her breast, she reached her hand beneath the sheepskin coverlet to find his rapidly hardening cock. "You are a lusty knight." "You bring out the lust in me, my pet." His hand traveled down her body until he found her red bush and then he began to stroke her sensitive tissues, making her squirm against his big body. His long fingers probed her warm folds, gently gliding over her slick smooth flesh and sliding slowly inside her with one long finger. "You are making ... me ... climax!" Myla said in a breathless tone. She gave in to the feeling, clutching his hand with hers and gyrating her hips. "Ooooh! That ... is ... soooo ... good!" He kissed her mouth and rubbed her sensitive flesh more, making her climax a second time. "I ... did ... not ... know ... two ... climaxes ... could ... be ... brought about ... in ... such short ... time!" "Your lessons have begun, my sweet." His fingers continued manipulating and rubbing. "Oh my lord! I could do this ... forever!" "And so we shall, my sweet, for I have lost my heart to you, you red haired vixen." 105

Captive Heart by Fawn Lowery

Myla clutched his hand, stilling his fingers. "My lord, I too ... have lost my heart ... to you." Jase lowered his head and claimed her mouth, sealing their love for all time. The end About the Author I've been living my dream of writing for pay for fifteen years, but when I'm not at my desk, I enjoy riding motorcycles with my husband Dave. We've toured the lower forty-eight states and had many wonderful adventures. We have plans to visit Alaska and Hawaii in the next two summers. When I'm not traveling or writing, I enjoy reading and taking long walks with my sweetheart.

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