Eventually, after listening to a good deal of grumbling and muttering, Jessica felt the bed dip. A calloused hand reached for hers. It is late? she asked. Late enough. Hold me? How gentle were those p...
But she had no hard cash. Not even a tissue in case she became hysterical.
You’ll not go anywhere, he announced. Yes, I will, she said, through gritted teeth. You’ll use a chamber pot. I will not! He thrust his hand in front of her face. The heavy silver ring sat prominently...
She looked at him gravely. You cannot call back the river that has already flowed past you, Ruith. All you can do is be grateful for where you are in it.
She held out her hand. What is it you want? he rumbled. Your ring. He frowned. And if I’m not inclined to give it? Then you’ll have a few silent days to look forward to. She lifted her eyebrows in cha...
She even managed to avoid various and sundry bits of animal husbandry that seemed to find warm, fallish tarmac to be to their liking. She’d never thought of sheep as a road hazard, but there you had i...
Jessica, he whispered hoarsely. Ah, merciful saints above, I thought I’d never have you again. He clutched her to him. Say you’ll never leave me. Vow you’ll never leave my arms again. Nay, I’ll never...
Jessica tended Kendrick’s hurts before the fire and Richard only had to unclench his fists two or three times. And then his turn came. He sat down on the floor and Jessica fussed over him. He couldn’t...
Jessica jumped up, avoided Richard’s hand when he tried to grab her, and strode to the door. She jerked it open, slammed it behind her, and fled up the stairs. She heard the door bang not five seconds...
Aren’t we as good as married now? Richard’s gaze flicked to the bed, then back at her. Jessica blushed in spite of herself. That was part of my question, she acknowledged. Aye, we’re wed. Well, she sa...
Runach smiled ruefully. She doesn't tell me anything.Perhaps you intimidate her.Im certain thats not itNicholas look at him, clear-eyed. Runach, my dearest boy, you forget who you are--Were--Are, Nich...
Jessica, he began. Just leave me alone! He turned her around. That she only hesitated briefly before she allowed it was a very good sign, to his mind. He pulled her close, then ran his blood-caked han...
It was cold. Richard tried to put a cloak around Jessica’s shoulders but she shook it off. Jessica, he said helplessly. She said nothing. He realized in that moment that silence was his usual response...
He pulled himself back up straight into his chair. Then, before she had any idea what he’d planned, he pulled her down into his lap. She fell, surprised. His embrace was passionless; more comforting t...
She didn’t turn around. She put her foot on the bottom step, then felt herself being whirled around. She shrieked as her world tilted. Richard’s shoulder in her stomach robbed her of any air and her f...