The Earl's Wildcat. Krystina Daryl

smiled, making her catch her breath. "I came in search of you. Why did you not tell me you work on the ranch?"

      "I do not. The stable boy lets me visit with the horses once in a while." The lie effortlessly flowed out.

      He tucked her hair behind her ear, his tender gaze making her shiver. "I've seen the stable boy and he is not old and disgusting. Do you come here to hide from your betrothed?"

      She nodded bidding the words out. "Yes, my lord."

      He nodded. "I feel for you." Then his smile deepened. "How do you feel, aside from the exhaustion?"

      She cut her eyes at him. "Are you teasing me?"

      He laughed, drew her closer and brushed his lips against hers. "I ask only out of concern."

      She felt the heat flush through her body. "My body aches."

      "I did warn you, and you did ask for it."

      She nodded, inching towards his lips. "I know and I do not regret it. The memory will serve me well when I lay with the monster."

      He threw his head back and laughed then he pressed his lips hard on hers stealing her breathe. "Come tonight. I'll have a bath ready for you to soothe you... before I make your body ache even more."

      She gasped, a shudder running through her at the threat. Why did this man have such power over her body!

      "But, my lord, what of your wife?" He laughed again, offending her. "Am I to share the bath with her?" she asked angrily.

      Ignoring her temper, he answered, "You may share the bath with me if you like." Kissing her again, he placed her back on the hay and brought the blanket up under her chin, "Rest, for tonight will be another exhausting night."

      "I will come only for the bath and nothing more," she called out to him.

      He turned stilling her with another breath-taking smile. "We'll see."

      She collapsed on the hay, her hands covering her shame filled face, what am I doing?

      *****

      For the rest of the evening she avoided going to Miss Melanie. Excusing her absence stating she had a bad cough she did not want to pass on to the expectant mother. When night came, she paced her room, debating the morality of what she was doing.

      She was sure God would punish her for her actions. But where was He when she needed Him the most? Why does He not save those innocent children and save her soul from the damnation of hell?

      No one would save them, just like no one would save her unless she herself did. And mayhap just mayhap she'll board a ship and go to Lanie's rescue. They would help each other raise the young ones. It would be a struggle for survival and healing but they would face the challenge head on and survive it.

      Lydia stole out of her room in the middle of the night and skulked her way into the Master's room.

      Her Englishman was there seated on the bed, his bare chest out for her to worship, a glass in his hand. He smiled when he saw her, placing the glass down and stalking his way to her like a predator would its prey.

      Having him close to her reminded her of how much taller and larger he was than she. He was imposing and dangerous, both in physique and nature. The need to run consumed her most at that moment than it ever did in her entire life.

      "Come here," he ordered softly, holding his hand out for hers.