Anna Jacobs Read Online Free PDF Page A

unlike them. In the silence she could hear his slow, deep breaths against the shallow sound of her own gasping. She tried desperately to pull herself together, but the feeling of utter helplessness as the men pushed her to and fro had terrified her. “I’m s-sorry.”
    His voice was a soothing rumble above her ear. “What for? ’Tis them as should be sorry, and will be if I catch them here again.”
    She must have shown her puzzlement at that remark.
    “I own this place.” He gestured round with his head. “Not the grandest of inns, the King’s Head, but ’tis mine and does an honest trade.” He gave a bitter laugh. “’Tis all my damned step-father ever did for me, pass on this place when he died.” Then he shut his mouth, as if regretting this confidence, and pushed her away. “I’m sorry to rush you, but we need to set off again if you’re all right.”
    “I must set my hair to rights first and find my hat.”
    “I’ll get it.” He fetched it, then stood back and watched, seeing how her fingers trembled as she pinned up that wonderful mass of shining hair under a small cap, then set the hat squarely over it. She had clearly been shaken by the assault, and must be weary and uncomfortable after all their riding, but hadn’t complained once or asked to delay their journey.
    Against his will something stirred within him. It was respect for her courage, he decided. He didn’t need telling that she’d done nothing to invite such attentions from those two young roisterers. She didn’t have a wanton look to her, thank goodness, even if she had a mercenary attitude to this possible inheritance. Well, only those with money could afford to despise it and she had none, that was clear!
    He couldn’t get the memory of her hair out of his mind as they set out on the last leg of their journey. Soft and shining, it had flowed down her back like a waterfall when released from its bonds. His body also kept remembering how soft and womanly hers had felt pressed against his, remembering and reminding him of its need. She was a luscious armful for a man to hold.
    He dismissed such thoughts from his mind with an irritated click of his tongue and concentrated on making the best possible speed. Pray heaven they’d reach Marymoor in time. If they didn’t, then Elkin would win everything and Matthew’s own future would be far from rosy, because Elkin wouldn’t want him living nearby.
    Her future would be bleak, too.
    * * * *
    Deborah’s head jerked as she nearly fell asleep and she forced herself to sit more upright, though her whole lower body felt to be a mass of bruises now. She didn’t know how much longer she could manage to stay on the horse and was wondering whether to tell him that.
    Matthew’s voice cut across the darkness. “We’re almost there now, just a few minutes longer. Can you manage?”
    “Yes.” She hadn’t the energy to say more. At that moment, the moon sailed from behind a cloud, illuminating the dark, square outline of a house in the distance.
    “That’s Marymoor,” he said softly.
    She could hear love for it in his voice and wished she could see it more clearly.
    It seemed a long time until they came to some half-open gates and clopped slowly through them, to stop in front of the house.
    This time she waited for his help to dismount, dismayed at how stiff her body felt, how weak her legs. A fitful breeze tugged at her cloak and blew strands of hair across her face as she clutched him, unable to take a single step. “I’m sorry. I can’t seem to move my legs.”
    With a muttered exclamation, he swung her into his arms and carried her towards the front door.
    She was too weary to protest, but laid her face against his chest and let him do with her what he would. She could feel his heart beating against her, its steady thump in great contrast to her own, which seemed to be skittering round like a frightened foal.
    The front door was opened by a man holding a single flickering candle. He