Linda Skye Read Online Free PDF Page A

Eustache lowered himself onto Giselle, gently plying her face with tender kisses. With a sated grunt, he wrapped his arms around her and rolled them over so that she lay atop him with her legs straddling his and her hair spilling over his chest. She laid her head over his chest, listening to his heart pound. He threaded his fingers through her hair, watching as she slowly drifted away.
    As Giselle’s face relaxed and her breathing slowed, Eustache dared to name the feeling building in his chest.
    Desire .
    Even after taking her body, he still desired her. One night of passion had not been enough. He wanted more, much more. He wanted to slowly unravel the mysteries of her body and mind, relishing the nuance of her every gasp, her every moan. But as she was—a spoiled bride in an impoverished family—Eustache could not keep her.
    He closed his eyes. He knew what he needed to do.

Chapter Four
    When Giselle woke, golden rays of sunlight were already streaming through the windows. Blinking bleary eyes, she slowly came into consciousness. A dull ache spread through her thighs, and she rolled onto her side, taking a fistful of sheets with her. Giselle sighed contentedly, still floating in a half dream.
    Warm sunshine on her bare shoulders. Sweetly crisp linen shrouding her body. The thickest, softest mattress she’d ever been on cushioning her curves.
    Her eyes immediately snapped open as the memories came flooding back.
    Last night…
    For a moment, she felt paralysed by panic, and dread began to climb from her stomach into her chest. How had she slept so late? Where was the lord? Would he have her cast from the chateau like waste, to return as a useless daughter to her impoverished family? Had she failed to make a lasting impression? Tears began to prick at the corners of her eyes.
    Suddenly Giselle heard the creak of a chair, and she sat bolt upright, her white-knuckled fist clutching the sheets to her chest.
    There he was, sitting in the armchair by the stone fireplace. He was leaning forward, his forearms braced on his knees and his eyes trained intensely upon her. Giselle stared back for a long moment, stunned. He studied her impassively for a long moment before sitting back in the chair.
    “You are awake,” he stated matter-of-factly.
    Giselle swallowed nervously.
    “Yes, mon seigneur ,” she answered. “I am very sorry for intruding upon your morning. Please allow me to leave.”
    “No,” Eustache replied crossly, turning away to look out the window. “Stay.”
    “Yes, mon seigneur ,” Giselle said, bowing her head.
    Eustache looked back at her, his gaze piercing and serious. Giselle froze, wondering if she’d already managed to anger him. His lips turned down into a frown, and he clenched his fists and cleared his throat.
    “I have decided,” he began stiffly, “that you are to assume the role of my personal chambermaid.”
    Giselle gaped, her mouth dropping open. Such a thing…it was unheard of! A peasant farmer girl such as herself had never been chosen as a servant in the chateau, much less as a personal attendant to a lord. It went far beyond what she could have ever hoped for.
    “You are to wear these clothes,” he said, gesturing to a fine linen shirt and woollen kirtle that lay folded near her pillow. “After I leave, Madame Lessard will explain your tasks.”
    Bewildered, Giselle’s eyes moved to her new clothes. She reached out to finger the exquisite fabric in amazement. It was the finest set of clothes she’d ever touched. She looked up at her lord again, speechless. His frown deepened.
    “You are not pleased,” he said, eyes narrowing.
    “Mon seigneur,” she replied, her voice cracking, “this is too great a kindness.”
    “Do not question my decision,” Eustache said brusquely. Lips tightening ever so slightly, he continued, “Last night, I ruined your chances at a profitable marriage for your family. Your service to me in the chateau will cover more than half of your family’s