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  “Merry Christmas.”

  “And to you.”

  “May I escort you to church, lass?"

  Her chin jutted out for a moment before relaxing and a thin smile stretched across her face. “As you will, my lord.”

  Holding out a hand, she kept her gaze from him and Dominic bit back a laugh. What a stubborn lassie. Instead of simply allowing her hand to sit on his, he grasped it, tucking her slender fingers in through his. She jolted her head towards him, her eyes wide. It pleased him to see the rush of colour that flushed across her chest. His touch affected her, just as hers did him.

  She climbed into the saddle with ease and Dominic took the opportunity to press her small foot into her stirrups. She visibly flinched and he wondered briefly if he was going to get a kick in the mouth but he relied on her obvious dislike of drawing attention. If it hadn’t been for her, he didn’t doubt that Montgomery would have called him out for a duel last night.

  The lad hastened towards him with his black destrier and Dominic mounted quickly, noting the way Lucy’s eyes followed his movement.

  “Come then," she said coolly, turning from him and starting towards the gatehouse. Her horse picked up pace abruptly before she hauled it to a quick stop and he almost missed the sudden grin that flickered across her face as he urged his horse after her.

  They trudged carefully down the steep hill and wove into the narrow streets. A heavier dusting of snow had fallen during the night and the roofs of the cottages matched their whitewashed walls, but the paths were still passable. Peasants strolled along the streets, hampering their progress, but Dominic was grateful for the delay. It could only mean more time alone in Lucy’s company.

  The church sat near the edge of the village and though Thornewall Keep had its own chapel, Dominic always went to the church for mass and celebrations. He could keep a close eye on the mood of the village that way, and it usually meant he could head off problems before they started.

  Lucy’s parents travelled behind them and her father flicked the occasional disproving look at them but Dominic noted the challenging tug of Lady Eleanor's arm and realised she would keep the old lord from dismembering him.

  Peeking at Lucy, Dominic acknowledged that he would feel the same if she were his daughter. No man could look at her without thinking all manner of sinful imaginings. But he had to retain a grip on his own imaginings, especially if he intended to prove himself a better man. His past behaviour towards her had done him no favours. Ack, foolish lad that he was. Now he would have a way to go to make up for his misdeeds. And to force her to look past her judgements.

  “Luce.” He reached over and touched a hand to her arm, forcing her attention to him. “Will you forgive my rash behaviour?”

  “What behaviour would that be?” She smiled sweetly. “Your behaviour as a young lord, mayhap? Or do you beg forgiveness for keeping our marriage contract a secret? Or mayhap you wish me to forgive you for your impertinence?”

  He chuckled. “My impertinence?”

  “The k-kiss.” She stared ahead as they trotted through the narrow street.

  A smug grin threatened to split across his face but he forced his expression to remain serious. “I would beg forgiveness for my behaviour as a young lad and I regret that I did not share my knowledge of this contract with you. Your father feared your reaction and asked that I keep it from you. Though ‘twas not my idea, I should never have agreed to keep it silent. Would that I could have informed you differently.”

  Her mouth opened as her eyes clouded with uncertainty and she snapped it shut.

  “The kiss,” he continued, “I cannot beg forgiveness for. I do not regret it and you will remember that you kissed me.”

  “I did not! You kissed me first.”

  “Ah, but you kissed me second. Though my kiss was in the heat of the moment, your kiss was not.”

  She sniffed. “Ack, I thought not of what I was doing. ‘Twas a mistake.”

  “Nay, ‘twas no mistake, lass. And I think you knew full well what you were doing. You wanted to kiss me.”

  “You, Lord Dominic, are arrogant. You think that every lass wants naught more than to share a kiss with you. Let me assure you, that I am not one of them. ‘Twas a mistake. And one that I barely remember at that.”

  She yanked her horse away from his but he snatched at her reins and held the mounts close, their fingers brushing as he gripped the leather. She stared at their hands as her chest rose and fell, her cheeks flushed with barely concealed anger.

  Leading her along the street, several villagers walked past them and greeted them. Dominic responded cheerfully, aware of Lucy’s observation of him. Mayhap she was awaiting further example of his arrogance. He needed to tread carefully if he was going to disprove her theories of him. Damn gossips. He had never been bothered by the tales that followed him before. Those who knew him, knew well enough the truth behind them and he cared not what those who didn't thought of him. Until now.

  They neared the flint-walled church and stopped outside the gates. He dismounted first and hurried to Lucy’s side after tying his horse. She bristled and glanced around at her parents but accepted his offered hand as she slid down. Dominic stroked his thumb absently over her skin and leaned in towards her as they turned to approach the church, the stained glass windows bearing down on them.

  “I will not forget that kiss, Luce. And from the flush on your cheeks, I think you will not either.”

  Raising a brow, she stared at him for a moment but said nothing. He helped her through the heavy doors of the church and relinquished her hand as Montgomery came up behind them and eyed him from under his brow. Pressing a hand to her back, they walked down the aisle as he nodded a greeting to the villagers. They settled on the front pews and Lucy promptly picked up a hymn book and ducked her head down in the pretence of reading it.

  He continued to watch her until she dropped the book into her lap and fixed him with a determined expression. “Tell me one thing, Lord Dominic. Why declare an intention to marry me? My father had made it clear that he would not hold you to the contract. I could not see you wishing to be forced into marriage to a woman you do not know. And to a woman like me, no less.”

  “A woman like you?” Whatever could she mean? She simply arched her eyebrow as she waited for his response. “In truth, I know not.” Her determined expression sagged and he recognised the sadness there. “I do not know you, just as you do not know me.” He held his hand up as she went to protest. “As much as you wish to believe that you already do, you do not. Whatever lies between us is stronger even than my will. While my sensible mind bids me to be cautious, it appears that I cannot be so around you. I should like very much to get to know you, lass. And I should like for the chance to win your hand."

  Lucy shook her head slowly. “I believe it not. Your words are charming as ever and they are spoken like the truth, but a man like yourself does not marry lightly. I know not if you speak to appease my father but you will only succeed in angering him further when you choose to withdraw from the contract. If you were a wise man, you would relinquish all thoughts of marriage now and seek a wife elsewhere. One that will tolerate your games, mayhap.”

  “I play no games. I seek amusement as much as the next man, but I would not toy with you, Lucy.”

  “You do not toy with me, my lord. You assume much.”

  “You are determined to keep your opinion of me, are you not? Will you not give me the chance to prove you wrong?”

  She shifted in her seat, the wood creaking, as the priest took his place at the altar. Her leg brushed against his and she grabbed at her skirts and eased away from him. It mattered little to Dominic. Just remaining next to her was enough. At least for now.

  The priest opened his bible and coughed. The churchgoers quietened and waited expectantly. Lucy leant over, lowering her voice. “You may try and prove me wrong, Lord Dominic. I will give you that much. I have already agreed to remain for the festivities and I would wish to pass t
he time comfortably, but I hold no illusions as to our marriage. Whatever this folly is, I know well enough it shall pass.”

  Dominic considered her. Her determination to believe he had no genuine interest in her only served to increase his own. “I shall take you up on that challenge, lass,” he whispered. “This may be folly, but I’d wager ‘twill not be long before you too are consumed by it.”

  She laughed and caught herself as Montgomery gave her a stern frown. Clapping a hand across her mouth, she shook her head, murmuring from beneath it, “‘Tis indeed folly, for any woman becoming involved with you must surely be a fool. But to be consumed by you? Forgive me, my lord, but I fear I shall wound your ego. 'Twill not happen.”

  “A chance is all I ask.”

  “And a chance you shall get, but not to garner my hand, merely to prove that you are not what you seem.”

  Dominic nodded, crossing his arms over his chest as he rested back against the bench. He would prove her wrong, and he would garner her hand. “A chance is all I need, Luce,” he told her confidently.

  Her eyes narrowed briefly and she snapped her gaze forward as he pressed his leg gently against hers. Dominic chuckled inwardly. As much as she wanted to deny her attraction to him, every move she made spoke of her desire for him. And the more he spoke with her, the more he was convinced that his decision had been the right one. He had never met a more spirited and intelligent woman. Aye, a chance was all he needed.

  ~* * *~

  Dominic escorted Lucy out carefully, almost grateful to be free from the tormenting brush of her thigh against his but regretting that he would be lucky if he could get as close to her again. He only had himself to blame anyway. In his bid to tease her, he had merely succeeded in torturing himself. He could see from the tension in her body that she fought the urge to tear herself away from him and embarrass both of them.

  Stepping out into the crisp air, he turned as the priest joined them on the porch and handed Dominic a wooden box with a dip of his head.

  Dominic thanked him and bowed to Lucy. “You'll have to forgive me, I cannot escort you back to the keep. I would see that the alms are distributed.”

  “Oh.” Lucy blinked. “Oh, well, I could help, if you wish.”

  “Nay, 'tis not necessary. The watchmen will help.”

  “Nay, I mean…I would like to help.”

  They locked gazes for a moment and Dominic couldn't resist tracing the line of her lips as his own curved upwards. He doubted she wanted to spend more time with him, so he could only assume she genuinely wanted to help.

  He knew it. There was something more to Lucy than her fine looks. This is the woman I've been searching for.

  “As you will. It should take little time. The peasants are awaiting their coin outside the gates.”

  She glanced around at the small crowd of people gathered at the gates.

  “Do not fear, the watchmen shall keep control of them and they would not harm a noble lady. Thornewall is blessed with well-tempered people, I believe,” he added with a smile.

  “Oh, I do not fear them. I should like to help.” She fished into her drawstring purse and shoved some coins into the box. “And there is my contribution. None should go hungry at Christmas.”

  “You are a kind-hearted lass, it appears. And here you have led me to believe that your heart is untouchable.”

  “Only to you,” she told him firmly. Rolling her eyes at his amused expression, she turned to her father, who observed the exchange from the church door. “May I stay and help distribute the alms?”

  "I will see her safe," Dominic interjected.

  Her father pursed his lips and gave a curt nod as Lucy fixed him with a pleading look. “Aye, but remain with the rest of the household, understand? You are not to be alone with him,” he added sharply, nodding towards Dominic.

  Dominic forced his expression to remain neutral. Montgomery still didn't trust him. Not that he could blame him, he had caught him kissing his daughter, after all. And he wanted to do it again...and again.

  Lucy glanced up at her father and smiled sweetly up at him. “Of course, Father.”

  He smothered his chuckle as Montgomery’s face softened and he almost pitied the man. Completely controlled by both women in his life. But then Lucy’s eyes flicked to his and his breathing stilted. Ack, Lucy had just as much hold over him.

  Lord and Lady Montgomery made their way back to the keep as he and Lucy handed out the coins to the grasping hands. He took in the weary faces with regret. Times were hard, the impact of the plague could still be felt and the reivers did not help the situation. If he could only do more. Even the castle stores were low, something that put them at great risk should Thornewall come under attack, and he had already taken steps to ensure their celebrations were low-key, but appearances needed to be maintained.

  Observing Lucy with the peasants, he had to admit that he did not regret the presence of some of his guests. She smiled easily as she distributed the coins, apparently more at ease with the villeins than people of her own standing. What a mystery the lass was.

  Brushing a strand of hair away from her face, her hazel eyes clashed with his and for a moment, her beam remained. His heart clenched and he fumbled and dropped some coins. Bending down to retrieve them, he was disappointed to see she had turned her back by the time he straightened.

  Handing out the last of the coins, he hastily made his way to Lucy’s side as she talked with an old woman. He admired the curve of her neck as she tilted her head to one side, wisps of pale hair tumbling over her shoulder. She patted the woman on the hand and turned, starting when she came face to face with his chest.

  ~* * *~

  Lucy considered the bargain she had struck with Dominic as she backed away from the intimidating chest and climbed onto her horse. She hated to admit it, but he had an uncanny ability to work through her defences. This morning she’d had little intention of even talking with the man and yet here she had agreed to give him a chance.

  One chance, that was all he had asked. She would give him that but she would not allow him access to her heart. Why she had even offered a mere chance, she was unsure. While Dominic was aware of the behaviour that dictated her opinion of him, what he did not realise was how deeply it affected her. His offhand comment those eight years ago had sealed the knowledge in her thirteen-year-old mind that she was as he had said -- nothing more than an unattractive, clumsy lass who could never hope to catch the attention of a man like Dominic, or any other man, for that matter.

  And while she nurtured that knowledge, she nurtured her hatred of the brash lord and everything he stood for. Avoiding social activities, Lucy threw herself into books and horsemanship, and learning all she could from her mother and father about running a demesne. She laughed inwardly. Not that she would ever put that knowledge to good use. Once her brother, Edward, returned from France, she would have little to occupy her.

  Ack, had she really just allowed herself to fall for the Lord of Thornewall’s infamous charms? It was true that she did not relish the thought of bickering with Dominic during the Christmas celebrations, but should she have accepted his apologies so easily? She peeked at him from underneath her lashes, observing the confident tilt of his chin. If she could but hold such self-assurance, then mayhap she would not fall so easily under his spell.

  She thought of her mother’s insistence that she stay. For whatever reason, her mother clearly wanted this match to happen. Not that it could ever be a happy one. Even if Dominic did go through with this ridiculous contract, he would soon tire of her. To believe that a woman with a ridiculous figure and little to recommend her other than her wit could hold the charismatic Lord Dominic’s heart was pure foolishness.

  Nay, she would not allow herself to be led down that path. She had looked up to him once before and he proved himself to be nothing more than a bully. A chance, she had said, to prove her wrong. Aye, she’d give him a chance but she’d not let him near her heart. As if he could prove me wron
g anyway. The next pretty lass that came along would soon steal away his attentions. Why did her heart drop at the thought? Ack, she really was a fool.

  She pulled her horse, Misty, back to allow the crowd of peasants to disperse as Dominic brushed off their profuse thanks and mounted his own horse. He glanced over and flashed a grin in her direction. His quick smile knotted her stomach and weakened her limbs. She jolted as her reins slipped from her fingers, and she snatched at them. Her sudden movement startled Misty who backed up under the eaves of a cottage, knocking into the wooden support. A rumble sounded but Lucy couldn’t comprehend what was causing it until a deluge of snow tumbled from the roof and onto the horse’s rear. Frightened by the cold snow, Misty bolted forward and careered through the crowd of people and out into the open countryside.

  ~* * *~

  Dominic cursed as he flicked the reins and shoved his heels into the horse’s flank. His powerful mount cut through the street and out onto the surrounding hills rapidly, and he spotted Lucy’s pale steed making towards a ragged patch of trees. His throat closed over as the horse thundered down a steep slope, kicking up snow as it went. He waited for her to go tumbling over as he urged his destrier on but she somehow remained in the saddle.

  The back of his neck prickled as he watched her mantle streaming behind her, the distance between them not closing rapidly enough for his liking. Damn it, she’d be cut to shreds in the woods. He’d never reach her in time.

  As the horse careered towards the bare trees, Dominic fought the urge to close his eyes and he watched helplessly as Lucy plunged forward and her mare reared. His breaths came raggedly as he closed in on her, ready to leap from his saddle and scoop her off the floor. But as the horse reared, instead of crashing to the ground like he expected, she snatched at the reins and held the horse in mid-air for a moment before its powerful hooves crashed to the ground.

  Dominic blinked as she urged her horse around, bounding back up the hill and past him, flashing him a bright smile as she went. He came to a stop and gave chase, cursing again but this time directing his curse at Lucy. She flicked a look over her shoulder and slowed down her pace as he gained on her.