Borderland Beauty Read online

  “Hell’s teeth, lass, are you mad?” he grated out, struggling to regain his breath as he approached. He clenched his reins, fighting the urge to clamp his hands around Lucy and shake her for scaring him so.

  Lucy laughed and his breath stuck in his throat as he drew his mount to her side. Her cheeks were flushed and her eyes sparkled with delight. Eyeing the tilt of her pale lips, his body tensed as heat ignited under his skin. It almost dampened his anger.

  Almost.

  “You could have been killed,” he persisted when she showed no sign of remorse.

  “Misty would never throw me,” she said with a grin and an affectionate pat to the horse’s mane.

  He swiped a hand over his damp brow and glowered at her. “You could have been scratched to death in those trees. Of all the foolish—”

  “I had little intention of being dragged through the trees. It just took me a while to calm her down, ‘tis all. I had everything under control.” She secured him with a serious look.

  “Under control? Under—” he spluttered.

  “It was hardly my fault that Misty was startled, Lord Dominic. There is little reason for you to be so riled with me.” Her lips tilted again as she cast her gaze over his exasperated expression. “But you need not have given chase. I was in no need of rescuing.”

  “Ack!” He sucked in a deep breath and held it, forcing the swell of anger down. It was a rare thing for him to lose his temper but, by God, Lucy was testing it. “You are damned lucky you were not hurt. You may not care for your neck, but I…” he hesitated before adding firmly, “I do.”

  Her smile dropped swiftly and her eyes flew wide. She opened her mouth but he held up a hand.

  “You’ve had your fun for the day. Can we return to the keep? I have need of a strong drink.”

  Dropping her gaze, Lucy shifted in her saddle and Dominic suffered a pang of remorse for his temper. Ack, she was right, it was not her fault the horse had been startled.

  “I meant not to rile you,” she offered quietly, “‘twas not my intention. I did not think you’d be so concerned and I knew Misty would not lead me to harm.”

  His posture softened and he shook his head with a small smile. “‘Tis alright, lass.” His gaze skimmed over her. “You have some skill with a horse.”

  The red in her cheeks deepened at his words. It amused him how compliments towards her figure or her beauty merely garnered him a wry look of disbelief but one word on her riding skills and she flustered like a young maid.

  “I enjoy riding,” she told him carefully.

  “Aye, that much is evident. ‘Tis the first time you’ve directed one of those smiles at me.” He leaned over and brushed a wisp of hair away from her face, noting the slight parting of her lips. “Would that I could garner another one.”

  Dominic watched as she tried and failed to tame her smile and fix him with a stern look. He chuckled and she shook her head with a flash of a grin that made his stomach clench.

  She manoeuvred her horse away from him, taking it a few steps forward before looking at him over her shoulder. “Do not hold onto hope, Lord Dominic,” she told him as she thrust her heels into her horse, “I do not bestow my smiles easily,” she called out with a laugh as her horse raced away.

  Pausing to watch her fair hair streaming out behind her and the ease in which she rode, Dominic sighed before urging his mount to catch up with her. I’ll have to get her on a horse more often, he decided. He’d caught glimpses of the real Lucy since yesterday, but this was the first time she’d revealed herself openly to him. He gritted his teeth as she flicked a glance at him, her teasing expression still in place. Lucy Montgomery was certainly a handful. What he wouldn’t give to make her his handful.

  Chapter Five

  Lucy was out of breath and cold by the time they ducked through the gatehouse and directed the horses to the stables. The streets had been relatively quiet now that everyone had returned to their homes for dinner, and she had ridden Misty hard. She stroked the horse with a smile, knowing she probably enjoyed it as much.

  Peeking over at Dominic as he slid from his saddle, she fought the smile that seemed to linger ever since he’d chased after her. She realised she shouldn’t, but she couldn’t help but feel pleased at having riled the gregarious lord. While she was constantly aware of everything, terrified of making the wrong move, nothing ever seemed to bother him. She watched with twisting envy as he strolled around with absolute assurance.

  She expected him to come and aid her down but he didn’t, instead moving to unsaddle his mount. Frowning at his sudden lack of concern for her, she dismounted, muttering to herself. Foolish lass, you should be glad.

  Watching the easy movement of his lithe body, Lucy gulped as her knees trembled slightly. Her lips prickled as her gaze settled on his own firm ones. He was right, of course. She would struggle to forget their kiss. Of all the men, she had to kiss him. She doubted he really gave much consideration to it, whatever he said. Lord Dominic had likely kissed more women than he could care to remember and, soon enough, she would simply be another in that long list. No doubt she wouldn’t fare too well compared to the great beauties he’d been with.

  The thought stole away her smile as he came around to her horse and helped her with her saddle. His fingertips brushed briefly over hers and she darted back.

  “Your hands are cold,” he murmured, turning his full attention on her as he motioned to a stable hand to take Misty.

  “I—”

  He cut her off as he snatched her hands and enclosed them in his. The sudden warmth sent a tingle through her and she froze as his blazing eyes locked onto hers.

  “You have that look in your eyes again, Luce.”

  “W-What look?”

  “The one that says you do not trust me.”

  “Will you not let the matter be? You know well enough my opinions. We need not go over them again.”

  “Not when it steals the light from your eyes.”

  Ack, who spoke like that? His every word was like poetry, plucking at her weak heart. Feeling the breath stick in her throat as she followed the lines of his strong jaw, she wrenched her hands from his, only to stumble as she struggled to turn away.

  Strong hands came around her waist and pulled her upright, sending the tingling racing through her entire body. Lucy felt the heat of embarrassment rise and she cursed her clumsiness inwardly. Why was it she was perfectly composed on the back of a horse, but put her on her feet and she could barely stay upright? Dominic’s past words ran through her mind and she shook her head as she pushed his hands from her. Whether he meant them or not, she was as he’d said. A woman with ill grace and little going for her.

  He stepped back as she stiffened, sweeping his gaze over her with a barely veiled look of concern. It unnerved her how he could sense the changes in her mood so easily. She should never have softened to him in the first place. If only he were not so charming. She eyed him back.

  Or so handsome.

  “We must return,” she forced out through her tight throat. “Dinner will no doubt be under way shortly.”

  Dominic sighed audibly and gave her a lopsided grin that sent heat spiralling through her body. “As you will, lass.” He motioned towards the stable door. “After you.”

  She hurried past him, concentrating on putting one foot in front of the other. I will not make a fool of myself again, she thought determinedly. Dominic made no attempt to walk beside her but she could hear his boots sweeping through the snow behind her. Would his bold blue eyes be watching her or had he lost interest now? Whatever his strange fixation with her was, she was sure it would vanish soon enough, as sure as the snow would melt.

  ~* * *~

  The smell of roasted meat greeted them as they peeled off their cloaks and handed them to the serving girls. Lucy lowered her gaze as all eyes turned to them. She hurried away from Dominic, determined to put as much distance between them as possible. The thought of people gossiping about her made her stomac
h churn. And Lord Dominic was a fine one for attracting the attention of the gossips. She did not want to become fodder for their entertainment too.

  A huge boar waited on the serving table, an apple in its mouth and surrounded by greenery. Ack, could she bear another lengthy meal sat at Dominic’s side and under the scrutiny of all the guests? She should never have agreed to stay, but it was not in her nature to disturb the peace and if she’d disappeared, no doubt the rumours would have been far worse than a little speculation.

  Thankfully the meal was quieter than the feast the night before. Some of the guests were likely still suffering from last night, and the heavy food and warm atmosphere cast a lethargic haze over everyone. Everyone, that was, aside from Dominic. He watched her avidly, leaving her on edge as they finished their meal and sat around the Great Hall as the servants poured out some warm wine.

  Lucy grabbed a goblet hastily and brought it to her mouth, eager for the soothing heat to ease her nerves. A drizzle of wine sloshed onto her chest and she muttered a curse, scanning the room to see if anyone noticed as she dabbed at it. Ack, Dominic had spotted her mishap and was watching her from his chair by the fire with an amused twinkle in his eye. She glared back, attempting to cover her embarrassment.

  Her head whipped away as one of the ladies spoke up, “Come, Lord Dominic, will you not share with us some poetry?”

  Lucy straightened in her seat. Lord Dominic quoting poetry? “You read poetry?”

  A grin slid across his face as he turned to her “Aye, I’ve been known to. Do not look so shocked, lass. I am not wholly uncultured.”

  Lucy dropped her gaze to the floor as her face heated. Ack, when would he stop surprising her? It would make it so much easier to hate him if he just behaved as he should. It’s all an act, she reminded herself. Remember that. Bringing her head up, she smiled slowly.

  “What shall you share with us, then? I can choose one for you, if you like.” Aye, an obscure one, one that he would likely have never read. That would catch him out.

  “Nay, there is no need. I have one in mind.” He stood and strode confidently over to the fireplace, positioning himself directly in her line of sight.

  Lucy snapped her jaw shut as she felt her mouth dry. Lord Dominic was going to quote poetry to her. Nay, not to her. It was not for her. It was for all his guests. Yet with his blue eyes burning into hers, it was hard to remember that there was anyone else in the room.

  He gave her a small nod as if saying that it was indeed just for her. He cleared his throat. “‘This Will Not Win Him, by Rumi’:

  Reason says,

  I will win him with my eloquence.

  Love says,

  I will win him with my silence.

  Soul says,

  How can I ever win him

  When all I have is already his?

  He does not want, he does not worry,

  He does not seek a sublime state of euphoria -

  How then can I win him

  With sweet wine or gold?

  He is not bound by the senses -

  How then can I win him

  With all the riches of China?

  He is an angel,

  Though he appears in the form of a man.

  Even angels cannot fly in his presence -

  How then can I win him

  By assuming a heavenly form?

  He flies on the wings of God,

  His food is pure light -

  How then can I win him

  With a loaf of baked bread?

  He is neither a merchant, nor a tradesman -

  How then can I win him

  With a plan of great profit?

  He is not blind, nor easily fooled -

  How then can I win him

  By lying in bed as if gravely ill?

  I will go mad, pull out my hair,

  Grind my face in the dirt -

  How will this win him?

  He sees everything -

  how can I ever fool him?”

  Dominic paused as he shot her a meaningful look and Lucy pressed a hand to her chest as the pressure built until her breaths quickened. She glanced around to see if anyone had noticed her reaction but the rest of the guests were as entranced as she.

  He continued,

  “He is not a seeker of fame,

  A prince addicted to the praise of poets -

  How then can I win him

  With flowing rhymes and poetic verses?

  The glory of his unseen form

  Fills the whole universe

  How then can I win him

  With a mere promise of paradise?

  I may cover the earth with roses,

  I may fill the ocean with tears,

  I may shake the heavens with praises -

  none of this will win him.

  There is only one way to win him,

  this Beloved of mine -

  Become his.”

  He fell silent, latching his gaze onto Lucy’s and she shivered. Become his? Oh, how easy it would be just to fall into those arms. A ripple of applause broke the moment and Lucy clapped her hands mechanically.

  His words echoed through her mind as she sank into bed that night, her mind fuzzy with wine and confusion. Every rational thought bade her to take caution, but her body and every irrational thought said otherwise. Just a few more days, she thought, as the wine-induced sleep encroached on her. Just stay strong for a few more days. How hard could that be?

  ~* * *~

  Curled up in a chair by the fire, Lucy squinted as she attempted to focus on her book. Her skin tingled as she observed Dominic out of the corner of her eye. Her senses had been on alert since he entered the hall, his hair pulled away from his face and his heavy cloak enhancing the breadth of his shoulders. In spite of herself, she had traced every inch of his profile, sucking in a breath as his eyes flicked over to her.

  Burying her head back into her book, she rubbed at her forehead with a sigh. The love story in her hand held little sway over Lord Dominic. No matter how hard she tried, her gaze kept drifting back to him, even though she recognised she was only adding to his belief that she would fall for him.

  Several of the guests gathered near the door and Lucy ascertained that they were going ice-skating. She'd heard mention of it this morning and had been deliberately vague. She'd never skated before and had little intention of doing so. With her clumsy manners, she'd probably give them all a good laugh. Forcing herself to turn her back on them, she hunched over her book and forced herself to focus on the words.

  “Will you not join us, Luce?”

  Tearing herself from her book, she followed the line of his tunic until she reached his face. His eyes flashed as he noted her perusal of him. Silly fool, why could she not behave normally around him? She darted a hesitant glance at her father as something resembling a growl resounded from him. Her mother jabbed her elbow into his side and with an indignant look, he buried his head back into his book.

  “Well, I…I’ve not skated before.”

  “Go on, Lucy,” her mother urged. “‘Twill do you some good to get some fresh air.”

  “I can show you how,” Dominic volunteered.

  Lucy looked him over with a frown. Why was he so determined to spend time with her? She snorted inwardly. No doubt he thought she would be the source of some amusement. A swell of indignation bubbled inside of her. Slapping shut her book, she stood quickly. Well, she would prove him wrong.

  “Aye,” she said firmly. “Aye, I think I shall.”

  “Not unaccompanied,” her father mumbled through the side of his mouth.

  Her mother patted his arm. “Lord and Lady Beaumont will be there, dear, as will the other girls.”

  “Not unaccompanied, Eleanor.”

  “Oh, very well. I will come.” Lucy’s mother smoothed down her skirts as she stood.

  Dominic motioned for her to sit. “Lady Eleanor, ‘tis not necessary. Winnie can accompany Lucy. Pray stay and enjoy the warmth and the wine.”

>   Lucy rolled her eyes and watched as they discussed her. Lord, they were all behaving as if she were some young maid. Even Dominic was tiptoeing around her as if she were some fragile flower. Likely awaiting his moment to strike, she thought snidely.

  “Aye, as you will, Lord Dominic.” Her mother sat again. “Lucy, be sure to put on your thickest mantle.”

  “Aye, Mother,” she said through her teeth.

  Winnie scurried to her side and helped her with her mantle as the rest of the party readied themselves for the outing. Winnie gave her a bright smile and Lucy chuckled. Ack, some chaperone Winnie would be. The woman worshipped the ground on which her lord walked. He could do nothing wrong in her eyes. It was a good thing that Lucy had little intention of allowing Dominic any liberties.

  Even if his kisses tasted as though crafted from the heavens.

  Shaking her head, she pulled up her hood, the fur lining tickling her over-sensitive skin. Why? Why did he have this effect on her? It was not fair.

  They traipsed out into the snowy courtyard, followed by several servants. Dominic’s footsteps crunched behind her and she picked up her pace. He caught up with her in several strides but she kept her gaze focused on the servants leading the way, stealing only the quickest of peeks through the fur of her hood.

  “You will like skating, I think. Your mother tells me you are an active lass.”

  Lucy groaned to herself. My thanks, Mother. “Really? And what else does my mother tell you? Pray tell, is she sharing all my secrets?”

  “Nay, unfortunately not. Though I would very much like to discover them for myself.”

  She stared at him for a moment, waiting for the flicker of amusement or the teasing glint, but his expression remained shuttered. The barest glimmer of something flashed in his eyes and it made her chest constrict.

  Drawing in a breath, she offered him a cool smile. “Well, I fear you shall be disappointed, my lord. I hold no secrets.”