Page 9 of His Dark Delights
She danced with the grace of flowing water;not a trained skill from endless etiquette lessons in youth, but a natural talent inherent to who she was. Something simple she found joy in. And the sparkle in her eyes as she danced with the heifer and that effortless grace captivated me.
Here in this meadow, surrounded by wildflowers that had bloomed too early for the season, she was elated. She was at peace. And there was an aura of contentment and hidden resilience within her that held my interest and propelled me into motion once again. There was something about this woman that spoke of soft sighs, demure touches, and innocent desire—something that spoke of secrets hidden in her heart and mind just begging to be discovered.
Secrets of the heart and body I was determined to uncover and keep for myself. And it was that thought that sealed my resolve and sent me into the all-consuming gravity of her orbit.
Chapter Four
Lilly
Ren and I dined in charged silence. Each clink of a spoon and muted slurp of vegetable stew were hefty reminders I wasn’t alone anymore. As was the persistent heat of his wandering eyes. I pretended not to notice his blatant curiosity searing into the side of my face when he thought I wasn’t looking.
No one had ever looked at me that way before. It differed from the wary curiosity of the neighboring villagers. Ren’s eyes held an intensity I had no experience reading.
The knight offered to clean up afterward. He flustered me, but I was grateful for the help. It gave me the opportunity to change the blood-stained bedding and turn over my thoughts. And to become uncomfortably aware of the close confines and sleepingarrangements. It was a simple thing when the knight slept soundly, wholly unconscious and clinging to life. It was another when he was awake and aware of my presence.
Though I had a bed upstairs in the loft, I’d spent most nights sleeping on the window bench to monitor the near-dead stranger. Now he didn’t require such close attention, yet I found myself almost disappointed by the loss. Perhaps a side effect of recent grief and loneliness, but I’d gradually appreciated the silent presence he offered.
On the other hand, I wasn’t unfamiliar with the stories of men and vulnerable women. It was a truth universally known in the hearts of ladies. Ren might have proved himself a gentleman so far, but human nature changed when the sun set. When darkness skirted over the land and biological urges turned men into monsters.
He found me at the edge of the bed with a quilt tucked over my arms, biting my lip until his voice diverted my attention. “I can sleep out in the barn if it makes you more comfortable.”
The offer cut loose the knot of anxiety in my chest.
“Oh, no, that’s unnecessary.” I turned with a slow smile. Ren leaned on the doorframe with his thick arms crossed over his chest. His imposing frame filled the entire threshold.
“I only noticed one bed. Where did you sleep while I was here, Lilly?” Ren asked, then shrugged. “Not that I would mind sharing.”
“I… I slept there.” I pointed to the bench under the window.
Ren’s face twisted. “That’s no place for a lady tosleep. I’m terribly sorry my presence put you out of your own bed.” He leaned back, shaking his head. “I’ll leave tonight and give you back your home.” Even as he said it, he cringed and placed a palm over the injury on his side.
“No.” I lurched forward. Thinking better of reaching out, I leashed myself back, wringing my fingers. “You’re still recovering and leaving in the dark wouldn’t be safe.”
“I’ll sleep on the floor,” he offered.
“And if you catch a chill, your fever might return.” I shook my head. “No, stay here and rest. Besides, that wasn’t my bed. I usually sleep upstairs in the loft.”
Ren paused, seeming to consider the double bed and the spare clothes he borrowed. Understanding settled over his expression, a grim sort of frown turning down the corners of his lips.
“If you insist,” he relented, hands up in surrender. A breath of relief passed through my lips.
“I do,” I huffed. He’d incense me if he went out and died after I went through the effort of saving him.
Ren vented a laugh, and the sound breezed over me like shadows and silk, curling through my ears and delighting my senses. I wanted to listen to him laugh all night long.
I placed the quilt on the mattress, looking at him across the expanse of the bed, the only thing keeping us apart. Father’s room had never seemed so small before, but the knight radiated a pressing aura. Everything in my home felt paltry compared to his glorious, towering bulk.
He split the silence. “You know, I heard your voice. During my fever, that is. I heard you talking to me.”
I perked up, sharply inhaling. “Oh, yes.” I reached for the worn leather book on the bench with my ribbon placeholder hanging loose. “I read to you every day. This was my father’s favorite. I read it to him too.”
Ren’s eye flicked between the bed and the book in my hands. “Would you read it to me now?”
“I’d be delighted to!” Perhaps I sounded a little too eager, but I enjoyed the story in my hands and reading calmed my nerves. I grabbed a knitted blanket, wrapped it around my shoulders, and settled onto the window seat with my legs crossed.
Ren lowered onto the bed, wincing at a pang from one of his many injuries. Despite his wounds, the knight moved with practiced grace. Every alluring line of his body flowed like a predator lurking in the skin of a man. I gripped the book so hard my hands shook, and I thought it might split in half.
The low orange glow of the fireplace cast dancing light and shadows on the wood-paneled walls. Night shrouded the farm in complete darkness, and somewhere in the distance, an owl hooted from the woods. But my voice filled the bedroom as I read a story I knew by heart.
