Page 13 of Eternally Bound

“You do not act like a maiden.” His lips turn up in a cheeky smile.

“What ya know about me or my life?” I sass back.

He pins me in the hay so quickly I don’t have a chance to run.

“That mouth will get you in trouble, miss. Now, I do believe I asked you for your name. Or shall I call you wench as my brethren do?” I lift my knee right into his bullocks.

He rolls away, hissing a curse, and I stand whipping the hay from my threadbare dress and cloak.

“You will mind your manners while in my father’s establishment. You may refer to me as Miss Fallon.” I pick up the rack I tripped on and start feeding the horses.

I ignore every sound of discomfort he makes.

Internally, I smile at myself, but if this soldier is anyone of consequence, I’m likely in for a beating tonight. To my surprise, instead of running off to tell on me, he sits quietly and watches me work before picking up another rack to help me.

“Whatcha think you’re doing?” I question in confusion.

“I’d like to have a proper conversation with you. Which would mean your chores would need to be finished, or someone will come looking for you.” I frown at his words.

“Why?” What could I possibly have to offer him?

“You have a wild spirit that calls to my soul, Miss Fallon. I mean to court you.” I gasp and drop the rack.

“NO.” I shake my head and turn to leave, but he catches my arm and spins me into the barn door.

“Yes. It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Fallon. My name is Lord Erik Mathias.” My mouth opens to protest, but his lips silence me.

I’ve never felt anything like it. I have a moment of fear, and then warmth fills me from head to toe. A heat that is so unnatural that it makes me feel like my skin is on fire, yet it doesn’t hurt. The opposite it’s a scary type of pleasure I’m not sure what to do with.

When he yanks his head away, I see I’ve been clutching it to me.

I drop my arms in embarrassment and shy away further into the corner of the barn, but he follows me like prey. He runs his fingers lightly through my red curls, pulling on the springs and then letting them bounce back.

“You are exquisite, Fallon. Forgive me for stealing that kiss. Your honor will remain intact. You said your father is the owner?” I nod, finding it difficult to speak after that experience.

He’s kissed me dumb, I think to myself, and a giggle escapes my lips.

“How old are you, Fallon?” I swallow the lump in my throat.

“Sixteen summers,” I mutter.

He curses and pulls at his hair.

“You’re barely of age. Why would you be working out here alone without an escort? I am closing this door, and you will remain here until I return.” Before I can protest, the barn is sealed shut.

“No, no, no! You must’en!” I scream as I bang on the door.

I stop only when the horses start to get agitated and begin to pace, chewing on my thumbnail. What feels like hours goes by, and finally, I hear shouting right before the barn door opens.

My Papa stares at me with a red face and angry eyes.

He starts taking his belt off, and I cringe away.

“You ungrateful little whore!” I scream as the belt flies up in an arch to hit me.

I back away, bringing my arms up to protect my face, but the belt never meets my skin.

“That is quite enough, Sir. You will step away from my intended. You have been adequately compensated, so we shall take our leave.” I open my eyes and watch as my Papa lifts his head off the dirt in the stall meters from where he was standing.

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