Page 110 of Come the Morning

“Ah!” he cried mockingly from just an inch behind her. “Would great Adin allow dinner now, in the face of such obstinate disdain and total rejection? I think not.” He reached out, catching her arm, spinning her around.

“Waryk, we’ve a guest—”

“And you are concerned for him now? I imagine that since Sir Percy might have managed on his own without you, he can fare on his own without me as well.”

“We’ve a household—”

“Aye, and the household can entertain our guest. I like being like Adin, my lady.”

“You’re not like Adin!”

“Fine. I shall be like me.” Alarmed by the look in his eyes, she tried to wrench free. He drew her to him, sweeping her into his arms. He turned in the corridor. Angry strides brought him to their chambers, and he kicked the door open with a power thatmade the wood groan and shudder. Inside, he closed the door in much the same manner.

“Waryk, stop this, leave me alone!” she cried.

“Nay, lady, I will not.”

She struggled in his arms, writhing like a fish on a hook, then slamming her palms against his chest. She realized after a moment that he was just standing there, letting her beat against him, and then he walked with her to the furs before the fire, eased to his knees, and laid her there, his eyes locking with hers once again.

“Listen to me,” he told her.

She shook her head, staring at him, trying to keep the tears stinging her eyes from falling. “No, I will not listen—”

“You will.” He reached out, drawing his knuckles down her cheek. “You may believe this or not, but I’ve no desire to go to Tyne.”

“I don’t care—”

“You do, that’s what this is all about.”

“But you will go to Tyne. And you will see her.”

“You see Ewan daily.”

“That is different. We were never …”

“But did that matter? You did love him. Enough to fight for him, to defy the king for him! I can’t deny that Eleanora and I were lovers, and in truth, I must either see her or blind myself, a rather drastic measure to take.”

She turned her face from his, staring at the fire. He caught her chin, and drew her back to look at him. “I admit as well, in marrying you, I felt myself wed to a double-edged sword, albeit an enticing one at that. But then, since, I have also admitted that I find you quite beautiful, while you have discovered me only slightly less than repulsive.”

“Waryk—”

He set his palms upon her face, and lowered his mouth to hers. She tried to twist free, and could not. His kiss was engulfing, forceful … seductive … relentless. She fought hard not to respond, yet was breathless when he raised his head from hers.

“Ah, yes, a mistress. Well, she never fought me, you know.”

“I’ve never fought you.”

He arched a brow.

She set her jaw. “I know that I’m your wife,” she said tightly.

“Duty, eh, my love? A mistress seduces—there is a difference.”

“Well, sir, you’ll be seeing her soon enough, since you’ve chosen not to blind yourself.”

“Ah, well, it was a try … then I shall have to do the seducing myself.” He set a hand upon her bodice, fingers tangling around the embroidered lacing there. She caught hold of his hand, amazed that despite her anger and determination, she could still want him so. His scent seemed to permeate her senses, his touch created fire, his eyes danced with the blaze, and his power seemed to be all around her.

“No,” she murmured, fingers curled around his.