Borderland Bride by Samantha Holt

leave with a wry smile on her face and Jake realised he would never forget her that way, wrapped in nothing but a sheet and glowing and satisfied from their lovemaking. Aye, how the fates had smiled down upon him.
     

    Chapter Six
     
    Isabel stared at the closed door for some time, stupidly clutching at the sheet as if hoping it would bring her some comfort. Guilt racked her.
    She loved him. Completely. His honour, his sense of duty, his kind temperament…they all plucked at her heart. And their lovemaking! Isabel had not known it could be like that between a man and woman.
     Nevertheless, her deception burnt in her gut and when he had spoken such tender words to her she was unable to return the sentiments, even though her heart cried out to be heard. Would he understand why she had lied? It was not about hurting him but protecting herself. If her father found out where she was…
    She shuddered, the thought of falling back into his hands sending a chill up her spine. She would have to tell him, Isabel concluded, and pray he understood her need for secrecy. Surely he would.
    Aye, she would tell him.
    On the morrow.
    For this day, she would relish in the delight of their lovemaking.
    Isabel washed herself with the cold bath water, running her fingers absently over the red marks Jake had left with his teeth and fingers. She ached, but blissfully so, reminding her of his possession of her body. She was thoroughly his.
    Jumping as Winnie entered, Isabel pulled her sheet around her shoulders. She flushed. Winnie missed nothing, surely she would spy the scratches?
    Winnie bustled past her and started rummaging in her clothes chest. “Ye been in bed, milady? Have ye been unwell? Ah, here we are.”
    “Nay, Winnie, not the red,” Isabel told her with a smile.
    Winnie eyed the gown. “Not the red? But ‘tis beautiful…” Winnie’s eyes widened and she dropped the gown to the floor. “Sweet Mary, ye spoke.”
    Isabel laughed. “Aye.”
    Chuckling, Winnie flung her arms around her waist and Isabel found her nose buried in her wimple as the stout maid pressed her into her plump body.
    Drawing back, Winnie eyed her. “I knew it would return, milady, I could feel it in me bones. Ye’re too sweet a lassie to be punished so.”
    “Well, I’m sure ‘twas due to your diligent care, Winnie. I am grateful that I can thank you properly now, I have taken up much of your time.”
    Winnie dabbed at her eyes with her apron. “Nonsense, milady. Ye take little looking after. ‘Twas a pleasure. In truth, ‘tis nice to have a proper lady around. I’d rather be dressing ye in fine gowns than dressing the lord’s wounds.” She bent down to pick up the gown and stuffed it back into the chest. “Have ye seen them today? Do they know of the return of ye voice?”
    Isabel hesitated. “Nay, nay I have not.”
    “Well, let us get ye dressed in all yer finery. No doubt there will be much celebrating tonight. Lord knows, the master needs little encouragement to bring out the wine and dance with a beautiful lady.”
    Isabel grinned, but it was not the thought of dancing with Dominic that warmed her heart. It was Jake. Oh, how she could not wait to see him again. Tonight she would take true pleasure in dressing up, for it would be all for him.
    “Not the red, ye say?”
    “Aye, no red, Winnie. And no more tight braids,” she told her firmly.
    “But, milady—”
    Isabel couldn’t hold back a laugh when she saw Winnie’s astonished face. “No more braids, Winnie.”
    ~* * *~
    The smell of roasted meats and warm bread wafted through the courtyard as Isabel stepped across the frostbitten ground. Winnie panted as she grabbed at Isabel’s skirts and hurried along behind her.
    The sky was an inky black, virtually clear of cloud and the crescent moon lit one side of the keep. It seemed more vast and grand than ever before, with its round towers and wide upper windows, and infinitely more beautiful, set amongst the empty moors.
    A watchman