A Stormy Knight by Amy Mullen Read Free Book Online

was shorter than most men , and he had a rash of red hair atop an abnormally round head. The man was built like the other Bigod men , with a wide , barrel - shaped midsection that seem ed too large for his thin, scrawny legs. Like his father, he always dressed well, but that was the only redeeming quality in his appearance she could find.
    More significantly, he was a miserable person with delusions of being important. His smile never reached his eyes , and he always seemed to be looking over his shoulder. There were stories of him beating servants in his home. She imagined what a man like Phillip would do to his wife and children over time. His family home, Renoir Castle, was less than an hour on horseback from Blackstone, which was too close as far as she was concerned.
    In an attempt to appear as if nothing was wrong, she smiled as brightly as she could and walked toward Phillip. She tugged Leda ' s hand so she knew to stay nearby.
    " But milady, " Leda said in a loud whisper, " I must prepare food for the late arrivals and those who missed the meal this eve. "
    " This will just take a moment. "
    " May I talk to you alone, milady? " Phillip said to her as she neared with Leda right on her heels.
    " Phillip, you know that would not be proper. There is nothing you can say to me you cannot say in front of Leda. "
    " I came to see about your father and to offer help finding your brother, " he said. The tone of his voice made Gemma uneasy. It was the same feeling she always had when he was near.
    " Thank you, " she said , remaining composed. She marveled at how fast news, especially bad news, seemed to travel. " Father is not well . T hough he seems healthy, he does not rise from his sleep. "
    His voice lowered and his eyes closed into a squint. She watched as he licked his lips and took a small step toward her. A shudder went up her spine . " I could help. I can offer protection. All you have to do is to take me up on my offer. We could be wed as soon as the morrow. You will never have to worry again. My family will protect you and your father. "
    " That is quite enough, " a deep voice boomed through the hall. All three jumped. Nicholas walked toward them with long, swift strides. He had removed his mail and helmet yet still resembled a lord on the warpath. Gemma was awestruck. He was truly no longer the boy she remembered.
    Startled, Phillip backed away from Gemma a few steps but tried to puff himself up. He thrust his chin upward and pushed his chest forward. His breathing quickened, and h e looked like a stuffed pig.
    " Cook, you are dismissed. ' Twould seem you have work to do, " Nicholas said in a dismissive tone that angered Gemma all over again. " Phillip, I allowed you to come to offer your condolences, as it seems we are to be neighbors, but I will not have you undermining me. Gemma and I are to be wed. I will offer all of the protection she and her father could possibly need. Henry has men out searching for Gavin. ' Twould seem everything is taken care of here. "
    His tone was so dismissive Leda all but scampered away toward the kitchen , and Phillip was struck speechless for a moment. He finally spoke after what seem ed like the longest and most awkward silence Gemma had ever endured. " Her father wanted us to marry. "
    " Things have changed. If he truly wished it, ' twould be done by now. Be gone, Bigod, and I will not see you near my wife again. "
    " She is n-n-not your wife, " he said.
    " She will be soon enou gh, " Nicholas said and focused his attention on Gemma. " Go to your quarters. I will join you shortly so we can speak in private. "
    Gemma felt like smacking him across the face, but she was glad to see th at Phillip had been reduced to a shivering weakling in his presence. At least something good had come of this. Perhaps he would leave and never return, saving her from enduring his presence ever again.
    " I will be in my chamber, " she whispered, " but you are not welcome. " She spun and walked toward the