Becoming a Lady by Adaline Raine Read Free Book Online Page B

tie to her and then we will discuss my exploitations.”  Sir Randall bowed at the waist.


    “ I could have you hanged for simply breathing without my permission.”  Sir William tilted his head to the side.
    

    Sir Randall straightened.  “I will find out without delay.”  He looked over at Anna.  “Then I will be free to have you as I please.”


    Sir William made a sound that sounded like a laugh.  “I am amused, Sir, by your lack of concern over this matter.”


    Sir Randall spread his hands out in front of him.  “I know that you have no proof and you simply wanted me to leave the wench alone.”  He laughed.  “She is a feisty one.”


    “ I have already met with Lord Wendel this night.  He is deciding what to do with you as we speak.” 
    Anna wondered what sort of expression his face held .

Sir Randall tilted his head to the side and scoffed.  “Now I know that you are bluffing.  You do not have that sort of power.”


    Sir William turned so that Anna could see his face and smiled.  He threw open the chamber doors and shouted, “Sir Randall is in thy Lord’s chambers!”  A half-dozen or so men appeared immediately, and took hold of the much smaller man.  He thrashed and cursed as they held him.
    “ You did this for a wench!”


    Sir William struck him in the head with the button of his sword, rendering him unconscious.  “Take him away.”


    Anna watched the men file out.  She was staring at Sir William with a look that could either be seen as intense passion or pure hate.  Why had he taken so long to speak to her?  


    “Are you hurt?”


    Anna looked up at him and shook her head.  “I am not physically hurt, Sir.”


    “ What an unusual response.”  Sir William handed her a goblet from the table.
    “ I still have questions.”  Anna accepted it and sipped it slowly.


    “ Patience is not your strong suit.”  Sir William glanced around the room.  “Do you need to be attended to?”


    “ In which manner do you speak of?”  Anna finished the drink in one swallow.


    Sir William shook his head.  “Do not prove the words of a dead man true.”


    Anna huffed.  “Will you attend to me?”


    “ That is not in my jurisdiction, but I shall send your maid.”  Sir William took her empty cup.
    “ I do not want a maid.”  Anna rubbed at her temples and then set her hands down in her lap.
    “ What are you requesting then?”  Sir William extended his hand to her.


    “ When will you answer me?”  Anna refused his hand and crossed her arms in front of her.  She was not in the mood to be obedient and compliant.  She wanted answers.
    “ You do not make commands of me.”  He shook his head as he sat down on the far end of the chaise.
    “ Then why do you pay me any mind at all?”  Anna got up on her knees and was staring at him.  She had nearly forgotten how attractive he was when he was being considerate of her.  His dark eyes were staring at the fire and she longed for them to focus on hers.
    “ I have asked myself that question as well.”  Sir William muttered under his breath.
    “ If you had not been here tonight, that monster would have hurt me again.”  Anna moved closer to him.
    Sir William turned and looked at her.  “Do not fret over what could have happened.”
    “ I have been waiting for those answers, Sir, as I am still owed an explanation.”  Her words held no heat but she had already been so patient!  Why would he not share?
    Sir William reached his hand up to where her thigh and bottom met and patted it.  “You are not in my possession.  Keep your questions for another time.”  He moved his arm.
    Anna straightened her back and snapped.  “I cannot continue to bear them!”
    Sir William closed his eyes and opened them.  He turned towards her and slowly leaned forward until he was only inches from her ear.  “Drop your voice and lay