Never Kiss A Stranger by Heather Grothaus Read Free Book Online Page A

yet he had used many of the same words her sister had. Spoiled. Childish. Foolish. Somehow, the terms stung more coming from this man than they ever had flicked from Sybilla’s cool tongue.
    “I am only dressed this way because Sybilla and I had a falling-out during the winter feast. I didn’t take time to change. I don’t wear clothing like this all the time—I even brought my everyday gown with me.”
    “Oh, your
everyday
gown! What is it made of? Gold?”
    “No, it’s woolen,” she said calmly. “And I didn’t leave Fallstowe because I was denied a pony, you heartless ass. Sybilla is to see me married to the Lord of Blodshire in thirty days because I would not cow to her unreasonable demands. If anyone acted out of spite, ‘twas her.”
    “I know of Blodshire. ‘Twould be a noble enough match for you, a younger sister. Why would you take such a pairing as spiteful?”
    Alys blinked. “Have you
met
Clement Cobb?”
    “I’ve not had the pleasure of Clement’s acquaintance in some years, but I do know of his mother. Nasty old bitch.”
    “Isn’t she?”
    “Indeed.”
    She shrugged. “Well, at least we have something in common. Sybilla only did it because I refused to bow and scrape to her in front of our guests. Because I would not stand to be insulted by Clement’s awful mother. Because I would not allow Etheldred to further abuse poor Layla.And because I would not apologize for speaking the truth. So if that is childish, then I suppose I am.”
    “You’re certainly headstrong. And yes, it likely is childish.”
    “Go to hell, Piers Whatever-your-name-is.”
    There was pity in his eyes. “Go back to Fallstowe, Alys Foxe.”
    “I won’t. Not today,” Alys hurried when Piers lowered his brow. “I can’t face Sybilla and what she’s done today. I’m too weary, by far. I must think of some way to change her mind before I confront her.”
    “As you wish, but find somewhere else to think, eh?”
    “You really intend to send me off alone, don’t you?”
    “Yes.” He put his hands on his hips and stared at her. After a long moment, through which Alys was determined to hold his gaze, he cursed softly and dropped his eyes. “Fine, dammit. You may rest here for the day.”
    Alys smiled triumphantly.
    “But don’t think for one moment that this”—he waggled a finger between them—“is to continue beyond the time it takes for the sun to set over yonder hills. I am no child’s nurse.”
    Alys raised her eyebrows. “And I am no child.”
    “Well, that is debatable, isn’t it?”
    “Not at all. Very well then, crawl back inside your hole and get your own rest. You look as though death wouldn’t have you—I do hope that’s due to your fatigue and injuries, and not how you look all the time.”
    “You shan’t have to worry about that though, shall you?”
    Alys shrugged and gestured to the monkey, who was picking beneath the peeling bark of one of the trees. “Layla and I shall fare quite well with my cloak toshelter us.” She couldn’t help but add, “‘Tis quite warm—lined with sable, you know.”
    Piers shook his head, letting her playful goad pass ignored. “No, you take the lean-to. If your hair or gown should peek out, you’d be a banner to any passers-by. Your very presence here is a grave liability to me, Alys.”
    “Oh, come now,” she scoffed with a smile as she passed him. “It can’t all be so dire. Who would care so much to see a simple commoner such as yourself dead?”

Chapter 4
    “He’s not dead.”
    It was quite obvious to Judith Angwedd Mallory, Lady of Gillwick, that the peasant was petrified of delivering this piece of news to her. And if ‘twas true, then right he was to be frightened.
    Judith Angwedd did not adhere to the tradition of sparing the messenger.
    She calmly leaned back in her chair at the dining table, her chalice still in her hand. There was no need to become alarmed as of yet. She dismissed the only servant from the room with a