Samantha James by My Cherished Enemy Read Free Book Online

trained, she noted scathingly. Indeed, they might have been fairies of old, for they made no sound, weaving quietly and stealthily behind their leader.
    At the top of the stairs, she paused. Her mind raced in tempo with her heart. What if she were to lead them to the floor above, where Richard's knights lay deep in sleep?
    But alas, he had felt the sudden tension in her body. His hated breath fell upon her cheek. "Do not think to deceive me, milady. I could crush the breath from you in an instant." His arm tightened as if to make good his threat.
    But he had come too far to risk making his presence known, and Kathryn knew it. She met his gaze fearlessly. Their eyes clashed wordlessly. Realizing the futility of her plan and the helplessness of her position, Kathryn tightened her lips and gave a jerky nod. "Uncle's chamber is at the far end of this floor."
    She was taut as a bowstring by the time they arrived outside her uncle's door. The earl's presence beside her was unnerving. She hated the touch of his hand on her body; she suspected he knew it as well. He held her as if he feared she would bolt any moment, yet she was surrounded by his men. Where could she run that he could not find her?
    "He is within?" Again he spoke for her ears alone.
    Kathryn nodded. She tried to pull back but he wouldn't let her. His eyes gleamed. "Oh, no, lady. If you betray me now, I would know it." With that he flung open the door of the chamber and pushed her inside.
    The knight he called Hugh stepped in as well, carrying a rushlight. The room was illuminated. Kathryn held her breath, unsure of what to expect.
    "Damnation!" thundered a booming voice. "Who dares disturb me at this hour!" A meaty hand reached to thrust aside the bed curtains but another was too quick.
    "You are Richard of Ashbury?"
    Richard, red-faced with fury, fell back against the pillows. His eyes widened at the sight of the earl, towering threateningly above the bed. Beside him, another figure stirred. Helga sat up, rubbing her eyes and blinking sleepily.
    The earl spoke but three words to her. "You, girl. Out." Helga took one look at the earl, grabbed her clothes, and fled. Another time, perhaps, and Kathryn might have been amused. She doubted Helga had even noticed her standing near the wall.
    The door creaked shut behind her. The knight called Hugh walked over and slid the bolt. The air was suddenly pulsing with tension.
    "I ask once more." Guy's voice was deceptively mild. 'You are Richard?"
    Richard's mouth opened then closed. He hadn't missed the murderous rage in the other man's eyes. His nod was jerky.
    Guy stared down at the man he'd sworn would be his. His smile was savage.
    "Who are you?" Richard gasped. "I have done you no harm, sir knight. Yet you invade my home. My very chamber!"
    Guy's handsome features froze. "I am Guy de Marche, Earl of Sedgewick."
    Richard blanched. His gaze darted to the corner. His sword lay propped against the wall, along with his dagger and other trappings of war.
    The earl's hand fell to his own sword, still in its scabbard at his side. He caressed the handle with deliberate intent. "You would do us both a favor to go for your weapon," he said softly. "I've a mind to end this quickly."
    Kathryn pressed herself against the wall. The earl looked ready to tear Richard apart, limb by limb. God knew she wanted nothing more than to be rid of her uncle, but the menacing intensity of the earl's expression was terrifying. She inhaled sharply. "You can't," she reminded him quickly. "You promised there would be no bloodshed. You promised!"
    Richard's eyes lit on her. His face contorted with rage. "You traitorous bitch! You are the one who brought him here! You have conspired with him to see me thrust from my own keep! Bedamned, girl! I'll see you and that spineless sister of yours thrown out on your ears—"
    Guy stepped forward. “She is guilty of nothing save being caught outside the walls with her lover."
    Richard's eyes bulged. "Her