Page 110 of The Rogue’s Embrace

The physician came to visit Isabel a few days later. He pronounced her ribs nearly fully healed but ordered more bed rest. More bed rest! Lord, if she stayed in bed much longer, she'd lose her head. Jake had taken her to supper and there was little else to do. Most of the household was abed but she was not tired. How could she be when she had spent the best part of the day in bed?

Isabel nearly jumped with glee when Winnie came to help prepare her for bed. Winnie puffed and sat on the bed for a moment as she gathered her breath. Grabbing Winnie's arm as she made to gather her comb, Isabel shook her head.

Talk to me, Isabel implored.

The maid tilted her head with a soft smile. "Are ye not tired, milady? Ye wish for some entertainment? I'm not sure I've much to tell ye but I'll try."

Tell me of Thornewall. Tell me of the lords.

Tell me of Jake, she thought.

Shifting her rounded bottom, Winnie made herself comfortable. "Well now, what can I tell ye? I've lived in Thornewall all my life, ye know. Aye, I was already working in the keep when Lord Dominic was born. Such a bonny babe. We were all grateful when his mother married our lord. She were a kindly woman. Quiet, like Lord Jacob, but she cared for all around her. I attended her until her death. Our lord, Lord Edward, followed her some twelve summers later."

Winnie dabbed at her eyes and Isabel reached over, taking her hand in hers.

Winnie gave her a wan smile. "There now, milady. ‘Twas a long time ago now. Lord Jacob was a sweet boy too. He doted on his brother and Lord Dominic looked up to him. They were quite the pair."

Isabel grinned, imagining them as boys, running around causing mischief.

"Aye, they were a handful but Lord Jacob took his role as older brother very seriously. Still does. There are people who think him a nothing more than a borderland warrior with his height and strength…"

Isabel shook her head vigorously and Winnie chuckled.

"Aye, I know ye do not. Ye've seen the soft side o' him. If only more lasses could. Mayhap then he would find another wife."

Isabel's heart jolted. Gripping at Winnie's hand, she forced her gaze to her. Another wife?

"Aye, he had a wife once."

Isabel's eyebrows darted up and a pang struck her chest. He'd had a wife? Had he loved her greatly? It certainly explained the hurt that so often lingered beneath that stern brow.

"Aye, some ten summer ago, when he was but a young man. She were a spiteful, vile woman."

Winnie spat. "The lady couldn't see past his rough appearance. Ungrateful cow,"

she added with a huff.

What happened?

"She died."

Isabel's mouth came open in a silent ‘oh'.

"Not before she tried to kill the master though, vile wretch."

Eyes widening, Isabel clasped Winnie's hand, imploring her to tell her more. His wife had tried to kill him? How could anyone try to do such a thing? It was unthinkable. If he were a violent, cruel husband then mayhap she could understand such an event but Jake… he would never hurt a woman. He was as gentle and as protective as they come.

"Och, I don't know the details, milady. All I know is from the servant's gossip. I don't spend much time with the servants of Greycroft. Once she were buried, she were never spoken o' again and the lord has carried around the burden ever since."

Winnie patted her hand. "It pleases me to see ‘im smile around ye, milady. Ye're the first lady he's smiled for since, I'm sure."

Isabel blushed and stared at the blanket, plucking at the material.

"Aye, both the lord's ‘ave got a soft spot for ye. I am sure…well, ‘tis not for me to say…"

What?

A bright and warm sensation sparked in Isabel's chest. Dare she believe Jake cared for her as more than just a friend? As more than just a maiden he'd rescued? To hold the esteem of such a man…or mayhap even his heart was surely more than she dare hope.

"Ah, naught, milady. Ignore me. ‘tis just the ramblings of an old woman."

Isabel narrowed her eyes at Winnie but she remained silent, eyeing her back with the raise of her ample chin.

Unable to maintain her serious expression, a grin broke out across Isabel's face and Winnie chuckled.

They are close, are they not?

"The lords? Aye, they are. There are not many men who would remain so close once land and death has come between them, but neither has ever showed a want for what the other had. Lord Jacob loves Greycroft and they both love Thornewall. Neither would see it torn asunder by fighting. In truth, Lord Dominic could easily take Greycroft - there ‘ave been greedy men that ‘ave tried to persuade him - but he would never do that to Lord Jacob."

And Jake helps Dominic?

"Aye. The borderlands can be wild and Thornewall is vast. There are many small villages that fall under the protection o' Thornewall and it is up to the lord to safeguard them all. Lord Dominic would not do such a fine job were it not for the aid of Lord Jacob. Our lords do us proud,"

Winnie added with a straightening of her shoulders.

Aye, that they do.

If only more men were like them. Men who weren't driven by greed or…or womanly pleasures. The men she had been unfortunate enough to socialize with had cared for little other than power or what lay beneath a woman's bodice. Her father was the former and her entire life had been driven by his insatiable need for more. More money, more power.

Isabel shuddered. Thank the Lord she was free of that. At least for the moment.

"Jake!"

Jake turned and glared at his brother. "What?"

Sat in a large chair, Dominic looked up from his book and shook his head. "Will you cease your pacing? If you have need of some exercise, will you not do it out in the courtyard? Or better yet, do some weapons training."

"‘Tis dark."

"Aye, mayhap we'll be lucky and you'll have an accident. At least then you'll cease wearing a hole in the floor."

Jake stared at the huge fireplace that dominated the hall and clenched his fist by his side. His feet twitched and he put a hand to his neck, rolling it with a sigh.

"Why do you not just go see her?"

"See who?"

Dominic lowered his book and gave him a knowing look.

He shifted. "She is probably resting."

Dominic continued to stare at him.

"She won't want to see me anyway."

Raising his brow at him, Dominic shook his head with a sigh. "I'll go then. I have not seen her all day and she is likely lonely."

"Nay,"

Jake snapped. "I'll see to her."

Pushing away from the fireplace, he paused. "I'll blame you, Brother, should she be resting."

Dominic chuckled. "Aye, aye."

Resisting the urge to growl at his brother's dismissive tone, he stomped away to the courtyard. Peering up, his could just detect a glow emanating from the guest quarters windows. Isabel was awake at least. God's blood, he could not stop thinking of her. He hungered for her sweet smile and bright azure eyes. He snorted. No doubt she thought him as much a fool as his brother did.

The thought did little to slow his pace. She lured him up the stairs and to her door.

He hesitated at her door, pushing a hand through his hair before twisting the door handle. Isabel was awake and Winnie was with her, sitting on the edge of the bed and chatting away merrily. Jake frowned. They were becoming inseparable. Winnie was a consummate gossip and knew him far too well. He did not relish the thought of her appraising Isabel of all his faults.

Both women greeted him with a smile but Isabel's was the only one that pulled at his heart as her eyes beamed at him.

"Milord. Can we help ye?"

Jake cleared his throat. "I was just…uh… checking on Isabel. How are you, lass?"

Well. Thank you.

She did look well. The only bruising that remained was around her neck and her curls disguised the worst of it. Only a tiny scratch marred her forehead. Isabel shifted in her bed and winced, reminding him she was not wholly healed.

They eyed each other for a moment and Jake's heart raced.

"Isabel is in need of entertainment, milord,"

Winnie interjected brightly.

Jake jolted, blinking at the woman. "Oh, aye… aye, you must be tiring of your surroundings, but the physician said you should remain abed for a few days longer."

Isabel pursed her lips and jutted out her chin. Jake couldn't help but laugh. A look of indignation flashed across her face as her mouth opened in protest.

"Just a few more days,"

he assured her. "What would you like to do?"

She shrugged.

"Well what do you do normally?"

Sew, she motioned with her hand, dance…

"Soon, lass, soon. We'll have you a fine feast when you're well enough. Mayhap I could bring you a b…"

The words died on his lips as he remembered she couldn't read.

Flushing, she lowered her eyes and Jake silently cursed. He studied the room for inspiration, his eyes alighting on the chess table tucked into the back of the room.

"Do you play chess?"

Isabel nodded eagerly and Jake let loose a breath. Whether it was a sigh of relief, he did not know. Now he would have to spend the eve sitting across from her, gawking as her brow crinkled in thought. Mayhap he would have been better off taking himself to the donjon and having himself stretched on the rack. Surely that would be less torture?

Dragging the table over, he angled it so that she could reach the pieces with ease from her bed.

"Winnie, you're in the way, woman,"

he scolded lightly as her feet dangled off the bed.

Winnie hauled her buxom form off the bed. "Forgive me, milord. I have duties that need attending to anyway."

She flicked a look between them both before giving Jake a grin. "Good night, milord and lady."

He was getting sick of seeing that look on everyone's face.

Jake spread the pieces and Isabel watched eagerly. Grabbing the rickety chair - hadn't he meant to replace that? - he set it opposite her. She frowned at the board and put a finger to her lip, nibbling gently on it.

The tingle of arousal surged through him and Jake shifted in the chair. "Do you need help, lass?"

He didn't know many lasses that could play well without a man helping them. It defeated the point in playing but he would gladly help her win if it meant he could see her smile.

She shook her head with a twist of her lips and made her first move, confidently moving her pawn forward. Jake responded with his pawn, his eyes never leaving hers. Isabel brought forward her knight and Jake considered her lithe fingers eagerly as they clutched the wooden piece.

The soft wisp of her robe and the crinkle of bedding were the only audible sounds as they played. Jake watched the wrinkle of Isabel's brow as she studied the board and clenched his fists. What was it about this woman that drove him to the edge? He longed to fling aside the board and take her into his arms, barely healed ribs be damned.

Jake followed her moves unthinkingly. He dropped his gaze to the board, only to find it drifting up to Isabel once more. If she saw his scrutiny, she showed no sign of it. Isabel played with serene confidence, each movement seeming as if crafted just to torture him. The clutch of soft hands, the reach of a slender arm, the curve of a breast leaning forward…

He did not want her. He did not want her. Who was he kidding? But he could not give into temptation. Isabel was too good for him. He'd proved himself a failure as a husband once before, he would not inflict himself upon her. Women were not to be trusted anyway. Nay, he would do well to forget his desire for her.

Isabel's lips moved and she placed her piece down with a flourish. Jake frowned and stared at her mouth as she spoke again, regarding him with expectation.

Checkmate.

He looked to the board. Och, but she was right, she'd bested him, the wily lass.

Rubbing his brow, he studied her pieces with bemusement. Isabel eyed him warily until he grinned and her face relaxed.

"You fooled me, lass, here I thought I was going to have an easy game."

Isabel shrugged nonchalantly but Jake could tell she was pleased with herself.

Another game?

"Would that I could, but ‘tis late. You are meant to be resting and I have duties to attend to on the morrow."

It was not a lie, but Jake knew he could perform them competently on little sleep. What he could not do was remain in this stifling, candle-lit room with the temptation of Isabel's perfect rosy lips any longer.

The flicker of disappointment in her expression sparked a sensation in his gut. It was not for him. She was bored, that was all. He was just a distraction.

Christ, she was a distraction.

Gathering up the chess pieces, he tucked them into the table drawer before placing it back in the corner of the room. Aware of her gaze following him about the room, his skin tingled.

Jake stepped over to her bedside and she stared up at him, her eyes wide. He gulped. They begged him to take her in his hold and kiss her until she was breathless. Don't be a fool.

"Thank you for a good game, lass. I'll have to work on mine."

He paused. "I…I could read to you tomorrow…if you'd like."

Isabel nodded eagerly and Jake expelled a breath.

"Mayhap I could show you a few words. Help you learn some."

She beamed at him and reached her hand out to him. I'd like that.

Taking her offered hand, he bent over and brushed his lips across her fingers. His lips burnt and he dropped her hand sharply. Isabel clutched her hand to her chest and stared at him. Was it possible she had felt the same thing?

Shaking himself from his thoughts, he gave her a curt bow. "Good night."

Good night.

Jake turned quickly, his heart racing, and strode out of the room. With a muttered curse, he tore down the steps and out into the bitter night air. Stopping for a moment, he inhaled deeply.

He was falling for her. Nay… hell's teeth, he had already fallen for her.

Hurrying from the armory, Jake cursed. It was not the first morning he had arisen late. He pulled a hand over his face and pushed past a cart as he made his way to the hall. Apparently, Isabel not only haunted his every waking hour but his every sleeping one too.

Damn fool. He should never have volunteered to help her with her reading. It meant dark, candlelight evenings spent in close confines. It meant leaning over her to help her make out a word. It meant reading aloud, aware of her eyes following every word that fell from his lips.

Of all the mornings to sleep in. Jake had spied the physician leave that morning and he wondered what he had to say. He'd forced himself to stroll casually to the armory and prepare for the day but all he longed to do was dash up to Isabel's chambers and demand to know how she was. His pace quickened as he neared the hall, anxious to speak with Dominic so he could check on her.

Taking the steps in one stride, he hauled open the heavy door. A bundle of silk and lavender slammed against his chest and he staggered back.

"Isabel!"

She swept a wisp of hair from her face and gave him a coy smile. My lord.

Jake trailed his eyes over her, starting at the top of her head and following the embroidered lines of her gown to her toes before darting back up to her face. Shaking his head, he bowed. "What are you doing? Did I hurt you? Forgive me, I did not know…"

She shook her head. The physician…

"You are well? ‘Tis good news. I am pleased for you, lass."

He dragged a hand through his hair. God's blood, she was more exquisite than he'd thought. She was tall for a woman, and incredibly fine boned. Her hips curved gently and he suspected he'd be able to span her waist with both hands. He had held her enough times, he should have realized this, but to see her stood in front of him, on display…Lord, she was astounding.

Isabel kept one hand tucked behind her back and he frowned. What was she hiding? The familiar dart of anger speared through him. Women were not to be trusted.

"What do you have there?"

he asked as casually as he could.

She licked at her lips, a bloom of color filling her cheeks. Bringing her hand around, Isabel thrust a book forward, drawing her chin up and fixing him with a bold stare, daring him to mock her embarrassment.

A book. She was hiding a book. Jake swept a hand across his brow. He should have known Isabel was not capable of deceit.

Practice, she mouthed.

"Aye, of course."

He glanced at the title. "King Horn…you like Scottish heroes, do you, lass?"

Isabel opened her mouth and closed it again, shrugging. I knew not…

"I'll have to watch you don't run off with a Scottish reiver. They would think you a fine prize, no doubt."

Isabel arched an eyebrow at him.

God's teeth, he'd offended her. If he could but keep his clumsy mouth shut. "I just meant…you're a fine-looking lassie, ‘tis all."

Her eyes softened and she let a smile slide across her face. Thank you.

Dominic caught Jake's eye from behind her as he gave a slow shake of his head and a taunting grin. Jaw tightening, Jake glowered at him. Isabel peeked over her shoulder and then back at Jake with a frown.

"I'll not keep you from your practice any longer. Good day, Isabel."

Good day, she paused to rest a hand briefly on his arm, forcing his gaze to hers, Jake.

His heart rebounded against his ribs. If she had spoken his name, it could not be more powerful. His gaze followed her graceful form as she stepped carefully down the steps and wove her way through the bustling courtyard. What little self-control he had left, she had just unraveled with the mere movement of her lips.

Sat on a stone bench in the courtyard, Isabel observed the lively daily routine of Thornewall. Dominic was busy attending to a dispute between neighbors in the Great Hall and, though outside, she could hear the peasants' raised voices. Isabel chuckled silently. A pig had escaped and wrecked his neighbor's fence. Winnie had been awash with excitement when it had happened. Isabel shook her head. For all the talk of the notoriety of the borderlands, she had witnessed little evidence of its barbarity. Life in Northumbria was certainly no worse than the south.

However, she had yet to experience the ruthlessness of the border reivers. Winnie had told her a little and Isabel had learned a few of the more important families had lost husbands and wives, never to be returned even upon payment of the ransom. Not to mention the livestock that had gone missing.

She supposed her own experiences could be considered terrifying, but the great walls of Thornewall had all but erased any lingering fears. That, and the attentions of a certain lord. Tilting her head, she could still hear the neighbors arguing. Nay, she did not envy Dominic.

A figure on top of the battlements caught her eye and she realized it was Jake. Fully armored, he took her breath away. He towered over everyone, a commanding presence. Seeing him as a warrior induced her womb to clench. Some primitive need teased at her, setting her senses alight.

Isabel could feel her mouth part as his head snapped around abruptly. She could not see his eyes clearly but she knew they were on her. An invisible connection burnt through the winter air. Come to me, come to me, come to me, she chanted.

Turning abruptly, he strode along the wall and sprinted easily down the steps. She spied his hand curl over the pommel of his sword as he approached her and her feet twitched. Hurry up. Lord, she was pathetic. She practically craved his company.

"Isabel."

Her name melted over her, rich and silky, and she curled her toes as a heaviness surged directly to the juncture of her thighs.

Dipping her head, Isabel took him in, leisurely tracing the outline of his strong legs to the tousled cut of his chestnut hair. Her cheeks warmed until she realized he was doing the same to her. Her nipples peaked against her bodice and she clutched her mantle around her.

"Are you cold, lass? You should not be out here if it will make you ill again."

Nay. I like it here.

Jake peered down at her for a moment with a twist of his lips.

Patting the bench, Isabel fixed him with her eyes. Just for a moment?

He hesitated, throwing a glance around the bailey, before carefully easing his great form onto the bench.

They both watched as a peasant stormed from the hall, muttering curses.

Jake shook his head with a smile. "Dominic has had his hands full today."

Always busy.

"Aye, that he is. I could think of no better man for it, though. His even temper makes him well-suited to the role."

Unlike you? she asked with a grin.

"You've not seen my temper yet, Isabel, and I pray that you do not."

You've seen mine.

"That I have. But mine is naught like yours. Few men can tolerate my temper and no woman ever has."

He scowled, his eyes clouding over and Isabel studied him. She realized where his thoughts went when that cloud of sadness came over him.

Your wife?

Jake's frown deepened and she reached out tentatively, brushing her fingers over his brow.

You're thinking of your wife?

He stared at her, opening his mouth briefly before clamping it shut. Jake rubbed at the spot she had touched before turning and bringing his elbows to rest on his knees.

Isabel waited, noting the tension running through his body. He looked as if he wished to take off and she chewed at her lip. Mayhap she should not have said anything, but curiosity got the better of her. And she couldn't stand to see what the painful memories did to him. Had he ever shared them with anyone? Dominic mayhap, but knowing Jake, he would not wish to burden him with his problems.

"Aye,"

He sat up quickly but his gaze remained fixed ahead, "I was thinking of my wife."

Isabel let her fingers rest lightly on his arm and he darted a look of surprise at her.

Tell me.

He sighed and watched her fingers as they played absently with a link of his chainmail.

"I was some nineteen years when we married. ‘Twas an arranged marriage, but she was a beautiful woman…"

Isabel's heart squeezed as a rush of jealousy flooded through her but she quickly cast it aside. Selfish, Isabel.

"…and she seemed dutiful. I thought myself in love with her, but I was not fit to be a husband. I was young and foolish and knew not how to behave around a noble woman. Jane hated me from the very beginning and there was naught I could do about it."

Carefully laying his hand on top of hers, he lifted his gaze to hers and Isabel drew in a breath. The heat from his rough palm distracted her fleetingly from the pain that glittered in his dark eyes.

What happened?

"She distanced herself from me and I spent much time in Thornewall. Her moods became unpredictable and she was aggressive, striking out at the servants and villeins alike. I tried to speak with her, to find out the cause of her sadness, but she would have naught to do with me. We lived as strangers for nearly four seasons. I should have tried harder…I should have…done something."

She died, did she not?

"Aye, ‘twas a senseless waste. She flew into a rage one day, claiming to be trapped by me, by our marriage. I tried to calm her but she would have none of it. She was crazed and I feared her harming herself so I attempted to take her to her chambers but Jane…well, no doubt you have been told."

She hurt you.

"Aye, stabbed me and fled the castle. I was lucky to live. The wound was deep and I fought infection for many days. When I had recovered, Jane remained missing. I led a search myself and we finally found her in a filthy stable. She was dead. Along with the babe in her belly. The babe had tried to come early…far too early for she had no rounded belly yet and had killed them both."

Isabel put a hand to her mouth as hot tears welled in her eyes. Jake…

"‘Twas not mine. We had not lain together since our wedding night. I know not who the father was, but only that it was a senseless waste. If she had but trusted me…I would not have allowed the babe to be born a bastard."

Isabel nodded. Whatever response she could come up with would surely do little to comfort him. How she wished she could express the sorrow she felt. It was clear Jake continued to carry the burden of their deaths.

Not your fault.

Jake remained quiet as he studied her fingers pressing soothingly over his skin before meeting her gaze.

Marry again? She forced herself to ask, even as she chided herself for her curiosity. The question bubbled inside of her and she had to know. More than anything, she wanted to understand this perplexing man.

Jake gave a depreciative laugh, pulling his hand from hers. "I have proved myself an ill husband. I would not inflict that upon another wife."

Isabel scowled at him. Nay, you are a fine man. Do you not wish for babes?

"Every man does, but ‘twill not happen. I am grateful my father is not alive, for it would surely have killed him to know that his lands will fall to the crown eventually."

Jake paused, shaking his head. "How is it that you know everything about me, lass, and yet I know naught of you?"

Isabel laughed silently. You know me.

"Aye,"

he murmured wistfully. "I suppose I do."

His large hand extended forward and skimmed over a curl at the base of her neck. Isabel's head swam as their gazes remained locked. His eyes were warm, the sorrow seemingly banished. The back of his finger brushed against her skin as he rubbed the curl between his finger and her breath quickened as Jake leant forward.

The clatter of chainmail made him jump back and they both turned to watch Dominic approach.

"My lady."

Dominic dipped his head to her. "‘Tis good to see you up and about, Izzy. Though you look a little flushed. Has my brother been tiring you?"

Nay, not at all.

Dominic glanced over at Jake. "‘Tis time for weapons practice, Jake, or had you forgotten? Though I do not blame you for being distracted by our beautiful Izzy."

Isabel shook her head with a smile as he gave her a flirtatious look.

Jake stood quickly, glaring at Dominic. "I had not forgotten. I will join you presently."

Dominic grinned. "As you will. Good day, my lady."

They eyed Dominic's back as he departed and Isabel could not help but spot the narrowing of Jake's eyes. Was he jealous? Part of her hoped so. Part of her hoped for…she sighed inwardly. She knew not what, but she hoped for something.

"Do you need escorting back to your chambers? You do look weary."

She flicked a look over the metal of his hauberk, tracing the line of his well-muscled arms. Would it be awful if she feigned tiredness to have him hold her in those arms once more?

Isabel blew out a breath. Nay, thank you.

With a nod and a warm look in his eyes, he left her and Isabel found herself contemplating the width of his shoulders with a wistful sigh. Little did he know, that one look would haunt her dreams that night.