Red Deception Read Free Page A

curtsied and bowed her head. 
    “Welcome to Blacwin manor, Lady Noire.”
    His voice was deep and condescending.
    “Thank you, Baron Blacwin,” she said, hoping he did not hear the trepidation in her voice.
    He held out his hand to her.
    She felt speechless as she placed her hand in his, and did her best not to tremble.
      “It is my honor to have you as a guest.”
    “There is no place I’d rather be,” she replied.
    His lips parted in an amused chortle. “Not many have said that. You have heard the rumors about me, haven’t you?”
    Judith’s cheeks burned. “I do not judge a man on a play of words.”
    Their gazes met again, and Judith felt a strange prickling in her belly as his dark eyes burrowed into her with serious intent.
    “Your father’s letters of your beauty hardly do you justice.”
    She smiled, having never heard kind words about her beauty before. “You are too kind.”
    “Shall we sit?”
    Judith nodded and followed him to the head of the table.
    She took a seat at the baron’s right.
    “Will we be dining alone?” she asked, noting the table was only set for two.
    “Yes. I thought we might grow to know one another. Is that suitable to you?”
    “Yes.”
    “Did you find your room satisfactory?” he picked up his wine goblet and his eyes wandered over her cleavage that was nearly bursting from her dress.
    Judith’s face seared again. “It’s the most elegant room I have ever seen.”
    The baron received his supper plate. Her mouth watered at the sight of the honey-glazed hen and fresh vegetables that were placed before each of them. She had never seen a meal so grand. She waited for the baron to begin eating before she took even one bite. She had never tasted anything so flavorful. She had to pace herself, so as not to finish her meal before he did.
    “Is it true I have been sent here for a marriage arrangement?” she asked.
    “That is correct.”
    “Have you been married before?”
    He lowered his silverware and his gaze hardened. “Yes, once. She was sickly and barren. She died from a fever.”
    “You have my condolences.”
    He responded with frown and turned his attention back to his supper. He did not have much to say after that, and they ate in silence.
    Following the hens, they were served large slabs of pork drizzled with cranberry sauce, and blood pudding for dessert.
    Judith drank three glasses of the sweetest wine she had ever tasted during the meal, and afterwards she was feeling confident enough to accept the baron’s offer to the manor. 
    She rested her hand on the curve of his arm as he led her around the grounds, talking of his duties while showing her the old chapel, granary, dairy barn, buttery, pantry, servant’s hold, and finally the solar, his very own chamber.
    She was surprised when he welcomed her inside.
    A magnificent granite hearth blazed at the farthest wall, surrounded by arched stained glass windows. She imagined he had the most luxurious room in the entire kingdom.
    A tall bed with four posts twisted like unicorn’s horns held rein over the room, which was dressed in forest-green velvet.  Thick fur rugs were strewn about the room, warding off the cold from the marble floor.  A tall wardrobe sat alone in the corner and two plush chairs rested before the hearth. Judith thought the room matched his personality perfectly.
    “Tell me, Lora,” he said, pausing before the hearth with his back to her, “did you come to my manor willingly, or is this your father’s wish?”
    The question caught Judith off guard. She pulled at the sides of her dress, pretending to smooth it. “It was my choice. I was pleased to be taken into consideration.”
    She watched his head tilt slightly to the left; hearth light glowed along his chiseled jaw and revealed a slight smile.
    “There is no need for dishonesty. I know my reputation. No one comes to visit my manor any more, unless by force or by duty.”
    Judith swallowed. “Well, I am pleased to be here, Baron