The Warlords Revenge Read Free

“How far north?”
    “It's about a four day ride. Five if you slow me down.”
    “And what am I to do once we get to your home?” She held her breath, anticipating his answer.
    “Whatever I tell you to do.”
    “Well, that really narrows things down.”
    “Your father took my family, my children, it only seems fitting that his daughter should give it back to me.”
    “What?!” Jane didn't try to disguise her outrage. Was the man insane?
    “I will get back what was taken from me, at least part of it,” he said, spitting the words. “And you've good enough looks that I'll enjoy it as well.”
    She couldn't believe what she was hearing. Good enough looks that he'd enjoy it? What a boor he was; a savage, a ... a ... barbarian ! The very thought of him repulsed her. “If you think I'll cooperate with this, you've got another thing coming. I'm no broodmare!”
    “Oh, yes ...” He chuckled, sounding pleased. “I'm certain you'll put up a good fight. Which I'll also enjoy.”
    “You're a beast!”
    “You only know the half of it.” He flicked the reigns, making the horse carry them faster.
    Asking more questions or doing anything to provoke his temper was something that could wait. Jane honestly didn't want the details of what he had planned for her. Even though she was still a virgin, she'd seen enough to know what happens between a man and a woman, and her imagination knew no bounds. That was all she needed to completely terrify herself.
    They rode for hours, well into the night. She figured Gavyn wanted to put as much distance between himself and his crime as possible. She wondered how long it would be until someone discovered her dead family. She also had a sneaking suspicion no one would give any hints as to who had stormed into their home and killed them. They weren't a very likable lot.
    That also meant no one would be looking for her. No help was coming. There was no hope of rescue. She had only herself to rely on now.
    When they finally stopped at an inn, she thought about making a scene as Gavyn pulled her from the horse, but she was too tired. She'd fought off sleep to avoid resting in his arms and she could barely keep up with him as he led her inside.
    The inn was quiet at this time of night, warm and inviting. The woman who gave them a room had rosy cheeks and a nice smile, and the smells of cooking food drifted upstairs from the kitchen. Jane might actually have liked the place in different company.
    She was almost dead on her feet when Gavyn ordered food to be sent up and some new clothes for both of them. At least he was partially civilized. When she heard him also order a fresh bath to be drawn, she shot him a hateful stare.
    “I'm not bathing with you,” she announced. “It's bad enough you expect us to share the same room.”
    He strode over to her. “I’m no' letting you out of my sight, lass.” He chucked a finger under her chin. “You've blood in your hair and dirt on your face and under your nails. You won't sleep next to me unless you wash.”
    “It's your fault I'm dirty and there's blood in my hair,” she fumed. Normally appearance and grooming were priorities for her. “And I won't be sleeping next to you, or anywhere near you, so you don't have to worry about it.” How bad could the floor be?
    He sat on the bed and began pulling off his boots. “You can eat first. I'm sure you'll be ready for bed after a nice, hot bath.”
    “Are you so sure?” she argued. “You don't know what I need.”
    “I know you almost fell asleep a dozen times on the ride here.”
    Damn . Score for the warlord.
    He arranged two chairs at the small table in the corner. “You need rest. We have an early morning.”
    There was a knock at the door and a young girl came into the room and poured some water into the basin on the dresser and set out a clean towel before leaving. Jane eyed the open door, and frowned when Gavyn closed it.
    Crossing the small room, she washed her hands and face in the