Lady's Minstrel Read Online Free Page A

center of his palm. Without a word, she wrapped her fingers around his and led him from the solar to the bedroom beyond. She stopped long enough to grab a candle from the table, carrying it in her free hand.
    He followed her, his breathing getting louder and heavier with each step. Her heart was pounding and Alicia was having difficulty drawing a breath. She was afraid to let go of him. Afraid Reys might disappear if she did.
    Stopping by the edge of the bed, she put the candle on the bedside table. She turned back to him and went to work on the ties of the black cloak he wore. She pushed the fabric away, letting it fall to the floor. Reys was thinner than he’d been, but that would change in the weeks to come. She would make certain of it.
    Alicia reached for his tunic, but he stayed her hand. “Let me.” His hands went to the lacing of her dress. “I remember this dress.” His fingers smoothed over the faded fabric. “It is old and frayed. Have you nothing newer?”
    She shook her head. “I didn’t want to spend any money. I’ve been hoarding every piece of silver in case it was needed for ransom.”
    His fingers stilled. “You really could have raised the outrageous sum of money I named.”
    She nodded. “It would have taken everything we had, but I could have done it. Would have done it.” She needed him to fully understand the depth of her love. “Anything to bring you back home again.”
    A sound of pain escaped from Reys and he clamped his lips together. She saw the sheen of tears in his eyes and knew he didn’t want to break down in front of her. He was a proud man and he’d been through an ordeal she couldn’t even begin to imagine. Imprisoned for years. Tortured.
    She couldn’t bear to think about it. He was home now and that was all that mattered. She’d spend the rest of her life letting him know how much he was loved and missed and needed.
    “You kept me alive.” The words sounded as though they were ripped from him. His voice was ragged and low. “Thoughts of you waiting here for me.”
    “Oh, Reys.” A tear slipped down her cheek and landed on his hand with a plop.
    He lifted his hand and licked the salty drop. “Your tears are more precious than gold.” He returned to work on her lacings and had her dress open in seconds. Lifting the hem, he pulled it over her head and tossed it aside. She was wearing naught but a thin linen shift. His blue eyes had assumed a stormy look she remembered well.
    Her breasts swelled in anticipation, her nipples puckering into tight nubs. She felt the familiar flood of cream between her thighs. She wanted her husband and she wanted him now.
    Alicia went to work on his clothing, making quick work of his tunic and shirt. She paused when she saw the long, white puckered scars that marred his skin. “So much pain,” she murmured. Leaning forward, she kissed each one.
    Reys unbound her hair and sifted his fingers through the long, thick mass. He briefly clenched his fists in it, holding her close. “I know they’re not pretty to look at.”
    “I don’t care about that.” Alicia raised her head long enough to scowl at him. “All I care is that you’re home.”
    He sighed and gave a rumble of pleasure as her nimble fingers made quick work of the ties of his chausses. Reys pulled away long enough to discard his boots and the rest of his clothing. Naked, he faced her.
    Moonlight trickled in from the window. Coupled with the firelight from the room beyond and the candle on the table, it was more than enough light for her to see him. He was lean, but it was all muscle, sculpted and hard. Scars of various sizes covered his arms and legs.
    Alicia swallowed back her anger and tears. They would not change what had happened. “Turn around.” She had to see all of him, know what he’d suffered.
    Reys turned slowly, giving her his back. She bit her lip to keep from crying out. It was a mass of scar tissue. It was a wonder he’d survived such brutal beatings. He