Hiding Katherine by GG Shalton (reading women .txt) 📗

Katherine looked at him and said nothing. She turned to the door and closed it behind her leaving Drake staring at the door. Walking toward a chair, she sat down relieved to be alone. After a few moments of silence, she reached up and touched her lips remembering the earl’s kiss. She felt dirty letting another man touch her. She wiped her mouth in hopes of taking away the feeling. A loud yelp of laughter broke her from her woolgathering. More spurts of laughter echoed through the door in her room. The crowds seemed to be enjoying themselves and it would be a long night. She walked to the door and bolted it, although she knew a guard was probably stationed outside to thwart any escape attempts.

Undressing quickly, she changed her shift and crawled into bed. Her mind wandered to what Ian was doing at that very moment. Would he hate her? Not trusting her sister to tell him that she left by force, she closed her eyes and prayed he knew her thoughts were with him. She had not forgotten their vows or marriage. That bond could never be broken whether it was a secret or not.

Not able to sleep, she opened her eyes and walked to the window. Staring out into the darkness, she pondered her life. Cracking a smile, she remembered that she would turn seventeen tomorrow. With all the business of her upcoming betrothal ceremony, she forgot. Apparently, her family had as well. Not that it matters, one year is as good as the other and she was no longer a girl, but a woman. Going back to her bed, she closed her eyes and battled the night to sleep.

Chapter 13

The next morning a maid woke her up with a new dress in her hand. She smiled and said, “A gift from the earl. It is a beautiful color and the material is so soft. He wishes for you to wear it today.”

Katherine reluctantly sat up and allowed the maid to assist her. The dress was beautiful, but she would not be taken in by his charms. She was a married woman and the only man she wished to touch her was Ian.

“You look like a princess, Mistress.” The older woman smiled as she helped Katherine finish dressing. Katherine felt like a sacrifice for her family, nothing else. After a few minutes of applying lavender perfume and lotions, Katherine left her chamber for the great hall. She was without an escort but was followed by two guards. Reaching the hall, her father curled his mouth up in a deceptive smile and motioned for her to come to the table. Her betrothed stood up and walked to her. Taking her arm, he leaned down and whispered in her ear, “You have pleased me by wearing the dress. You are a vision, my dear.”

Katherine tensed at his term of endearment. She tried to mask her disgust and instead answered politely, “Thank you for the gift.”

Seemingly unaware of her aversion to his pursuit, he bent down to brush a kiss across her cheek. “I have so much more to give.”

Kathrine reached her chair and the earl gallantly pulled it out for her. Her father welcomed her. “I hope you slept well, my child.” He patted her hand and turned to the earl nodding his head. “Tomorrow will prove to be an exhausting day, as many are coming for the ceremony and the feast.”

Katherine felt like vomiting at his farce. She was trapped between the men and could not stomach any food. Playing with it, she hoped no one would notice that she didn’t eat. Her father’s attention was taken by a traveling knight and Katherine slipped some meat underneath the table to the dog that laid by her father’s feet.

The earl raised his brow at her actions and whispered to her out of hearing of her father, “Are you not hungry?”

She closed her eyes, embarrassed about being caught. “Please, my lord. I don’t want to upset my father, but my nerves have gotten the best of me.”

His look of concern almost moved her. “I will not reveal your ruse. But you must promise me to eat a few bites a little later.”

She nodded, and he stood up offering her his elbow. “Let’s take a walk.” Katherine agreed and followed him out of the hall. They came near the stables and he slowed down to ask, “Do you ride?”

Katherine smiled. “Yes, at least sometimes.”

He walked her into the stable. A beautiful white horse stood with a groom. “Do you like her?”

Katherine’s eyes widened in delight. “Yes, she is beautiful.” Katherine reached up to stroke the horse with her hand.

The earl smiled. “Like her owner.”

Katherine lifted her eyes meeting his joyful expression. “Who is her owner?”

“You are. She is a gift.” The earl laughed out loud.

“It’s too much, my lord. I can’t accept this grand gift.”

He stepped closer to her. The groom and other stable staff had disappeared with one look from him. He reached out and cupped her face. “You are going to be my wife. Nothing is too much.” He bent down and kissed her. It wasn’t like before. This time, he took control and pressed harder for her to open her mouth. She felt trapped and unable to protest, opening her mouth as he demanded access and allowed him to deepen the kiss. Not wanting it to go further, she squirmed in his arms pushing away from his chest.

His eyes were dazed as he straightened his jacket. “Forgive me. I forget that you are an innocent. I will take it slower.” She caught her breath rubbing her lips. He offered his arm. “Let’s finish our walk, shall we?”

Katherine needed air but also craved solidarity. “Is it possible to escort me back to the keep? I am not feeling well. Perhaps that is why I wasn’t hungry at breakfast.”

“As you wish.”

The excuse worked, and Katherine was not disturbed the