aNow, how would I do a thing like that, girl?a Darius tapped her chin with his finger and then headed toward his bike, leaving her lightheaded standing alone. She forced her thoughts to clear, knowing a point should be made here.

aIave heard youare a great leader, Lord Darius. Iam sure you can do anything if you set your mind to it.a Darius got onto his bike and gave her a hard look, not offering to help her on board. She wasnat affected by the look but simply smiled at him and easily slid onto the bike behind him.

Tara hoped her expression appeared calm. Her body tingled in pure satisfaction, and snuggling behind him increased her desire to have him again. But her brain was in pure turmoil. She feared that shead allowed him to learn more about her than shead wanted to share.

Head openly admitted that she was different from any woman he had been with. Tara had to acknowledge that his ability to keep her from knowing whether or not he knew she was a Runner was excellent strategy. It kept her alert and guessing.

Darius took his time returning to the house. His emotions were absolutely contorted beyond recognition. Tara was no Gothman. He had his Runner, of that much, he was certain. The woman stirred something within him. Oh, shead moved him physically; there was no doubt about that. He would have her again, and soon. It was more than physical l.u.s.t though. Shead challenged him.

His best advisors didnat question the laws and traditions of Gothman. No one did. Not while head been lord. Yet this female didnat hesitate to do so. Darius didnat feel a need to explain to her why women were kept the way they were. Conversation like that would have been a waste of his time. And really, it wasnat the issue she brought up to him, itself, but the fact that this female had enough s.p.u.n.k to speak to him in such a way. No woman, no person, had done that before.

He thought about the past few winters and how head taken whatever head wanted, and how no one, absolutely no one, had stood in his way. If theyad tried, theyad been killed. He felt no remorse. Head not been heir to Gothman, but had known since he was a child that he was the one meant to rule. His older brother hadnat the backbone. His papa had known that, but was too traditional to allow the middle son to rule. So, Darius had taken matters into his own hands. He felt no regrets over his brotheras death.

Over the past few winters he had taken everything he wanted. And that had included practically every available la.s.s in Bryton. Not that any had objected. His mama had brought every young Gothman woman she could into the household. Head slept with each one of them; at least he was pretty sure he had. But then, head lost interest. Each one had taken the edge off, f.u.c.king him when he went to them. But beyond that, they bored him. The Lord of Gothman needed a claim. He would push on thirty winters before long, and he knew the town antic.i.p.ated he claim one of their available women. More than once head told himself to just claim one of them and be done with it. But the thought of having any of those women under his roof for the rest of his winters rubbed him to the point of irritation.

His younger brother, Mikel, frowned upon his promiscuity. Mikel was too much like their papa, Lord Jovis, and although Darius hadnat mourned his papaas death, he could only imagine what his papa would have said if head learned Darius just had s.e.x with a Runnera"something he definitely planned to do again.

In Dariusa tenth or twelfth winter, his papa had engaged in a heated argument about Runners with a Runner. Darius hadnat witnessed the event, but he remembered his papaas tirade after it was over. And he had listened as the guards speculated over the results of the argument. What had stuck in Dariusa mind over the winters was that, according to gossip, his papa relented to the Runneras wishes. He remembered thinking his papa was weak not to stand up to the Runner. It had also put a kind of awe in his young mind as to the type of man who could argue with the Lord of Gothman and survive to have his way.

It dawned on him suddenly that the argument had concerned Reena. And it was Reena whoad brought Tara to them.

Darius knew Reena a.s.sociated with Runners from time to time. Word had reached him more than once that a pa.s.sing clan would bring her gifts. In return, she allowed a lone Runner to spend a night in her secluded cabin before they continued on their way. He hadnat seen reason for concern. Technically, the woman lived outside the town proper, and so had no influence on others. She didnat gossip about her occasional visitor, and his guards never reported that the Runners caused problems.

But with Taraas coming, something had changed. She was the first Runner to enter Gothman land and then venture farther into the community.

As he pulled into the backyard behind his house, he decided that before long he would know the life story of this beautiful woman sitting way too close. He would know why she was here and what she wanted. He already knew what he wanted.

Tara hopped off the bike and started walking toward the house without saying anything.

Lord Darius grabbed her arm and stopped her. aIall say it again, my lady. Youare different from any woman Iave met. And Iam curious about why youad like to see Gothman culture change. Changing to be like whom, Iam wondering.a He looked at her hard, but Tara remained silent, staring back with an expression so calm he couldnat help but think it had taken winters of training to master it.

Darius studied her tanned complexion, the brown hair that fell past her shoulders and was soft as silk. Her lips were full, and he ached with a sudden urgency to kiss them. He focused on her eyes, a blue that darkened with her emotions, as he was quickly discovering. Right now they were like a dark sapphire, showing no sign of submission.

He moved his attention to her b.r.e.a.s.t.s, perky and full, with nipples hardened to a tempting peak under the fabric of her dress. He released her arm and ran a finger over one nipple. She didnat flinch, which pleased him for a reason he couldnat identify. Darius pulled her close. aI enjoyed you, though. Weall do that again, soon.a *

Tara smiled, tingles rushing through her from his bold touch, but then pushed against Dariusa chest, needing distance before she ripped that shirt free from him and begged him to do her again right there on his bike. She would have loved to escape to her room for a shower but Hilda was nearby, arguing with a teenage girl who appeared to have brought groceries.

aThere you are, girl,a Hilda said, smiling when she saw Tara.

Tara knew she must look rumpled and wondered if Hilda had correctly guessed what had occurred between her son and her new a.s.sistant.

She turned away from the older womanas speculative gaze and nodded to the teenage girl. The girl didnat nod back but curled her lip as she eyed Tara from head to toe. Tara felt her cheeks warm and slipped past them and hurried to the small room where she could wash her hands and face and brush her hair.

Torgo appeared to be glad to see her, too. He reminded her shead said she would spend time with him.

Tara gave the boy a hug and promised she would do so as soon as his mama permitted.

Chapter Five.

Hilda insisted Tara was in their home to help with the household ch.o.r.es and not to be a playmate for Torgo. It took many days to convince her, but finally she consented to the two spending time together.

Tara knew Hilda didnat understand why shead want to spend time playing with the boy when she could be inside baking and catching up on local gossip. It seemed to Tara that was all Gothman women did for entertainment. But she craved being outside. She felt too confined inside the large house, even with its many windows and high ceilings. Tara knew she had to be careful not to arouse suspicion in Hilda, but the woman seemed content with the knowledge that Tara had grown up with just a Papa and brothers, and so therefore had spent time outside playing the boy games as a younger girl.

Darius wouldnat be as easily fooled however.

Tara was relieved and frustrated that Darius didnat spend much time at the house. She ached to see him more, to touch him, and to experience his touch again. But the leader of Gothman appeared to be so busy that he was awake and gone often before sunrise, and seldom returned before late in the evening. Many nights Tara, after she had supposedly retired for the day, sat in her bedroom with the door open so she could hear when he came home. Then she would strain to hear what he did until he finally went to bed.

The man appeared preoccupied with the affairs of Gothman. Tara itched to know what politics distracted him, but knew no Gothman woman would think of asking the lord about his business. She wanted to join him in his office, ask him about his day, and exchange stories. She wished she could share experiences with him and learn more about how the man ticked. But to attempt to do any of that would spread suspicion. And that was something she couldnat do. As much as she ached to let Darius know her better, she knew that would be a foolas mission. So she sat alone in the dark of her bedroom every night, and wondered what Darius thought of her, and when he would seek her out next.

Tonight she had fallen asleep before head come home. Her eyes fluttered open at the sound of his boots on the stairs while he ascended them. Slow and steady, her heart raced with antic.i.p.ation that he might be coming to her. With every breath, her b.r.e.a.s.t.s swelled, pressing against the covers while she listened to him move down the hallway.

A door opened, but didnat close. He had gone to his own room.

She ran her hands down her body, imagining Lord Darius touching her. A fever burned inside her, an ache for him grew with every moment that she lay in the dark, straining to hear what he might be doing. Her frustration peaked when his door finally closed, the house growing quiet once again. Embers smoldered while a fever she couldnat control made her insides throb for a man she knew she could never truly have.

aWhat will we do today?a Torgo asked, as he sat on the stool in the kitchen watching Tara clean breakfast dishes.

aWell now, I will have to check with your mama and see if there are any extra ch.o.r.es she has in mind for me. I have to earn my keep, you know.a She smiled at his forlorn look.

aMama will have you busy for hours, Iam sure,a he said with disappointment.

aI donat know about hours, child.a Hilda stood in the doorway. aIall have you clean the first floor today. Youall get your own routine down soon enough, Iam sure, as long as his Lordship doesnat take you away from me again.a Tara blushed.

Hilda grinned and chuckled as she walked out of the room.

aHas my brother claimed you yet?a Torgo asked.

Tara was surprised at the question, but the look of innocence on his face reminded her that this was his culture. aNo, child, he hasnat.a aWhen I get older, Iam going to claim a girl as pretty as you.a Torgo followed Tara around the house, talking to her as she dusted the rooms and cleaned the floors. The late morning air was brisk and a cool south breeze floated down from the hills as the young boy led Tara to the gra.s.sy meadow beyond the backyard.

aTo be a strong warrior like your brother, you must start your lessons at a young age.a She squatted to collect several small rocks.

aAnd what do you know about being a strong warrior?a Torgo laughed.

Tara squinted at the boy who stood next to her, silhouetted by the sun. aI grew up with brothers who all worked to be great warriors, I did.a Torgo accepted the explanation with a quick nod. Every Gothman boy dreamed of being a great warrior.

aDarius said he would teach me to ride a motorcycle when I was a little older.a The boy put his hands on his hips and stood a little taller.

aAh, thatas good. Letas see how your aim is today. Do you see that tree over that way? Hit it with these rocks.a She handed him the rocks.

Torgo hesitated. aItas too far away.a Tara held the rocks in one hand and with the other threw them, hitting the trunk of the tree each time. She bent down and gathered more rocks. aNow, you try.a Amazed, the boy took the rocks and threw them, missing the tree each time.

Tara agreed they could move closer.

After many attempts, Torgo finally started to hit the tree. His excitement showed through his young eyes and he hugged Tara joyfully. aThey wonat pick on me at school anymore.a He attempted a jig as he jumped around in a circle.

aThis is just the beginning of the many things a great warrior will need to know.a They walked slowly back to the house together.

aThrowing rocks?a Torgo looked confused. aIs this something you did with your brothers?a aDid you just learn to throw rocks today?a Tara eyed the young boy whose face showed his eagerness to learn.

aYes. All I did was throw rocks.a Torgo sounded confused.

aAh, I think you learned several things today. Give it some thought. Meanwhile, practice on different targets. Maybe tomorrow we can get outside again. It sure is a nice break from my ch.o.r.es.a To Taraas surprise, the young boy jumped at her and gave her a tight hug. He held on to her for a moment and she returned the hug.

Hilda worried about Tara working with Torgo after school. One or two walks after ch.o.r.es was okay, Hilda guessed. And Torgo escorting the girl did keep her safe from the guards. But the two of them traipsed off daily, and Hilda couldnat see the point in it.

Tara showed every sign of growing up without a mama. The girl had a bit of the wild side to her. Hilda felt obligated to her friend, Reena, to help the girl master the domestic skills she obviously lacked. Tara could clean well enough, but she seemed clueless about making many common meals. Hilda wondered more than once how Taraas brothers and Papa hadnat starved to death. Tara had no culinary skills whatsoever.

Hilda knew her son would not want a claim who couldnat run the household. What man would? Her son hadnat sent Tara packing yet, and that was a good sign. Granted he seemed busier than normal lately, but the Lord of Gothman needed a claim, and Hilda felt the two of them would do just fine together, if she could just get Tara to fine-tune some of her skills. And as long as she made sure Taraas little adventures occurred when her older son wasnat home, then no harm should come of it.

Hilda also noticed how happy her youngest son was with Tara in the house. The boy would run home eagerly each day, throw down his books, and call for Tara until head located her in one of the rooms of the large house.

aRemember you said we could hike along the creek today.a Torgo leaned against the doorway, watching Tara put fresh sheets on his brotheras bed.

aI remember.a Tara grabbed the large comforter from the floor and threw it on to the bed. She couldnat help but wonder how many women the lord had brought to this bed. Her stomach tightened at the thought and she turned her attention to Torgo. aIf I suggest something, could you keep it a secret?a Torgoas gray eyes grew wide and he grinned. aOf course I can keep a secret. What is it?a Tara glanced into the hallway. No one else appeared to be upstairs.

Torgo turned his attention there briefly before focusing again on Tara.

aIt would be a lot easier to take a hike along the creek if I could wear some pants. Your mama is resting, and your brother isnat here. If you have a pair I could borrow, it would also keep my dress from getting dirty.a Torgo almost leapt for the hallway, and then grabbed the doorframe as he turned to face Tara. aIam sure I have pants for you, I am,a he whispered. aAnd youare right about your dress, you are. Mama would have a fit if you got all messy. We canat have that.a aNo, we canat.a Tara grinned as the boy hurried down the hall to his bedroom.

The pants Torgo offered fit her well enough with a belt. She observed herself for only a moment in the mirror in her bedroom, before joining Torgo in the hall. Halfway down the stairs however, Tara stopped and Torgo ran into her backside.

Darius stood talking to two of his guards in the living room.

Tara mentally chastised herself for not hearing them enter the house. She motioned with her hand and the two of them backed up the stairs. Tara cringed with every noisy footstep Torgo made. aLetas try the other staircase,a Tara whispered and pointed toward the back of the house where the servantas staircase led to the kitchen.

They made it to the kitchen, and Tara reached for the doork.n.o.b on the back door, when a sound alerted her already electrified senses. Winters of training had her pushing Torgo behind her, as she turned and faced one of Lord Dariusa guards.

aMy Lord,a the guard called, and at the same time pulled his oversized Gothman bang stick on Tara.

aWhat are you doing, man?a Darius frowned as he pushed past the guard and spotted Tara and Torgo. aPut that away, I say.a aBut Milord, we have her in pants now. I daresay that says a lot.a aIt tells me nothing,a Dariusa voice boomed. aOut with you and your man. I will meet with you in a moment.a He watched the man leave the kitchen.

Tara heard the front door open and close, but kept her gaze pinned on Dariusa large backside. Muscles twitched under his shirt, which stretched over his broad shoulders. Large and dangerous. Her heart fluttered, missing a beat while she worked to keep her expression relaxed.

Darius turned and c.o.c.ked his head as he studied Tara. aI do believe I like you better in dresses.a Tara focused on his eyes, once again forgetting to be submissive in his presence. His eyes were darker than a storm-filled sky.

Tara had no answer. She felt the room grow warmer as she quit looking at his face to take in the rest of him. The excitement she had felt moments before about hiking along the creek disappeared. Now she wanted to stay here and give this man all of her attention. Enemy or not, she wanted him. And she wanted him now.

aThe pants are mine, Darius.a Torgo stepped around Tara. aShe didnat want to upset Mama by messing up her dress.a Tara rested a hand on Torgoas shoulder and smiled. She could feel the tension in the young boy. aItas okay, Torgo. Weave done nothing wrong.a aIam thinking I will be the judge of that,a Darius scolded.

She gave him her full attention.

aWhere is it that you are going dressed like this?a aTorgo and I are going hiking along the creek.a Tara worked to focus her thoughts on something other than the virile man standing in front of her. She risked suspicion and needed to put any questions to rest. aI thought it would be nice to give Hilda some peace and quiet so she could rest.a aI see.a Darius sighed and waved a hand.

Torgo took that as a dismissal and pulled the door open before his plans were cancelled.

Tara turned to follow the boy who already ran across the backyard.

Darius grabbed her jaw before she could turn from him. He cupped the top of her neck and turned her to face him. Without a word, his mouth covered hers.

She gasped at the heat from his lips as her mouth opened to return the kiss. Her fingers eagerly slid under his leather jacket and traced the strong chest muscles under his shirt. The heat between her legs made her knees quiver, and she felt herself getting wet. She grabbed his shirt in her hands and held on.

aBe back within the hour, or I will be looking for you myself,a Darius whispered.

Tara wanted to make him hunt for her, but she would be with Torgo, so she pushed that fantasy to the side.

He released her jaw, and let his hand slide to the nape of her neck.

She let go of his shirt and released a jagged sigh, before turning to leave.

aBe careful now, my lady.a Tara hurried to catch up with Torgo, but turned to give him a delighted smile. aYou have nothing to worry about. We will be fine,a she called.

Tara scrubbed windows the following morning as she watched Lord Darius secure a leather bag to the side of his bike. She still ached from waiting for him to seek her out the day before, but realized that the Lord of Gothman had many other responsibilities besides hunting her down. He hadnat returned until the early morning hours of this day, and Tara wondered what task kept him from her arms.

She watched the muscles in his shoulders work as he hunched over with his back to her. Finally, she had all she could take of cleaning and threw her rag to the floor. She stood, straightened her dress, and marched through the house to the back door. After their kiss the day before, she knew he was still interested. And she saw no problem with saying h.e.l.lo. Unfortunately, Hilda came down the stairs at that moment.

aI must say, you do make my old house sparkle.a She smiled at Tara. aHave you cleaned most of the windows?a aNo, my lady, Iave gotten as far as the living room and dining room.a Tara stopped and leaned back to inspect her work. She hadnat cleaned many windows in her life, but this was the second time in almost a cycle that shead cleaned these windows. They didnat look like they needed any more cleaning to her. aIam glad my work pleases you.a aYouare still here and that pleases me more than your work. But, Iall be needing you to take a break for now. I have a list of things I need from the grocery. These can wait atil you get back.a Hilda handed the list to Tara along with the keys to her car. aIad go myself but my head hurts this morning. Be sure and get all the news from Thelga.a Tara returned the cleaning supplies to the pantry and paused to look longingly out the back door at Lord Darius. Several of his guards joined him and she watched them for a moment. They seemed to be in a rather serious discussion, and she wondered what they could be talking about. Unfortunately, Hildaas car was parked out front, and Tara had no reason to leave through the back door so she could hear their conversation.

Their voices grew louder, and the guard who had attacked Tara was telling the rest of them something. Whatever he said upset Lord Darius, and he lunged at the man. The man backed down but continued to growl. Tara simply couldnat make out what they were saying, even when she went to the back door and put her ear to it. She finally turned away and headed out the front door to the car.

The argument between Darius and his guards proved a good distraction, so no one noticed Tara teach herself how to drive Hildaas vehicle. Tara had read about cars, and she felt confident in her mechanical knowledge of them, but driving one proved a small challenge. The car lunged forward, and then the engine stopped with her first attempt. Tara killed the motor several more times before she was able to make the small contraption move slowly along the road.

The village was lively, with people going in and out of different shops. Children and dogs ran up and down the sidewalk, and the women and older girls gathered here and there catching up on the latest gossip. Tara parked the car in front of the grocery and smiled politely at four women standing outside the store. They smiled back and then returned to their conversation with more excitement than ever. She heard them say her name but didnat bother trying to overhear what they said. She could only imagine what gossip was being spread about her now that she was living in Lord Dariusa house.

aAh, good morning to you, girl.a Thelga smiled broadly as Tara entered the store.

aAnd a good morning to you.a Tara smiled in return and picked up a basket from the door.

aItas quite an honor you have done your old aunt, being claimed by his lordship, and all.a Thelga clucked. aAnd you only being in our town for such a short time.a Tara grabbed her basket with her other hand to keep from dropping it. She looked at the old lady, quite stunned. aWhat are you saying?a Tara couldnat do more than whisper. aI have not been claimed by anyone.a aOh, do you say, maybe you havenat been told. Iam sure Iam right, to be certain. It was my claim told me. He heard from the lordas guards, he did.a Thelga leaned on the counter and her eyes twinkled, knowing she got to be the first to share the news. aIt happened this way to my granddaughter, it did. She was claimed, and the menfolk had such a merry party over it they forgot to tell her.a Thelga laughed at the thought. aI know for a fact there isnat a prettier girl in town than you. Iam sure the lord wouldnat have anyone else to take the likes of you.a Thelga saw the look of shock on Taraas face and was trying to be rea.s.suring. She reached over the counter and squeezed Taraas arm with her rough fingers. aThere isnat a life a girl could ask for as nice as the one youall have. Your sonsall be lords.a Tara was so surprised by what shead just heard that she turned to walk back out of the store.

aAh, my Lady, your list?a aOh, yesahere it is.a Tara handed the list to Thelga and then just stood about. She wanted to give Thelga the third degree and find out every bit of information she knew about this claiming. A guard had told her claim? When had Thelga heard this? How long had she known? Tara kept her mouth closed however and stood awkwardly in the middle of the store while a young errand boy took the list and ran through the store gathering the items.

Two young women not much older than Tara entered the store and smiled politely at her. They moved over to the produce, and Tara could hear their conversation easily.