Darcy Branwyn

Worth Fighting For:

England, 1192

…Jennifer cast Matthew a warning look. If he was going to make things difficult for her, then what was there to keep her from doing the same? He didn’t seem to catch her subtle hint. Either that, or he didn’t care.

Well, they’d see about that.

The girl took all of the measurements that she needed, ducked one more curtsey, and then left them. Matthew closed and barred the door loudly, as if with finality.

Jennifer lifted her chin to him.

He sat near her on the bed. “What is going on in your head, woman?”

“Why didn’t that girl think it odd that I’m in your chamber, half naked?”

He eyed her about that.

“The serving girl that measured me for my new clothing looked at me like she wished I would jump into a river and drown.”

She’d gotten to him that time. His complexion seemed to pale before her. Jennifer felt herself smile just a little.

“Dark curly hair,” he said finally.

“Her name was Anna. She got a good look at me. I assure you and she was none too happy.” Jennifer showed no mercy. She had no choice; she had to keep him alive. “Was she the last one you had in this bed?”

He ran his hands through his hair.

“I’d take that as a yes.”

“Do you want me to tell you that no woman save you has been in this bed?”

“That would be unreasonable I’m certain,” she said, in the voice her mother used to use on disobedient servants.

“She’s bedding my first knight, if that helps,” he told her.

Jennifer liked that even better. “Both of you then? Do you like it that way?”

“Jennifer,” he warned. He wasn’t jesting. He wanted her to stop, and right now. “I wouldn’t trust Anna with my dog much less my life, or everything else that I have.” He looked over his shoulder at the dagger there. “I wouldn’t have given her a gift my father had made for my mother.”

There was genuine emotion in his voice. She felt her heart crack despite herself. How was she going to do this, to break his heart—yet she had to. It was the only way to save him… 

Repeat after me: I (state name) am so addicted to Darcy that I will sell my firstborn, all of my blood, and my soul for her…