Hiding Katherine by GG Shalton (most difficult books to read txt) 📕

hit the wall. She peered around the corner and saw her husband placing his hands in a choke hold around Sir Samuel’s neck. His voice was threatening, as a growl escaped his mouth, “I will not tolerate insolence! Your hesitation in carrying out my orders have cost you precious time. You will now pay me my full rent amount before I leave in the morning, or your wife will be taken as a servant and perhaps one of my guard’s whores. Am I clear?”

Sir Samuel gasped for breath as his face turned a shade of purple. The earl let go of him and he collapsed on to the floor trying to catch his breath. He rubbed his neck coughing and frantically trying to find air. The earl smoothed the edges of his jacket watching Sir Samuel struggle for composure. He made no attempt to help him. Katherine could not take anymore and ran back to her chamber. She slipped inside and leaned against the door, trying to catch her breath. After a few seconds of regaining her composure, she walked to the chair near the fireplace hoping to block the memories of what just happened.

A knock sounded a few minutes later, and she jumped up, took a deep breath and opened the door.

“You look rested, my dear. Are you ready for dinner?”

Katherine nodded her head a little hesitant to take his arm but trying to remain the dutiful wife. She had heard the conversation and wondered about the man she was now married to. Was it façade? Was he cruel? How would he treat her?

They went to the great hall. A few couples were seated at the table, but most of the hall was empty as the hour was late. Katherine imagined they had already eaten and were in bed by now.

The room was quiet when they approached the table. The other couples stood and offered their courtesies to both Katherine and Alexander. A few of the earl’s men joined them as well. Katherine noticed that Sir Samuel’s expression was stricken with anxiety. His disheveled appearance gave away his discomfort. His wife’s face was indifferent, and she offered only guarded pleasantries.

Alexander pulled the chair out for Katherine. She accepted it and waited for the first course as the men spoke about mundane topics. The food was delicious. Sir Samuel obviously had a devoted staff whose constant attention to their comfort was evident. Katherine chose two different desserts and she savored the sweetness in her mouth. After dinner, Alexander gave his regrets and declined any entertainment or drinking with the men. He claimed exhaustion and walked Katherine back to her chamber.

Unsure of his intentions, she paused outside of her chamber door. Her fears rested on this one moment. Would he join her or wait? Could she let another man touch her?

She felt him place his hand on her lower back and brush his body against hers. He leaned down and whispered near her ear, “Ready yourself, love. I will give you a few minutes and return shortly.”

That was her answer. He would meet her in a few minutes. She nodded her head and opened the chamber door. After closing the door, she locked it and stepped back. Tears filled her eyes and her shoulders started to shake as a sob escaped. Suddenly, she regretted her marriage. Her skin felt dirty at the thought of him touching her. She belonged to Ian. Revulsion went through her as she tried to push aside the feelings, knowing her marriage made it impossible for her to deny him. Taking in a few deep breaths, she accepted her fate hoping the earl would prove to be a good husband.

Her dress was buttoned tightly, and she pulled it loose hoping not to rip it. She didn’t want assistance from any of the maids and preferred to be alone. Standing in her shift, she dug through her trunk looking for a night rail and robe. Memories of her first night with Ian on the ship invaded her thoughts. Many people feared Ian, but she never did. He was a good person even if his reputation spoke differently. The more she learned of Alexander, she feared he may not be a good person. Threatening to make someone’s wife a whore was frightening. Was he without honor or mercy?

A few minutes later the knock came. Opening her eyes, she stood up from the chair and smoothed her night rail. Walking over to the door, she unbolted it. Alexander stood in the doorway smiling down at her.

“I like your hair down. I can’t wait to run my fingers through it.” He closed the door behind him. “Come love, let’s have a drink.”

He took her hand and walked her to the table. Pouring two glasses of wine, he handed her one as his eyes locked with hers without saying a word.

Not knowing how to respond, Katherine broke her stare and took a big drink of the wine. A slight burn went down her throat from the alcohol. Alexander reached for her glass and put it back on the table.

Fidgeting with her hands, Katherine could not make eye contact. Alexander reached out and took her hand to stop her nervousness. “Let’s go lay on the bed and talk.”

Katherine took a shaky breath and followed him. Alexander lay across the covers and used a pillow to prop his head up. “Come lay beside me.”

Katherine obeyed and stretched out across from him, so they could talk. He took his index finger and rubbed small circles on top of her hand. “Did you enjoy dinner?”

Taking a hard swallow, she watched his eyes explore her body. A shadow of fear caused her stomach to turn. Pushing her anxiety away, she tried to find her voice to answer his question. “The food was well prepared. But your friend seemed a little preoccupied with his thoughts. Almost like something was heavy on his mind.” She purposely watched for his reaction waiting to see if there was an explanation regarding