Chapter 17

They had been lying together quietly for over an hour, Elowyn believed that Alaric had fallen asleep, when his voice drifted out of the darkness.

“How many men have you been with?”

She hesitated and he squeezed her gently.

“Tell me.”

“Only one before you. He worked for my father. We were together a few times.”

He stroked her bare back leisurely. “Only a few times?”

He was quiet and when he spoke again, it didn’t seem to be directed at her. “How in the gods did he resist? How it feels to be inside of you... I’ve never felt anything like it.”

She stiffened against him. “This was a one-time thing, my lord. Do not forget that.”

“I remember.” He spoke absently. “Where is he now?”

“He was at our country home that night. He perished in the fire as well.”

“Were you in love with him?” he asked.

She hesitated again. “I was—I was very fond of him.”

She closed her eyes. Being with Tomas had been very nice. He’d been a kind