The Libertine (Taskill Witches 2)

CHAPTER SEVEN

The gnarled old tree beckoned to Chloris from the woods, its broken limb eerily reaching out of the forest to where the earth was trodden by foot and hoof. It had occurred to her that she might have misheard the details of the meeting point, but mention of the old oak tree had pinned it in her thoughts, despite her befuddled state of mind and body the night before. The urge to turn back was fierce, and yet she’d had to come.

Now that she had initiated this endeavor she had to see it through. Not least because the restless forces within her demanded it. Doubt hampered her every move, however. Why, she asked herself most of all, did she have this simple, hankering need to see the man again? Her purpose was to take the ritual magic further in order to achieve her goal. Why did she crane her neck so, eager for sight of him?

She dismounted as she looked about.

Alas, there was no sign of the Witch Master.

The sky was clear and the sun well risen, but the early spring air was a little chilly and fresh. Dew still glistened in the shaded spots of moss beneath the canopy of leaves overhead. Birds twittering nearby encouraged her. She stepped closer to the tree.

As she did, Master Lennox emerged from behind it. Silent, stealthy and sudden.

The sight of him made her footsteps falter to a halt.

“Mistress Chloris.” He nodded her way.

Taken aback by his appearance, she gripped her mount’s reins tighter and prayed for good sense to prevail in her dealings with him. It would not be easy. The only saving grace of the night before was that they were hidden away. Even so, she’d had to continually remind herself they were conducting a healing venture and not conversing on her bed for any more dubious purpose. This morning he had come out with no coat at all, no necktie. His waistcoat was undone, too, and his loose shirt hung open at the neck revealing his broad, powerful chest.

Seemingly at one with his wild surroundings, he rested one hand up against the rough-hewn tree trunk and gazed over at her with an assessing eye. “The morning light becomes you.”

Taking a deep breath, Chloris attempted to deflect his remark. “Compliments are not necessary for our transaction, sire.”

“No. It must be said.” The twinkle in his eye was wickedly suggestive. “Your pale beauty is most appealing. Something has put color in your cheeks. The morning ride, perhaps?” His tone insinuated something entirely different.

Chloris gave him a wry smile. “You are well aware that your ritual magic of last night has left me in a...delicate state. You warned me of it, therefore you likely expected the result to linger.”

His gaze raked over her as he stepped closer. “Unleashing your deepest carnal desires may help your quest for fertility.”

With the help of the clear light of day and a fortified will, she lifted her chin, determined to keep a hold on her wayward emotions this time. “Is it true what they say about your kind...that you see no shame in seeking carnal gratification?”

His mouth curled.

Damn the man. He was amused by her provocation. Not only that, but his humor made him look more roguish. That had the unfortunate effect of making him even more attractive to her.

Chloris turned her face away. This was a dangerous situation and she regretted voicing her question so directly. She’d meant to be bold—to show him she was strong and not easily played. She’d come in to this with a goal, but she was aware he was deriving more than his fee from it, and he seemed to be enjoying her discomfort. She would not play this dangerous game with doubts in her mind as to his purpose, therefore it was better to let him know she was aware of his nature. Or, at least that is what she had determined as she tried to decide whether or not to attend the meeting he suggested.

“It is true, yes. Because there is nothing more powerful than the life force exchanged by lovers, and we believe that nature’s way should be revered, respected and harvested.”

Chloris wished she hadn’t asked. The honesty and forthright manner in which he spoke about matters of physical congress left her speechless. It seemed that whenever she presented him

with a question, his response was so direct and lacking in shame that she felt somehow raw and exposed.

His eyelids flickered and he reached out and grasped her hand.

Chloris resisted when he attempted to draw her nearer to him.

A warning flashed in his eyes. “Make haste, I hear a carriage.”

Startled into action, Chloris hastened alongside him. When she glanced back she saw that her mount followed them, which was a great relief.

“Here, shelter here.” He drew her in behind a large oak.

With her back to the tree she was completely hidden from view. Master Lennox faced her, one arm protectively raised against the tree trunk to shield her. Concern marked his expression. It struck her oddly. He appeared to care.

Moments later a carriage trundled by.

“Thank you,” she whispered when it had gone.