HELD CAPTIVE BY A ROGUE

Chapter Four

Kathryn woke with a start as strange images flashed through her mind and her eyes searched the room for any signs of Lord Christopher. She gave a sigh of relief when she realized it must have all been nothing more than a very bad dream. Raising her arms in the air, she began to stretch out her sore and achy muscles. Instantly, she winced in pain for she had pulled her shoulder. "It felt so much better today that I almost forgot it was even hurt," she said to herself, grabbing it with her other hand. "I'm getting really tired of laying here in this bed with absolutely nothing to do all day." Enough is enough she thought before she swung her legs over the side. As she did so she saw the red stain on her night dress, evidence that last night was not a dream after all, but reality! Shocked, she swung her legs back into the bed and threw the covers over them. "It's true, it all really happened!" She laid back to ponder this revelation. How could he do this to her? It all came back to her now, every last detail. How could my body respond to him like that? Even though my mind screamed otherwise! I never dreamed that being with a man could feel like that. Every inch of my being cried out for fulfillment!" Kathryn felt a blush spread across her cheeks when she thought of how on earth she was ever going to be able to face him again. He was so tender afterwards, at first that is. But then he mocked the fact that she was a virgin. Why was he so surprised? What made him think she wasn't? Would he come to her bed every night now that he'd had his way with her? How could she fend him off? He'd become so violent when she slapped him. Kathryn felt so confused and bewildered. Her own emotions were playing havoc with each other. On one hand something inside of her wanted him to come through that door, but on the other hand, he terrified her. He was so full of rage and determination.

Emma came in while Kathryn was still pondering her dilemma and startled her out of her thoughts.

"Good morning honey, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to frighten you," she said, apologetically.

"That's alright Emma, I just thought you were someone else, that's all."

"His lordship perhaps?" She replied, eyeing her closely.

Kathryn smiled sheepishly for Emma seemed to read her very thoughts.

"I've brought you some nice scrambled eggs and toast this morning. I thought you would be tired of broth by now."

"Oh Emma, that sounds wonderful! Could I possibly eat it at the table over there by the window? I'm so sick to death of this bed," she asked, totally forgetting about the spot on her night dress.

"Well, I think you're strong enough to get up, but let me help you just in case you have any difficulties." The food smelled so good Kathryn could hardly wait to dig into it. It seemed to her like a life time since she had any real food, when actually it had only been a few days.

Emma had set the tray down and assisted Kathryn to the table. She was a little wobbly in the legs at first, but after a few moments she was able to walk fine. With her charge settled down eating her breakfast, Emma decided this would be a good time to change the bedding. She retrieved some fresh linen out of the drawer and proceeded with stripping the sheets. Suddenly, Emma took in a deep breath. There on the sheet was a small blood stain. "No wonder the young lady was acting so strangely." She frowned when she thought about how much this poor girl had been through at the hands of his lordship. She decided not to let the girl know that she had seen it. As she glanced over at her, her heart went out to her. What did his lordship call her? Katie? She was sitting there so peacefully, gazing out the window in fascination. "Did you enjoy your meal, Katie?" She asked her while continuing her work.

"Oh yes, it was delicious. Thank you ever so much. I would love to be able to take a ride in those lovely woods over there!" She said, excitedly.