Read Online His Scottish Pet: Dom of the Ages by Red Phoenix - Free Book Online Page B

little hiccup sound as she tried to calm the sobs still remaining. She peeled back his shirt and gasped, then she smiled. “I thought it was much worse.”
    He chuckled softly and began coughing. “It looked worse than it was. Did I not say I would be fine?”
    “Aye,” she said in astonishment. Chrisselle gently cleaned the wound and bandaged it, asking him to turn over so she could attend to the entrance wound. “It’s a miracle.”
    “Not a miracle, simple luck,” he corrected. But now the doubts would begin… She’d seen the size of the branch, the large amount of blood. The wounds bore no resemblance to what should have been.
    “Nae,” she said, lightly brushing her hand over the bandage.
    He grabbed her wrist and said more harshly than he meant, “I do not have patience for your foolery. Get me soup and feed my horse.”
    Her lip quivered as she went to carry out his tasks. Ryce looked up at the ceiling. What is unnatural will eventually be perceived as evil . It had played out time and time again.
    No matter, he would keep the bandages on, redressing them himself, and act sore for a number of days. It was possible Chrisselle would buy it if his acting was convincing enough. Chrisselle? Why in God’s name was he thinking of her as Chrisselle now? Idiot! He made a mental note to no longer think of her by her given name . She was simply hispet .

    ****

    Fate seemed to be conspiring against him. A few days later, Widow Kegan came bursting through the door. “What’s going on, Ma…” She stopped and stared at his pet. Her eyes narrowed. “And who is she?”
    Ryce was reclining on the bed, but got up with the proper amount of discomfort to be convincing. “This is my pet. She is under my care.”
    “Under your care? You mean you’re coupling with her!”
    Ryce moved towards Kegan unhurriedly, knowing how important it was to gain control over her. “As I stated, she is a pet, Kegan. Nothing more.”
    “Pet? I see a collar around her neck, but what does that mean?”
    “I care for her needs.”
    “And she cares for yours, I’ll wager.”
    “Does it matter?” he asked coolly.
    “Aye, it does!”
    He stood before her, exuding shameless confidence. “It has no bearing on you.”
    Kegan folded her arms and stated, “I don’t appreciate you coupling with others.”
    Such blatant disrespect could not be tolerated, but he did not want to incite her wrath and risk Kegan telling others about the girl. He remained calm as he explained, “Exclusivity has never been part of our arrangement, Kegan.”
    She glared at his pet. “But I don’t condone a girl living here alone with you. It’s not proper. Not proper, I say!”
    “I’ll not have you questioning me on this.” He understood Kegan’s need for correction, reassuring her that she was still his slave. “As your Master I cannot abide such poor behavior.” Ryce slapped her cheek. She looked shocked at first, but then relaxed and became focused on him. “Do you understand, slave?”
    “Yes, Master Leon.” She added quietly, “So, you still wish to play together?” Kegan glanced over at his pet who continued kneeling with her head bowed, not making a peep.
    “Yes. However, I’ve had an accident and must postpone tonight’s entertainment.”
    Kegan frowned. “An accident?”
    “Had you not noticed I was in bed when you barged in?”
    She opened her mouth to make a quick retort, her jealousy easy to read. Ryce scowled at her and her mouth snapped shut.
    He continued, “I fell from the horse and damaged my shoulder. In two weeks’ time I should be fully functional. I’ll need to be to carry out what I have in mind for you.”
    She smiled coyly. “You have plans for me, Master?”
    “Yes, but the next time you enter my residence again without permission it shall be the last.”
    “Yes, Master,” she replied with the proper humility.
    Ryce was discouraged that he had no food to offer her children when he dismissed her. Hunting had not