She came swiftly to her feet to demand, “Just what are you insinuating? You were apprised long ago that Theodric is my personal servant. Why else would he be here except to attend to his duties?”
“And what duties has he that have you sitting before him half naked?”
“Do not be stupid,” she snapped. “He looks at me as he looks at you—nay, that is not right. He would rather look at you. Me he does not even notice, any more than Lanzo would notice you when he bathes or dresses you.”
“Do you tell methoseare his duties?”
“Of course.”
“Not anymore, by God!” Ranulf snarled, and to Theodric, “Out!”
Reina stiffened and put out an arm to detain the boy. “You do not have to leave, Theo.”
“Jesú, Reina!” Theo croaked behind her. “Do youwantme to die?”
“He will not touch you.”
“I would not wager on that, wife,” Ranulf said, the softer tone more ominous. “Do you think on it, you will recall that I owe him a thrashing that I will be most happy to administer is he not gone in…”
It was unnecessary to continue, Theo already having slipped under Reina’s arm to bolt past Ranulf and out the door. Lanzo chuckled at the comical exit. Reina gave him a withering look before turning her back on the pair. She did not trust herself to speak just then. Her temper was that close to making her scream like an idiot.
“You may go, too, Lanzo,” Ranulf said in a tone indicating his emotions were back under control. “My lady will help me disrobe.”
“And have you accuse me of usurping another of his jobs?” Reina tossed over her shoulder with a baleful look. “Do not count on it, my lord.”
“Is it not your duty to assist your husband in whatever manner he bids you?”
“Do not talk to me of duty after that childish display.”
“You refuse?”
“Jesú, he understands,” she said to the ceiling. “Thank you.”
“’Twould seem your Theo is not the only one long overdue a thrashing.”
She had not heard him come up behind her, though he was so close his breath stirred her hair. She had not heard the door close either, but they were now alone.
“Mayhap you can frighten Theo half to death with that threat, but I am not so fainthearted.”
“What threat? Do I deem it needful, I promise you will find it uncomfortable to sit down for at least a sennight.” His hand came to the back of her neck to turn her around to face him. “Is it needful, Reina?”
“Are you asking for my permission?”
He grinned. “I would not be so foolish as to leave the matter for you to decide. I asked if ’tis needful. Do you intend more defiance?”
“Nay,” she whispered resentfully, fainthearted after all.
“Good. ’Twas not in my mind to chastise you when I came in here. I had something altogether different in mind.”
She jerked away from him, her eyes flaring with suspicion. “You cannot mean…not after…how do youdareto think I—”
“So we had a little disagreement,” he interjected with a shrug. “’Tis over now.”
“Over? Little?” she choked. “If that is how you see it, fine. ’Tis no more than I could expect from a barbarous lout. But you will not have your ‘something altogether different’ from me, not in the same day you had it from Red Alma!”
“Red… You had best explain yourself right quickly, lady.”
“Me?”she gasped. “You visit a whore, and I am to explainmyself?”
