Page 84 of A Knight’s Reward

The sound raised every hair on the back of her neck.

“Gisela,” came a hoarse voice.

“Dominic?”

“Do not open—” he yelled. His voice abruptly broke off.

Fear shot through her veins like hot, sharp pins. She pressed her ear to the rough wooden panel and strained to hear. “Dominic? Dominic! Answer me.”

“He is here, Gisela,” Crenardieu said. “Let us in.”

“What—Is Dominic all right?”

“Oui.”

A muffled roar sounded beyond the door—the sound of a man trying to call out—followed by a scuffle.

Worry compelled her to snap back the bolts, unlock the door, and yank it open, despite Dominic’s warning. He was in danger. The lethal tension outside oozed in through the cracks in the door, circumventing the barricade between them.

What was happening to Dominic? Had Crenardieu discovered that he was working for de Lanceau? If so, Dominic was in grave peril.

She dropped her forehead to the rough wood, begging for a clear mind, trying to ignore the frantic thump of her pulse. If she didn’t obey Crenardieu, what would he do to Dominic? She couldn’t stand here in her shop, listening, while the Frenchman’s thugs further wounded or killed the man she loved. The man she would always love, even if they could never be together.

However, if she obeyed the Frenchman and let him in, he might take the silk. He’d promised to pay her for the gown and cloak, but he could refuse to do so—and she had no way to force him to honor their agreement. His lips twisting into a disdainful smile, he would accuse her of conspiring with Dominic to entrap him.

Moreover, if she let Crenardieu inside, she had no means to barter with him for Dominic’s well-being.

“Gisela,” Crenardieu said, sounding impatient.

More scuffles.

“Who else is with you? What are they doing to Dominic?”

A tug on her sleeve. “Mama?”

Ewan stood beside her. His wide-eyed gaze slid to the door.

“Ewan!” Ada hurried up to them. “You must heed me.”

The little boy wrenched away from the older woman. “What is happening outside?”

Gisela seized his hands and tried very hard not to yell. “Go back in the house with Ada. Do not come out, no matter what you hear.”

“But—”

“Obey me,” she said fiercely. “Please.”

Again, he looked at the door. “Dominic is in trouble.”

“There is naught you can do,” she said. “You must be a strong warrior now, Button. Ada needs a knight’s protection.”

The woman nodded while turning him away from Gisela. “We will look after each other, all right?”

Harsh voices came from outside, followed by a loud thud. The panel jarred.

Gisela’s hand flew to her mouth. Surely Crenardieu wouldn’t order his men to smash down her door. He must know how much repairs would cost her.

“Crenardieu!” she shrieked.