Bile burned his throat. That woman reminded him of everything he’d tried to forget. And right now, he knew the past and present were about to collide, violently.“Who is that woman?” Kara asked.“A spirit I’d long forgotten.”“Spirit, milord?” Kara’s eyes narrowed. “She appears as real as the boy she holds.”The child. Aaron studied the lad with a sinking feeling.“Why are you here?” Tyr’s voice halted Aaron’s thoughts. “I asked you never to return.”Lifting her head boldly, the blonde stared at Tyr. “I mean no disrespect.” She pointed at Aaron. “The purpose of my visit has nothing to do with you or your wife, milord. My complaint is against your kinsman, a man who sired a son out of wedlock and refuses to meet his obligation of support.”Aaron rose slowly. She dared accuse him of fathering a child? He’d never received word—hadn’t been in contact with the bitch in four years.“Could this not have been handled in a more appropriate setting?” Tyr asked.“I’ve waited for Jarl McNally’s return long enough,”
