A Knight's Temptation by Catherine Kean

Author:Catherine Kean [Kean, Catherine]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction, Romance, Historical, General
ISBN: 1933836520
Google: Az_gtANSU9wC
Amazon: B0080P5RYG
Publisher: Medallion Press, Inc.
Published: 2009-03-31T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Sixteen

Standing in the sun-drenched space between the cottage and the small barn, Aldwin inhaled a breath of clean morning air. Two of the three farmers Neale had hired to keep watch during the night walked away down the road, counting the silver Aldwin had just paid them. He’d sent the third man to Neale’s home, as previously arranged, to tell the family Aldwin would like a meal and fresh water sent to the cottage.

Smothering a groan, he rolled his shoulders, loosening muscles in his back that ached from sleeping in an unfamiliar position to keep pressure off of his stitches. Aye, that was the reason he’d stayed on his left side, his head propped up by his saddlebag and rolled blankets—not just to watch over Leona, who looked even more beautiful as she slumbered.

“Leona,” he murmured, his thoughts turning to moments ago, when he’d looked down at her curled beneath her bedding, sound asleep. Her brow had pursed with a frown. Had she been challenging him in a dream? How lovely she was, with her features relaxed in slumber. Wisps of hair trailed over her forehead, down her smooth cheek, past her slightly parted lips. Did she have more freckles than days ago, or was he imagining such?

Simply looking at her . . . Aldwin’s blood had stirred with a reckless urge to kneel beside her, press his lips to hers, and wake her with a kiss.

He’d resisted. He might have roused her, but he’d only tied one of her hands; she’d likely swat him with the other. Moreover, she’d looked exhausted yestereve. While he waited for the food to arrive, he’d let her sleep.

A good time to check his injury.

Aldwin reached for his tunic’s hem, which covered the knife belted to his hip. Baring his wound to the daylight, he examined the line of stitches. No dried or fresh blood, due to Leona’s fine work. This morning, he’d thank her again for her efforts. He’d have her know he respected her skill—

A scream rent the morning quiet. A sound of sheer terror.

From the cottage.

He spun, wincing at the pain in his side. He’d left the door ajar to clear the stale air; the opening didn’t appear any wider. Had someone got inside, even though he stood near? Or had Leona tried to get free and hurt herself?

A more unsavory thought wove into his thoughts. Leona might be trying to trick him. She might have untied the rope and not be in peril at all, but hoping to lure him inside; then, she’d attack him and run.

His body tensed as he started toward the cottage. She might indeed try such, but he’d easily overpower her.

Yet the shrill scream hadn’t sounded practiced. It rang with such horror, his skin had crawled.

A wail echoed inside the cottage. God’s blood, but he couldn’t seem to move fast enough.

He reached the threshold. Shoved the door open.

With a booming crash, the door hit the inside wall.

Drawing his knife, he scanned the cottage interior. All appeared as he’d left it.

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