Sara Bennett - Once He Loves by Once He Loves (Avon)

Author:Once He Loves (Avon) [(Avon), Once He Loves]
Format: epub
Published: 2010-01-07T07:37:55+00:00

Chapter 8

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ord Shelborne’s hall was the same as it had been the first night he saw her. The night he took her in his arms, and made her his. The frustrated ache in his body reminded Ivo of their moments together at the hostelry, and her willingness. He had been so, so close to losing himself once again in her sweet body. And she had wanted him, too. He felt her soft mouth on his skin, her trembling hands within moments of taking hold of him and...

And then that lackwit had interrupted them!

Ivo had looked like a fool.

Briar had laughed at him, and set aside her own passion as easily as stale bread. Were her feelings for him so shallow? Or was she just better able to disguise them? Aye, that was probably it. She had been playing a part since Castle Kenton was taken

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from her, and she had learned well to dissemble.

It had become clear now to Ivo that she had sought revenge upon Lord Radulf because her father had cursed Radulf and blamed him for all their troubles. Briar had taken up the quest in his name. She had planned to punish Radulf and revenge her father, and thought all would be well afterward. Or had she simply failed to consider afterward?

It was a simpleton’s way of looking at things, but Ivo did not think Briar a simpleton. She had a clear, concise view of the world; she saw things in simple terms. In her eyes Radulf was to blame, therefore Radulf should suffer, and she looked no further than that.

Sir Anthony had given her another story to mull over, one she had not heard before, and it had confused her and hurt her. But Ivo thought the knowledge, no matter how distressing, was important to her. Ivo was well aware that Radulf would never have forsaken Lily for Anna, and neither was he responsible for Anna’s death. So Briar needed to look elsewhere, and she appeared to have already accepted that possibility.

And what if she begins to ask questions of men who do not want to answer?

Ivo well knew that the past could be a murky and dangerous pond, one that was sometimes best left undisturbed.

She needs to resolve this matter or she will never be free. She needs to know the truth, even if it is danger ous. And I will protect her.

Sir Anthony had mentioned Lord Fitzmorton’s name. Ivo knew Fitzmorton was presently in the south, licking his wounds after his castigation by the king on Radulf’s behalf. Anthony had also made mention of Lord Shelborne, and he was right here.

Ivo glanced over to where Shelborne was speaking with Radulf. A large, robust man with a ruddy face and sparse gray hair, his host smiled often. But Ivo had noticed that his pale eyes remained watchful.

’Twas sensible to be watchful, and Ivo did not think any less of Shelborne for keeping a close eye on his guests. Only a fool trusted all men. And women.

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