Page 11 of Lionheart

"Thereis no money," Vanora insisted. "We produce everything we need tosurvive."

Lionheart'sdark brows rose in disbelief. "Surely there are funds to purchase thatwhich the land does not produce. Do you make your own pots and farm tools? Growyour own spices? I think not, yet I am sure you own such items. Do not lie tome, Vanora."

"Itold you, there is no coin,"

Lionheartstared at her a long moment, then said, "Very well, if that is the way youwant it. I can be stubborn, too. One of your men will be executed for each dayyou refuse to turn over Cragdon's assets, starting with Sir Ren."

Penrynprotested vigorously. "Vanora, your stubbornness will gain us naught. Ifyou do not give over Cragdon's monies to Lionheart, I will."

"Thereis a cache of gold and silver coins in Father's war chest. You'll find it inthe solar," Vanora spat. "Sir Penryn is right. The life of a Welshmanis more valuable than any possession."

"Leaveus, Sir Penryn," Lionheart commanded.

Penrynbowed stiffly and left the chamber. Vanora rounded on Lionheart the momentPenryn was out of hearing.

"Onlyan animal would execute men in cold blood. Your name alone tells me what youare capable of. You can have the gold and silver, but Cragdon is mine. Once Iwed Daffid ap Deverell, he will become lord of the keep."

"Daffidap Deverell shall not have you," Lionheart bit out. Now, why had hesaid that? "Prince Edward will decide your fate. Mayhap he will wedyou to one of his trusted lieutenants. What say you to that, Vanora ofCragdon?"

"Iwill kill any Englishman who attempts to touch me," Vanora vowed.

Laughterrumbled from Lionheart's chest. "A simple Welsh maiden is no match for anEnglish warrior. Think you your betrothed has the ballocks to fight foryou?"

"Daffidwill fight for Cragdon; 'tis his right to protect what will be his when wewed."

With thesleek grace of a predator, Lionheart stalked toward Vanora. She retreated, hereyes spitting defiance. He did not stop his pursuit of her until she was backedup against the wall.

"Yourdefiance does not please me," he said. And because he wanted to put her inher place, or mayhap because her lips looked so tempting and he could notresist a challenge, he raised her chin with the tip of his forefinger andkissed her.

Her lipswere sweetly provocative; she tasted of defiance, of unleashed passion, ofchallenge. Even as her body stiffened, her lips opened beneath his prodding tongue.Grasping her face between his hands, he deepened the kiss, savoring her fully,exploring the warm cavern of her mouth with his tongue. A groan rumbled in histhroat. His ballocks were full and aching; he wanted this feisty Welshwoman inhis bed for however long he remained at Cragdon.

Vanora'ssenses were reeling. Lionheart's mouth and tongue were making a shambles of herself-control. Never had she felt anything as earth-shattering as Lionheart'skiss. It was her first kiss and not at all what she had expected. Would it havebeen the same with Daffid?

ThoughVanora knew Lionheart was using his mouth as a tool to subjugate her to hiswill, she realized he was enjoying himself. Her own pleasure in the unwantedkiss stunned her. His kiss was demanding, yet surprisingly gentle. He couldhave thrown her skirts over her head and taken her without her consent had hewanted to, and she thanked her Maker that he did not.

When hishands left her face and slid down her back to her waist, she tried to push himaway, but he was an immovable force despite her own considerable strength. Headjusted his weight, leaning his chest against hers, making her aware of hiserection. With strength born of desperation, she broke off the kiss. "Nay,do not dishonor me."

He gave hera lopsided grin. "Most women do not consider themselves dishonored by myattention."

"Thisone does."

"Ithas been a long time since I have had a woman. There is no greater pleasure,except for the thrill of battle, of course. Has your 'brave' Welshman beddedyou yet?"

"WhenI wed Daffid, I intend to go to him as pure as the day I was born," Vanoravowed.

"Donot count on it, my lady," Lionheart mocked. "Should I desire you,you will come to me and no one shall say me nay."

"ThenI shall make certain you do not desire me, sir knight. Touch me again and Iwill run you through with my father's sword. I will not submit willingly."

Shescooted away. Laughing, he reached for her and hauled her into his arms."I am beginning to enjoy this, vixen. Tis a game you cannot win, howevermuch you try."

"Weshall see," Vanora returned, spinning away.

Hislaughter followed her as she fled. Was there nowhere in the keep she would besafe from him? She could leave, should she choose to. Escape through the secretexit was always possible. Unfortunately, she had not the heart to desert herpeople. If she left, there would be no one to protect them from Lionheart.

There wassomething she could do, however. She could arrange an escape for the warriorsimprisoned in the tower. With that thought in mind, Vanora hurried to thekitchen to help prepare a meal for her enemy.

Lionheartshook his head in dismay. Whatever had possessed him to kiss Vanora? He hadalways taken great pride in his ability to control his sexual urges, but Vanorahad broken through his reserve with little effort. His groin still ached andhis body was rock hard. One day, he vowed, he would have Vanora on her back,with her legs open for his pleasure and her arms welcoming him.