Page 113 of Lionheart

"A'thank you very much for saving my life' would suffice," Vanora replieddryly.

"Youcould have been hurt... or worse. You do not use the sense God gave you."

His jawwas clenched so hard, she feared his teeth would break. "Why are youangry? You were about to be stabbed in the back. I did not think, Isimply reacted."

Lionheartwithheld his reply as they rode through the portcullis. He did not stop untilthey reached the courtyard. Lionheart dismounted, handed the reins to a lad andhauled Vanora into his arms. He remained ominously silent as he strode with herinto the keep. Mair and Father Caddoc hurried over to greet them, but Lionheart'sgrim expression stopped their words. He brushed past them and continued on tothe solar.

Onceinside their chamber, Lionheart set Vanora on her feet and slammed the door.His expression was so fierce that she backed away, fearing his anger wasdirected at her. She had done so many things to turn him away from her, she hadexpected him to abandon her to Daffid. On the other hand, he had not hurt herwhen he'd learned she was the White Knight, and he had been willing to give upCragdon in exchange for her life, even if it meant losing his own in thebargain.

No manwould risk so much for a woman unless . . .

He lovedher.

"Littlefool," he repeated. Then he hauled her into his arms and kissed her.

ChapterTwenty

"Damnyou," Lionheart growled against her lips. "I thought I had lost you.I wanted to kill Daffid when Giles told me you preferred that bastard tome."

Vanoraregarded him through a veil of tears. "I said that to save your life. I...I admit I was wrong to think I could influence Daffid. I thought I could talkhim into releasing Giles and his bride, and that he would let me leave after Iaccomplished what I had set out to do. If I left the matter to you, I fearedyou would launch an attack upon Draymere and die in the attempt. Most of all,Daffid wanted you dead."

His armstightened around her. "Think you I did not know that? I have never been sofrightened in my life, or so angry when I learned what you had done. I thoughtyou cared not for me. I was stunned and then enraged when Father Caddoc told meyou were expecting my child. Why did you not tell me?"

"Iwas going to, but circumstances intervened." She sent him an aggrievedlook. "How could you believe I cared not for you when I told you I lovedyou?"

"Idid not believe it possible. How could you love me? No woman has ever loved me.I am unlovable."

"Nay,Lionheart, you are everything a woman could want in a man. You are courageous,selfless, strong, honorable—"

"Cease,woman! Tell me no lies."

Shestamped her foot. "Think you I would lie about something as important aslove? Can you not return a small portion of my love?"

"Lovedoes not exist. Love is ..."

"Aye,Lionheart, I am most interested in hearing your description of love."

Hisexpression softened as his thoughts turned inward. When he spoke, it was as ifthe words spilled forth from a place long dammed up inside him.

"Loveis wanting—aye, a terrible wanting that churns the innards and confuses themind. Love can hurt, especially when it is not returned."

Held inthrall by his words, Vanora said, "Go on."

"Lovecan unman a warrior and make him weak. Love can make a man want to protect hiswoman. It can drive all thought from his mind but the need to hold her closeand pleasure her. Love can blind a man to what is important in life."

"Whatis that, Lionheart? Tell me what is more important than love?"

He senther a wary look. "Everything is more important than love. Country, king,honor, duty."

"Aye,I understand. You love your country, your king, your honor and your duty."

"Ofcourse. 'Tis the only kind of love that exists."

Vanorarefused to accept his view. "Tell me how you feel about me. Spare not myfeelings, for I would know the truth."

Reachingout, he caressed her cheek; his touch was so tender she squeezed her eyes shutto stop the tears. "Are you sure you want to know?"

Sheswallowed hard. "Aye."