Page 19 of Lionheart

"'Tis as good an explanation as any."

"Giles!"Lionheart roared. "Take Lady Vanora to the solar and lock her inside. Weshall see if she can fly out the window." To Vanora, he said, "Wewill continue this conversation later."

"Donot hurt her, Sir Lionheart," Mair pleaded.

"Unlessyour mistress tells me the truth," Lionheart bit out, "I can make nopromises, for she has sorely tried my patience."

"Come,my lady," Giles said, taking her arm and urging her from the chapel.

"Ishall go with Vanora," Mair said.

"Nay,you will not!" Lionheart roared. "Not until I solve this mystery. Ido not believe in miracles."

"Perhapsyou should," Father Caddoc replied dryly.

* * *

When wordgot out about the prisoners' miraculous escape, Lionheart's men began crossingthemselves and muttering about witches and spells. Lionheart was at a loss.Four trusted men had been left behind, two in the gatehouse and two in thetower, and the gatekeepers swore that the portcullis had not been raised duringhis absence. The prisoners could not have gotten past them without being seen.If he were not a rational man, he might believe it was a miracle.

But sincehe was a rational man, the only explanation was a tunnel. All castles had them,for they provided an escape route during times of siege. With that thought inmind, he placed Sir Brandon in charge of finding another way in and out of thekeep.

'Twasnearly time to sup when Lionheart's anger finally eased enough for him to confrontVanora. He climbed the stairs to the solar, unlocked the door and entered thechamber. His glittering gaze found Vanora sitting in the window seat. Shestiffened when she saw him but did not flinch as he stalked toward her.

"Doyour worst, sir knight. I fear you not."

His eyesheld a wicked gleam. "Perhaps you should. Are you prepared to tell me howthe prisoners escaped?"

"Iknow not." Her gaze flew to his belt. "Will you beat me?"

"Ifind beatings ineffectual when dealing with women. Does the keep have a secrettunnel?"

Her eyeswidened, but her voice held steady. "If there is one, Father neglected toinform me."

Graspingher shoulders, he pulled her to her feet.

The colordrained from her face. "What are you going to do?"

There weremany things Lionheart wanted to do to her. Press her down onto the bed, coverher with his body and thrust his cock into her warm center. He tried to summonhis earlier anger but could not. Though no proof showed that Vanora hadreleased the prisoners, common sense suggested she was guilty.

"Naught,if you tell the truth." He stared at her lips. How could a mouth so lushand inviting spew lies so easily? A jolt of lust stiffened his loins.

Hisfingers tightened on her shoulders, and against his better judgment he loweredhis mouth to hers. He kissed her ravenously, his mouth hot and demanding, hishands sliding down her body to her curvy bottom, pressing her against hishardening loins. He knew by her reaction that she had felt his erection and hedeepened the kiss, prodding her mouth open with the bold thrust of his tongue.

WhatLionheart had intended to be punishment soon turned into something totallyunexpected: He enjoyed kissing her too much. Relished holding her softbody against his. Despite her resistance, he could tell his kisses did notrepel her by the way her mouth softened, by the way her body arched. No, thiswas definitely not punishment. This was pleasure. Pleasure he never expected tofind in remote Wales.

Vanora wasthe essence of the country in which she lived: wild, untamed, savage in herbeliefs and strong of body and will. God help him, he wanted her. A low growlescaped his throat as he began tearing off her clothing. He had managed toremove her overtunic before Vanora found the strength to resist.

"Whatare you doing?"

"Givingus what we both want," Lionheart growled as he dragged her toward the bed.

"Isrape to be my punishment?"

Lionheartwent still. "Rape? I am a knight and do not take my vows lightly. I havenever resorted to rape to get what I wanted. Women clamor for myattention."

Vanorasniffed. "Not this woman. Release me, sir knight,"

"Denyit all you wish, but your body tells me you are not immune to myattentions."