Page 36 of Lionheart

Theyascended the stairs and walked along the gallery. "Are you shocked that Iwant you? That I would go to extraordinary lengths to get you into mybed?"

"Youare an Englishman," she said, as if that explained everything.

"Aye,I am that." Reaching out, he touched the silken sable of her hair, lettinghis hand fall to her shoulder. "And you are a desirable woman. I couldhave taken you long ago were I the kind of man who enjoyed forcing a woman, butI am not." His hand slid downward to her breast. "I swear you willfind enjoyment in my arms, Vanora, and I promise you will come to me willingly. . . nay, you will beg me to take you."

"Never!"Vanora vowed.

He openedthe door to the solar and ushered her inside. "Never is a long time,sweeting. A man as determined as I always gets what he wants, and I wantyou."

He draggedher into his arms, pressing her against the thick ridge of his desire. Then hekissed her, tracing the outline of her lips as if trying to memorize everycurve, every detail of their lush shape. Though she tried to resist him, herwill was not as strong as his. He parted her mouth, coaxed it open with histongue, and seduced her with his urgent need.

Impatientlyhe undressed her, until she stood before him clad in naught but a thin shift.His eyes darkened with hot hunger as he reached down to pull the garment overher head.

"Stop!"

Lionheartcursed violently as Father Caddoc burst into the chamber.

"God'stoenails!" Lionheart roared. "You again! Leave us."

"Nay.I will not allow you to defile Vanora."

"Ican do whatever I choose, with or without your permission. Vanora is willing.Ask her yourself if you do not believe me."

FatherCaddoc's probing gaze impaled Vanora. "Is that true, child?"

Lionheartheld his breath as he waited for Vanora's answer. She wanted him, he knew shedid. He recognized all the signs of an aroused woman.

"Aye,Father," she murmured.

Headyrelief made Lionheart almost giddy, but he forced himself to hide his elation."You heard her, Father. Now leave us."

"Ifyou must do this thing, then allow me to marry you. Wedding Vanora will makethe act right in God's eyes."

Lionheartgave a shout of laughter. "Surely you jest, Father."

"I donot jest, my son. To bed Vanora, you must wed her."

Lionheartfelt like an animal caught in a trap. He was hard and ready to burst, and wouldagree to almost anything to assuage his need. But marriage . . . ? Ridiculous.He tried to push Father Caddoc out the door, but the priest resisted withsurprising strength for one of his advanced years.

"Donot hurt him," Vanora begged.

"I amprepared to perform the rites immediately," Father Caddoc said, bringingout his Bible from somewhere beneath his rusty black cassock.

"Damnyou for your interference!" Lionheart shouted. "Think you I need aconscience?"

"Isuspect you do," Father Caddoc said calmly.

Lionheart'scock was thick and hard and ready to explode, and he cared not what he had todo to get Vanora in his bed. "Very well, marry us, priest, but it willchange naught. There is no room in my life for a wife."

"Doyou want Vanora, my son?"

"Aye."His answer, though grudgingly given, sealed his fate.

"Thenlet us proceed with the ceremony."

ChapterSeven

WhenVanora realized the situation was leading to an outcome neither she norLionheart wanted, she shook her head in vigorous protest. But before she couldvoice an objection, Mair bustled into the chamber, clucking over her mistress'sstate of undress.