Page 45 of Lionheart

Thensuddenly they were kissing, mouths hungry and frantic, all the tension of thepast weeks erupting in a blaze of animal lust. Her rocking hips met his,driving him deeper inside her as his hands slid up her back to twist in herhair. Her musky scent fired his passion, and he kissed her more fiercely,stoking the fire that flamed between them.

Exultant,Lionheart knew her desire for him was not feigned; he felt it in her kisses, inthe way she clung to him, in her hoarse cries of pleasure. He was pure fire,and she was the tinder that set him aflame. She matched the raw force of hispassion, moving with him in furious rhythm. Their primitive mating madeLionheart realize that Vanora had been holding back during their previouscouplings, that her passion had not been fully engaged. Now that he knew whatshe was capable of, he would not allow her to hold back any part of herself inthe future.

Her eagerresponse crushed Lionheart's restraint, shredded any remnant of self-control.Delving deep, he shattered her with a bold stroke. Breaking off the kiss, shethrew back her head and gave a hoarse cry. He watched her face as she flewapart, then followed her to a stunning climax. He held her close as his breatheased and he slowly regained his wits.

"Youdid it again," Vanora said, glaring at him. The corners of Lionheart's mouth twitched. "What did I do?"

"Youtouched me and kissed me and made me want you." She climbed off him andpulled the coverlet up over her breasts. "I have no will where you areconcerned. What manner of magic do you use to bring about so wicked a responsefrom me?" Lionheart chuckled. "Are my kisses not magic?""You, sir knight, have an inflated image of yourself. Once you leaveCragdon, I shall forget you ever existed."

"MayhapI will return from time to time to remind you. A wife should not forget herlord and master."

Lionheartknew he was deliberately goading her, but her anger had a way of sharpening hissenses and bringing them into focus. She stirred his emotions and made him feelalive. War did that to him, too, but the exhilarating emotional impact Vanorahad on him was far different from what he felt during the heat of battle.

"Godis my lord and master," Vanora retorted.

Her feistywords made Lionheart want to stick around and make her eat them. Everyone knewwomen had their place, and that place was in the home, raising children andmaking sure the keep ran smoothly. 'Twas a man's place to protect his family andhis lands. Women had little say in matters outside the home.

But Vanorawas different. She wanted to be an equal partner with her husband, but such athing was unheard of. It occurred to him that when he left, Vanora would bemaking all the decisions concerning her people and lands, unless Edward decidedto give Cragdon to one of his faithful followers. That thought brought another... a startling one. His marriage to Vanora made Cragdon his. Mayhap he wouldprotest if Edward gave Cragdon to another.

The thoughtof claiming Cragdon was an intriguing one, for he had never before felt theneed for land. He had pledged himself to Edward and had no desire to settledown; furthermore, this remote corner of Wales did not appeal to him. But thethought of Vanora being evicted from her home was not comforting. Obviously, hewould have to speak to Edward when he arrived and plead Vanora's cause.

Though hehad wed Vanora in a moment of madness, Lionheart held himself responsible forher. The marriage had been consummated and could not be annulled, unless, ofcourse, Edward declared it illegal.

Vanora'staunting words hung in the air between them. "God may be lord and masterof all, but you are still answerable to me," Lionheart said.

" 'Tis my fervent hope that one day a womanwill be allowed to choose her own husband, and that marriage will be a truepartnership. I may not live to see the day, but I vow 'tis coming."

Vanora'sprediction gave Lionheart pause. He could not even imagine a world wherewomen's opinions mattered.

"Womenhave not men's strength," Lionheart maintained.

"Menhave not women's fortitude," Vanora retorted. "What would you say ifI told you I can wield a sword and ride as well as one of your knights?"

He senther a hard look. "I would say you are lying. Women have neither thestrength to wield a sword nor the courage to use one."

Hersecretive smile roused Lionheart's suspicion. What did she know that he didnot? Pushing his disquieting thoughts aside, Lionheart rose and walked to thewashstand.

" 'Tistime to sup. My stomach is touching my backbone."

"Justlike a man to think of his stomach when an argument is not going to hisliking," Vanora said.

Lionheartpaused with the washcloth in his hands. "Were we arguing? I was not awareof it. Shall I send water up for a bath?"

"Aye,thank you."

AfterLionheart had washed and dressed and left the chamber, Vanora donned herchamber robe and waited for the tub and water to arrive. Mair arrived first.

"Youseem to enjoy Lionheart's attentions," Mair said. "Have you forgottenthat Daffid is still your husband's prisoner?"

"Ihave forgotten naught, Mair. As I told you before, I broke the betrothal beforeI was forced to wed Lionheart. Daffid's attitude toward marriage disappointedme. I thought him a better man than he is. I still intend to help him escape if'tis within my power to do so, for he is a Welshman." "You have beenwed to Lionheart some weeks now. Have you changed your opinion of him? He hasmade you a tolerable husband. You do not protest his attentions overmuch."

Vanoraflushed. "There are certain aspects of this marriage that please me,"she admitted. "I have never lied to you, Mair, and do not intend to startnow. Wedding Lionheart was not my idea, as you well know, but I am biding mytime and making the best of it until he leaves. 'Twould prove disastrous shouldhe learn I am the knight that prevented Llewellyn’s capture. No telling what hewould do to me."

"Ipray he never learns," Mair said fervently. "What do you supposehappened to Llewellyn? No one seems to know where he has hidden himself."

"Haveyou seen or heard aught of Cragdon's knights, Mair? Do you know if Llewellyn’sarmy has disbanded?"

Mair'svoice dropped to a whisper. "Father Caddoc saw Sir Ren in the villageyesterday. Sir Ren said that he and those of your knights that have not joinedanother's service will remain nearby in case you have need of them."