Page 19 of The Red Wolf’s Prize

“They do not know who you are?”

“Nay.”

“Steinar will be worried you are not safely in Scotland.”

“I had planned to follow after him,” she added hopefully.

“Then why do you remain?”

“I have stayed to be certain the people of Talisand arebeing treated well.” Even as she said it, Serena wondered if there was notanother reason. She was curious about the Red Wolf.

“Have any of the Normans touched you?” he asked with a lookof concern.

“Nay, thank God. They leave the women alone by the commandof their lord, the one they call the Red Wolf.”

“Ah, I have heard of the knight who wears the wolf’s pelt.He is a favorite of their king. So…the Red Wolf is here? That I mustsee.”

“He has been given Talisand, Rhodri.”

The bard frowned. “Steinar will not be pleased to hear ofit.”

He spoke the truth but Serena could not linger on the lossof their lands when what she wanted was to gain them back. Taking his arm, shesaid, “Come, I will see your horse is tended and then I will see you fed.” Asudden happiness rose within her at having Rhodri back at Talisand. For thefirst time in a long while there was a smile on her face. “It is so good tohave you with us again!”

* * *

Renaud looked up as Sarah entered his room, a stack of freshlinens in her arms and a smile on her face. He had not seen her smile beforeand wondered at the source of her mirth. He had been going over the finalchanges to the plans for the new stable and, though he would have denied it hadGeoff asked, he was waiting for her.

“Good day to you, Sarah.”

She started, clearly surprised to see him. Mayhap she hadthought to sneak into his chamber while he was gone. He often sparred with hisknights at this hour. “My lord, shall I return at a later time?” She turnedtoward the door.

“No!” Then in a softer voice lest he betray his interest, headded, “I would have you stay. Will you join me in some wine?” He poured thered liquid into a goblet and extended it toward her.

The girl’s eyes immediately focused on the floor. “Nay, mylord, but thank you. It would nay be proper.”

He considered making it an order but relented. She wasalways polite, this one. Too polite for one who clearly disliked Normans. Hehad allowed her to be distant for the last few days. Now it was time to courtthe kitten, to see if she would keep her claws sheathed as the warrioradvanced.

She carried the linens to the bed and began to take off theold bedding. Her movements were innocently seductive, her shape barely hiddenin the loose tunic that did not even cover her ankles. He rose and walked tostand behind her, trailing a finger down the soft skin of her nape under herplait. She quavered. His groin swelled in anticipation.

“Did you enjoy the archery contest, Sarah?”

Slowly she turned to face him. He stepped closer. He knewshe would back away if she could, but the bed was behind her leaving hernowhere to go, which had been his intention.

She looked up at him. “I did, my lord.”

He wrapped his hands around her upper arms and brought hercloser still. Her full lips opened as if in protest, and he saw alarm in hereyes. “Sarah, why did I have the feeling it was not your best performance?”

She tried to wriggle out of his grip. “My lord, I ask you tounhand me.”

“Not just yet. Answer me.” His grip was firm but he wascareful not to hurt her. He began to run his hands up and down her arms fromshoulder to elbow in a slow sensuous movement. He could feel her body relaxdespite what he assumed was her intention to remain rigid as he gazed into hereyes. They had changed to the purple of the night sky.

“I do not always hit the target, my lord. But I do enjoy thesport,” she replied breathlessly.

“And you shall have your reward.” He pulled her into hischest and his lips quickly descended to hers. Her mouth was soft and as sweetas he’d expected. He was careful to make the kiss tender so as not to frightenher. He could afford time for a slow seduction. But he had not considered thather lips would be so inviting or so warm. It nearly undid him. “Ah…Sarah,” hebreathed into her luscious mouth and then let his tongue slide over her fullbottom lip. “Your taste is sweet nectar to this starving man.”

When she opened her mouth to speak, he slid his tongueinside, using all his self-control not to plunder but to slowly kiss her intomindless submission. He was pleased when she softened beneath his touch,responding despite what he surmised had been her determination to resist. Hewanted to take her then, to lay her back on the bed and find their pleasure,but he was certain that would draw from her a vehement objection. He could bepatient. At least for a while.

When he ended the kiss, Sarah blinked twice and then pushedat his chest with her hand. “My lord! I am not a wench to be trifled with. Isnot Aethel enough for you?”