Vengeance 01.5 - A Knight's Kiss Read online

  “Liza?” he whispered as he caught her gaze.

  “Aye?” Surely he didn’t imagine the breathlessness in her answer.

  “May I kiss you?”

  Liza melted. This big, strong knight who could take whatever he wanted asked permission to kiss her. There was only one answer she could give. Her gaze fell to his mouth as she pressed her lips to his.

  He stilled for a long moment then his mouth moved against hers, firm and sure. Desire swept through her, surprising in its strength. Never had she felt such heat. He tilted his head and their lips melded even more. He drew back and nibbled her lower lip then traced the seam with his tongue, causing her to open her mouth in surprise. His tongue danced with hers, creating swirls of desire low in her belly that grew stronger and hotter. She could taste her ale on his tongue, and that made him all the more desirable.

  How could a kiss create such liquid heat? His hands were warm on her waist, holding her tight. But somehow, she didn’t feel they were close enough. She stepped forward which put her body against his in one long pleasurable line. He felt so good.

  “Liza,” he murmured as he eased back slightly to kiss along the length of her jaw then her neck, nearly making her whimper.

  “Aye. Another kiss, if you please.” Though she was far from ready to take the kiss further, she dearly wanted another taste of this. Of him. Of the passion he created within her. She lifted her arms to those broad shoulders.

  “I please.” His deep whisper sent shivers through her. His hands held her hips and drew her to him even closer.

  Suddenly she realized just what she felt through his chausses.

  “Oh.” She drew back, her senses still reeling. But the feel of his manhood against her was much like a splash of cold water. She knew what came next, and in all honesty, she didn’t care for it. “I’m sorry. I—”

  The big knight continued to hold her close, but instead of taking what he so obviously wanted, he leaned his forehead against hers. “Please don’t apologize. If you do, then I will have to as well, and I’m not the least bit sorry.”

  She eased back to study his expression in the candlelight, wary of the anger she expected to find there.

  He smiled. “Has anyone told you how beautiful you are?”

  She frowned, trying to make sense of his words, but there was none to be had. Perhaps he didn’t understand. “I can’t lay with you.”

  His brows rose in surprise. “Of course you can’t. You hardly know me. Nor I you.”

  “That isn’t a requirement.” She was sure of it. The serving maids didn’t always know the men they chose to sleep with.

  “’Tis for me,” Hugh answered easily. “I prefer to know the person beside me. I confess that I would definitely like to know you better.” He ran his hands along the length of her, his fingers finding the ache in the small of her back.

  “Ahh.” She couldn’t contain her sigh of pleasure. That was the very spot that had been giving her fits for the past two days. His massage pressed her against his groin, once again making her all too aware of his desire.

  But rather than trying to take her, he simply continued rubbing, easing out the knots. “You work far too hard.”

  She smiled, amazed he’d think such a thing. “Market days are very busy and leave me no choice.”

  At last he slowed his fingers and simply held her again. His gaze was steady on hers.

  “What?” she finally asked.

  “You are an amazing woman.” He gave her waist one last squeeze. “Now tell me again which barrel you’d like. This time I’ll try not to become so distracted.”

  The rest of the evening passed in a blur for Hugh as he sat with Matthew in the alehouse. He cursed himself for not questioning Liza on Stanwick’s activities while he’d had the chance in the quiet of the brew room.

  But most of his thoughts revolved around the idea of spending a long, pleasurable night with the widow. She was strong and beautiful and clever. An evening with her might be more than he bargained for. He shook his head, annoyed with himself. A woman was not what he needed at the moment. In fact, it was the last thing he needed.

  But he wanted her. Ached for her, if truth be told.

  After the evening passed with no new information gained, he and Matthew returned to the monastery to spend the night, paying the small fee the monks requested from those who could afford to do so.

  Hugh’s dreams were filled with a dark-eyed willowy woman who moaned in his arms. He woke the next morning with an ache in his groin that had him gritting his teeth. To calm his thoughts, he ran through a practice with his axe in his mind.

  “What are you doing?” Matthew’s sleepy voice interrupted Hugh’s routine.

  “Nothing. Why?”

  “I can hear you thinking all the way over here.”

  Hugh decided to ignore his comment. “’Tis time for us to rise.”

  “Only if you promise this day will be more productive than the last.”

  Hugh snorted. “Life has no guarantees. Surely you’ve learned that by now.”

  Liza completed her tasks in the brew room that morn, her mind full of the events of the previous night. The feelings Hugh had roused in her were not welcome. For a brief moment, she wondered if he was as kind as he seemed. But nay, that couldn’t be. He didn’t keep the axe strapped to his belt for nothing. Soon enough he’d reveal his dark side, his violent side. If he remained here that long.

  She couldn’t become involved with him. ’Twould be best if he left. The sooner the better. In fact, mayhap she should suggest they leave. Never mind the pang of regret that filled her at the thought.

  She closed the door of the brew room, ready to go to the marketplace to purchase more elderberries.

  “Good morn to you, Liza.” Wymark approached as she closed the door.

  “And to you.” She watched him warily, waiting to see what he wanted. “Two visits in two days? To what do I owe this honor?”

  “I came to hear what you discovered about those two knights.”

  “Oh?” With all that had happened last eve, she’d forgotten Wymark’s request.

  “I understand they were at the alehouse again last eve.” Those pale blue eyes watched her far too closely.

  “They’re interested in buying horses from Lord Stanwick.” Sharing that little bit of information shouldn’t bring harm to them nor would it aid Wymark. “I advised them that the lord was choosy as to whom he sold them.”

  “Come, Liza. Surely you have more information than that.” He tsked as though disappointed with her.

  She shrugged. “That was the extent of our conversation.”

  “I bid Mary to speak with him, but she had little success.”

  That pleased Liza to no end. She decided not to examine why overmuch.

  “Since Mary failed, I need you to try harder. Use some of those womanly wiles on him. Do you remember how to do that? Or perhaps you never had any. Your husband seemed less than pleased with them.” Wymark smiled as he threw his barbs.

  Liza bit her tongue. No purpose could be served by allowing him to get under her skin, yet she couldn’t remain silent. “Mayhap you should speak with the men yourself and try some of your own wiles on them.”

  Wymark scowled. “Be careful, Liza. Be very careful. I know where Melissande sleeps each night. It would be such a tragedy if anything happened to her. Unmarried women are so vulnerable, aren’t they?”

  Fear bubbled in her throat. “Do not touch a hair on her head.”

  “That isn’t where I intend to touch her.” The smug smile added to her fear.

  “Leave her out of this.”

  “If only I could.” He sighed with mock regret. “But you refuse to cooperate. What choice do we have except to use what means are available to us?”

  “We?”

  “Your sister is very pretty. Even Lord Stanwick has noticed her. I’m sure that pleases you.”

  She tried hard to disguise her fear and disgust. The lord was old enough to
be Melissande’s grandfather. “Advise me why you suspect the knights. That might make the task easier.”

  “We suspect all strangers who linger overlong in Ermine.”

  “Then I’ll advise them to complete their business and move on.”

  “We’d rather you determine where they came from and why they’re here. These are troubling times. Lord Stanwick must be on guard against those who might wish him harm.”

  Liza bit her tongue. She wanted to suggest the lord should be more careful with his own activities in order to remain safe. He had grown bolder in his comments against the king. That could only lead to trouble.

  “Well?” Wymark reached out to touch her cheek. “Do we have an agreement?”

  She jerked her head away. “I’ll see what I can do.”

  “Excellent. I’ll come by again on the morrow and see what you’ve learned.” He turned to leave then spun back. “I’ll be sure to tell Melissande that you asked after her.”

  Liza watched him walk away, swallowing hard to ease the sudden tightness in her throat.

  She continued to the marketplace, hoping inspiration would strike. Did she simply ask Hugh plain and simple why they were here? For all she knew, they truly were interested in Lord Stanwick’s prized horses.

  Yet if Wymark insisted there was more reason for the knights’ presence, there probably was. She had no more desire to put Hugh and his companion in harm’s way than to endanger Melissande, but obviously her loyalty remained with her sister.

  Blast her sister for placing her in this predicament!

  Intent on her thoughts, she sought out the cart at the market selling elderberries and began to make her selection. Overripe fruit held the most flavor whereas unripe berries made the ale taste bitter. Luckily for her, the woman selling the elderberries was most anxious to sell the overripe items and was willing to give her a good price for a large quantity.

  “Purchasing more ingredients for your ale?” The deep voice at her side caused her to look up into sparkling blue eyes.

  Immediately a smile curved her lips, making her consider him for a long moment. “How do you do that?”

  “Do what?”

  “Make me smile each time I look at you.” Her face heated as she realized how flirtatious her words were. She felt far too comfortable around him, especially considering their heated kiss the previous night and the task Wymark had set for her.

  His grin widened. “’Tis a gift. I like seeing people happy.”

  Amazed, she could only shake her head. To hear those words on a man’s lips was inconceivable.

  “What?” he asked. “Don’t you like to see others happy?”

  “In all honesty, it hasn’t crossed my mind.”

  He tilted his head to the side. “Isn’t that why you make such tasty ale? To please others?”

  She considered his words so she could answer honestly. “I suppose that’s true. After all, if they didn’t like it, they wouldn’t buy it, now would they?”

  He chuckled. “You have a very practical soul.”

  “What brings you to the market this fine day? Surely you aren’t searching for elderberries.” She preferred not to be the topic of conversation. Mayhap she’d learn more about him as well.

  “Nay. I was told I could find Lord Stanwick’s steward here.”

  She couldn’t prevent a scowl from crossing her lips as she glanced around the market. “You’d be better off searching in the shadows.”

  “You don’t care for the man?” Hugh asked, his voice low.

  Liza made certain no one other than the fruit seller was near. “Can’t say as I do. But you should draw your own opinion.”

  She paid the woman for her berries and placed her basket on her arm. The words to bid Hugh good day were on her lips but she paused as she looked at him. Why shouldn’t she spend some time with the knight? Perhaps she could gain information—at least enough to protect Melissande—and indulge herself in the process.

  “Would you care to look around?” She felt suddenly shy, wondering if the man would want to spend time with her. “We can search for Wymark while we walk,” she added as an afterthought.

  Hugh’s eyes twinkled even brighter if that was possible. “That would be a pleasure, Liza.” He took her heavy basket from her and offered her his arm. “Let us enjoy some time together.”

  Chapter Four

  Hugh was pleasantly surprised at Liza’s offer. In truth, his attention should remain on his goal, but he couldn’t resist the chance to spend time with her. Perhaps she’d feel comfortable enough to tell him what she truly thought of Lord Stanwick. If she shared something that could give them a lead, he’d declare the day a success.

  “Where is your companion?” she asked.

  “Matthew is flirting with the blacksmith’s daughter.” He shook his head. “That man charms women with that smile of his as naturally as flowers open for the sun.”

  Liza laughed. The sound poured through Hugh, warming him like sunlight. He vowed to make certain he found a way to make her laugh again. She did it far too infrequently.

  “He’ll be in for a challenge,” she said. “Ingrede is not easily swayed.”

  Hugh knew Matthew thought he could coax the girl into sharing some of the more private happenings at the keep. Hugh had warned him that he risked angering the blacksmith. Matthew had grinned and said he was up for the challenge.

  But Hugh didn’t want to speak of Matthew at the moment. He wanted to learn more about Liza. He paused at the apple cart. “Would you care for one?”

  At her nod, he selected two and paid the woman. Liza rubbed the red fruit on her apron until it shone, took a bite, then sighed in appreciation. “Excellent choice.”

  Hugh watched as she licked her lips, unable to stop the spear of desire that shot through him. Mayhap it had been too long since he’d last lain with a woman if the sight of her eating an apple had him so lustful.

  Yet he knew it wasn’t just any woman. Something about Liza touched him deep inside, bringing out a longing he’d thought dead. He wanted to hold her for certain, but he also wanted to learn more about her, to see if this attraction was a passing occurrence or something deeper.

  “May I ask what happened to your husband?”

  She looked up at him, the look of pleasure on her face gone in an instant. “He fell and hit his head near the river and drowned two years past.”

  “How terrible.”

  “Not really.” She bit her lip as she dropped his gaze, her voice hushing to a whisper. “He wasn’t much of a husband. In fact, he was drunk at the time, trying to escape the lord’s guards who were chasing him for poaching.”

  Hugh didn’t care to speak ill of the dead so kept his opinion to himself. “It can’t be easy being a widow.”

  She shrugged. “I have my sister nearby, so I’m not completely alone.”

  “At the alehouse with you?” He didn’t remember seeing anyone who looked the least bit like Liza.

  Displeasure crossed her face. “Melissande decided serving the lord at his keep would benefit her far more than serving the patrons at the alehouse.”

  “You were not in favor of her wish?”

  “Nay.” She looked at him, studying him closely. “I’m not certain why I’m so tempted to share my burdens with you.”

  “I’m happy to listen. Perhaps I can help in some way.” Her sister might serve as a good source for Stanwick’s activities. And if he could somehow help Liza and her sister in the process, his mission would be truly successful.

  “Why did you come to Ermine?” She glanced around the crowded market before holding his gaze again. “The true reason.”

  “What makes you think we’re not interested in horses?”

  She took another bite of the apple as if to delay her answer. “I’m not certain. Something tells me more weighty events are on your mind.”

  Hugh ate some of his own apple as he considered his options. Did he dare trust her with the truth? Yet how could he expect h
er to confide in him if he wasn’t willing to do the same? If Royce were here, he’d tell him to trust his instincts, and those told him he could trust her. He took another bite and gestured toward a copse of trees that offered a measure of privacy in its depths.

  She glanced over her shoulder as though checking to see if anyone watched. That in itself was a mistake. It only made her look guilty. To offset her action, he paused at several carts on the way toward the trees as though shopping was the only thing on his mind.

  Though she looked at him questioningly several times, he kept the conversation general as he studied a length of wool and a potter’s bowl.

  At last they drew near the trees and continued on the worn path that meandered through them. He stepped off the path once they were no longer in view and found several trees growing close together that would hide them well.

  “The first lesson in subterfuge is not to look over your shoulder as though you’re worried about who watches you.” He smiled with his advice.

  “Did I? Obviously, I’m not good at this.” She sighed as she tossed away her apple core. “Seems as though it would be simpler if everyone were honest.”

  “From what I’ve seen of humanity, that will never come to pass. Instead we must guard our intentions, however noble they might be.” He finished his apple then gestured toward the base of the trees. “Will you sit with me? I’ll share a secret or two if you will. Mayhap we can help each other.”

  Her slight frown indicated indecision, but she complied. “I must be honest.” Her large brown eyes sought his. “’Tis difficult for me to trust others. Men especially. I have not always been treated kindly by them.”

  He sat beside her, placing the basket nearby. “I’m sorry to hear that. You deserve much better.”

  She scoffed. “At any rate, I fear I need assistance with my current predicament.”

  Hugh twined his fingers with hers. “Tell me of it.”

  She squeezed his hand. “I feel powerless against Wymark.”

  “What does he want?”

  “It varies, but as of yesterday, information on you.”