Vengeance 01.5 - A Knight's Kiss Read online

  “They are in Ermine to gather information on Lord Stanwick’s activities.”

  Melissande’s eyes grew wide. “You work for the king?”

  “Nay. For a concerned lord who has no wish to see England fall to disorder, which is what would happen if the barons lead another revolt.” While Hugh might have doubts as to whether he could carry out this mission, he didn’t doubt the necessity of it.

  Liza’s sister nodded then put a hand to her stomach. “Mayhap we could eat while we talk? I’m near to starving.” A loud growl quickly followed her words.

  “The food isn’t one of the better qualities of a dungeon,” Hugh said.

  “I’ll see to a meal and drink while you wash,” Liza told Melissande and gestured toward the pitcher and basin near the hearth.

  In a matter of moments, Liza returned from the kitchen with two trenchers and a flagon of ale. Matthew arrived and he and Hugh washed as well as Liza. The four of them gathered around the table to eat. Melissande practically shoved food into her mouth.

  Hugh put a hand on her arm. “Slow down or it will come up as quick as you’re putting it in there.”

  Melissande smiled around a mouthful. “My apologies. I’m just so hungry.”

  “You’ve plenty of time and food.” Liza refilled everyone’s cups, but her strained cheerfulness didn’t fool Hugh.

  With her initial hunger staved, Melissande shared what had happened at the keep. How she’d heard Lord Stanwick speaking to another man about how terrible King Henry was. How he had yet again granted an English title and land to a foreign lord. They agreed he had to be stopped, one way or another.

  The two men had also spoken of the failed attempt to take Lord Pimbroke’s life. Hugh nearly smiled at that, remembering his and Royce’s hand in thwarting the plot. Melissande continued, telling them that the two men had spoken of a new plan with a different target, one they thought was certain to succeed.

  “That was when Wymark caught me. I didn’t mean to overhear but once they started speaking, and I realized what they were planning, I couldn’t help but listen.”

  Matthew patted her hand. “We all would’ve done the same.”

  Hugh frowned. Based on the rather besotted look on Matthew’s face, the young knight was taken with Liza’s sister. The man switched his interest in females quicker than he could drink a flagon of ale.

  Melissande smiled shyly at Matthew. “I thought myself quite alone. I had no idea Wymark was near.”

  Liza shuddered. “That man is everywhere.”

  “What will I do now?” Melissande asked. “The first place they’ll look is Liza’s alehouse.”

  Hugh cleared his throat. “I fear you must leave Ermine.”

  Melissande’s lips parted and her eyes went wide. “For how long?”

  He shook his head. “For good.”

  “But…” Words seemed to fail the woman as she glanced at Liza. “Where will I go? What will I do?”

  “Come to Larkspur with us,” Matthew blurted out. “Lord Royce will welcome you.” Then he sent a worried look at Hugh.

  “I don’t know anyone there.” Melissande appeared distraught at the idea of moving to a strange place, but chances were she’d never ventured much farther than Ermine’s walls.

  “You’d know us.” Matthew touched her arm awkwardly. “Lord Royce is rebuilding Larkspur. ’Tis small at the moment, but soon it will grow. Already villagers are returning now that they know Lord Royce has taken over.”

  “You must go,” Liza said, her voice thick with emotion. “If Hugh and Matthew will give you safe passage, that is.”

  “Of course,” Matthew agreed.

  “Hold.” Hugh held up his hand. “While I agree Melissande must go and Matthew can escort her, I have not yet finished my business here.”

  “What do you intend to do?” Liza asked.

  “I intend to confront Lord Stanwick with what we know. I’ll tell him Lord Pimbroke knows as well and intends to advise the king if Stanwick doesn’t halt his treasonous plans.”

  “Are you crazed?” Liza rose from the table, the food before her uneaten. “He’ll throw you in his dungeon just like he did Melissande. Or worse.”

  “Hugh, wait until I come back from seeing Melissande safely to Larkspur,” Matthew said. “If she doesn’t mind hurrying, I could return within five nights at the most with men to aid us.”

  “Nay. We don’t want to turn this into a battle. Royce has no desire to lay siege to Stanwick’s keep. My mission is only to halt the communication.” Hugh shook his head. “I do not yet have the details of a plan. I have to believe that if I can speak with him alone and warn him of the potential consequences of his actions, he’ll be less inclined to continue his plotting.”

  “Or he’ll throw you in his dungeon and wait to see if anyone comes looking for you.” The anger in Liza’s face surprised him.

  “I will not speak with him at his keep but rather at a place where neither of us has the advantage.” As she began to protest yet again, he held up his hand. “The details will be resolved soon enough. What’s important now is that we ensure you and your sister have protection.”

  Liza watched him warily as though she knew what he was going to say.

  “’Tis not safe for you here anymore either, Liza. You should go with your sister and Matthew.”

  “So you want us to leave you here alone?” Liza scowled. “Nay. I will not.”

  “Liza. Be reasonable,” Hugh protested. The sooner she was safe, the happier he’d be.

  “If I stay and go about my routine as though I know nothing of Melissande’s escape, it will throw off Wymark. Searching in Ermine will delay them further, giving Matthew and Melissande time to reach safety.”

  Hugh didn’t care for the idea. In fact, he hated it. But damn if she didn’t have a point. Matthew and Melissande couldn’t leave in the dead of the night. Not when the sky was overcast like it was this night. The soonest they could depart was dawn.

  “So be it. Matthew and Melissande will set off at first light. Liza and I will remain here until I can speak with Stanwick.”

  Hugh watched Liza, wondering if she’d truly leave all that she’d built here and come with him when his mission was complete.

  The four of them rested in the simple room with sparse furnishings that Liza had above the alehouse. Liza and Melissande shared the narrow bed while Hugh and Matthew took turns keeping watch to ensure no one yet searched for Melissande.

  Liza didn’t sleep a wink. While she knew her sister would be in safe hands, she couldn’t help but worry what the next two days would bring for all of them.

  By the time first light brushed the horizon, Matthew and Melissande were nearly ready.

  “Be well, sister,” Liza said as she hugged Melissande tightly.

  “And you,” Melissande said, her eyes full of tears. “Thank you. I’m sorry I didn’t listen to you when you told me not to serve at the keep.”

  Liza shook her head, fighting back her own tears. “I’m just glad you’re safe.” She released her and leveled a stare at Matthew. “I’m relying on you to keep her that way.”

  “You have my word,” Matthew said.

  Once again, Melissande was stuffed into one of the barrels which was lashed with several others on the cart. Hugh punctured numerous holes to provide more air but it would still be an uncomfortable journey. She’d have to remain in the cramped dark space until Matthew cleared the gate and put several furlongs between them and the city.

  Liza was beside herself with worry but kept her concern to herself. Again she found herself in the position of having to trust a man. In this case, two. But she realized she truly did trust Hugh and Matthew. They’d both risked their lives to save her sister.

  Before she was ready, the cart was making its way down the dark street toward the gate. Liza wiped away her tears but more took their place.

  Hugh pulled her to his side, saying nothing until the cart was out of view. “They should arrive at the gate r
ight when they open it. By midday, they’ll be well away from here.”

  Liza nodded. The thought of her sister stuffed in the barrel made her uneasy, but it was better than the dungeon.

  “Come inside. Let us make our plans now that they’re gone.” Hugh kept his arm around her as they went back into the brew room.

  Liza led the way up the stairs to her chamber, very aware of the knight’s presence behind her. She wiped at her tears one last time, determined to be done with them. They would help nothing.

  “What do you want to take with you when we leave?” Hugh asked.

  His question made her eyes fill with tears again.

  “Here now,” he said as he gathered her into his arms. “What are those for?”

  She laid her head on his broad chest unable to answer for a long moment. “This place has been my home for many years. ’Tis difficult to imagine leaving it for good.”

  “I understand but your safety is far more important than anything here.”

  “Aye.”

  “No one can take your memories. You’ll still have those.”

  “True.” And she had to admit, many of those were not happy ones.

  “Your talent for brewing ale will be most welcome at Larkspur. Lady Alyna has a few tricks of her own. You’ll have much to speak about with her.”

  After a long moment, she tipped her head back to look up at him. “You’re a very clever man, Hugh.”

  His brows rose in surprise. “I’m not telling you anything you don’t already know.”

  “Mayhap, but it helps to hear it all the same.” She rose up and lifted her face to his, hoping he’d grant her this wish.

  His lips met hers as her eyes drifted closed. Heat filled her immediately, surprising her with its strength. He gathered her tighter as his tongue found hers. The desire that coursed through her chased away her worry until all she knew was him.

  His hands roamed along her back until at last they cupped her bottom, pulling her up against him. The feel of his manhood, hard and ready, should’ve given her pause, but instead she found her hips shifting against him, reveling in the sensation.

  “Liza,” he growled between kisses. “Christ, but I want you.” One of his hands released her bottom to mold her breast, his thumb searching for her nipple.

  She waited, expecting him to take what he wanted as her husband had always done. Instead, the sweet torture continued as he pressed kisses across her face and down her neck until liquid heat poured through her.

  Wanting more, she captured his lips with her own, her tongue dancing with his.

  Hugh’s movements slowed as he drew back. “We must stop else I won’t be able to.”

  Her gaze caught his, expecting to find anger there that she hadn’t done something right. Hugh’s warm smile and his heated gaze surprised her yet again. “Why would you stop?”

  “Because it wouldn’t be right for me to take you.”

  She touched his manhood through his chausses, causing him to jerk in response. “But you want to.”

  He took her hand away as he tried to catch his breath. “Christ, Liza. I want you so badly I ache. But that doesn’t mean I have to take you. What do you want?”

  Confused, Liza could only stare at him. Her wants had never been something she’d considered in the past. “I don’t know. I’ve never…that is to say, I’ve never felt like this before.”

  He frowned. “Your husband never took care of your needs?”

  She shook her head. “I didn’t have any needs. Not until now. With you.”

  “Damn him. You deserve so much more.” Hugh kissed her again, slowly this time, drawing forth much more than simple desire. It was as though he touched her heart with his tender kiss. That only made her want him more.

  “Liza, if you’d let me, I would make love with you. I’d show you passion and pleasure.” Again his hands caressed her body through her kirtle, making her ache in places she didn’t know could. He touched the apex of her thighs and her body trembled in reaction.

  Never had she felt like this. She’d thought to live out her days alone, untouched by a man after the death of her husband. But this…this changed everything. “I had no idea I could feel like this.” She pressed a kiss to his jaw. “That I could feel so hot. That I could want you so much.”

  “Oh, Liza.” Hugh kissed her again, his hands moving slowly along her body until pausing to caress her breast as his other hand eased her closer. “Will you let me show you?”

  She stepped back, her gaze holding his. A look of disappointment crossed his face. Nay, it was more than that. Perhaps hurt that she didn’t trust him enough to let him?

  She bent to lift the hem of her kirtle and draw it over her head, leaving her standing in her chemise.

  Hugh’s blue eyes went wide, his gaze devouring her. Hope lit his face as he stared.

  “Aye. Show me. Please.” She moved forward to run her hands along his tunic then under it. The sculpted muscles there caught her breath. With a sudden brazenness, she lifted the soft linen, and Hugh complied by removing the garment. “So strong.”

  The corded muscles of his thick chest and wide shoulders had her sighing with pleasure. He hissed as she lingered overlong on his nipples, making her smile. This newfound womanly power was very satisfying.

  “You’re certain?” Hugh asked as he reached for her.

  “I’ve never been more certain about anything my entire life.” To her surprise, it was true.

  “Thank God,” he muttered then kissed her once again, holding her as though he’d never let her go.

  Then his hands were everywhere, lingering in places she hadn’t realized were sensitive. He lowered his head to kiss along her neck, moving lower still. He kissed her breast, the thin linen of her chemise no match for his hot mouth. Her nipple puckered in response, causing an answering response low in her belly.

  “Oh.” She could no longer think—could only feel. And it felt so good.

  His hand caressed her bare thigh then her hip as he lifted the chemise even higher. He eased it over her head and moaned at what he revealed. “You’re even more beautiful than I imagined.”

  Reverently, as though worried she’d change her mind, he trailed a finger from her collar bone down, circling first one breast, then the other, then lower to the juncture of her thighs. “Like the finest silk.”

  She tipped her head back astounded that he could make her ache like this. She tugged at the top of his chausses. “These need to go.”

  Quickly, he pulled off his boots and unlaced his chausses but left them on.

  “Nay. All of it,” she ordered with a smile.

  “Your wish is my command.” His blue eyes twinkled. He loosened the laces further and pulled off his chausses.

  His manhood was bigger than she’d expected and more than ready. She ran a hand along the thick shaft, alternately squeezing and caressing before he grabbed her hand to stop her.

  “No more. I’ll be done before we begin,” he said with a growl. Then he pulled her into his arms.

  The brush of his heated flesh against her was heaven. He lifted her onto the bed and lay beside her. Before she had a chance to worry over anything, he kissed her again, a long, slow kiss that squeezed her heart, making her feel new and amazing sensations.

  His hand caressed her ankle, her thigh, then her hip until she wanted to beg him to get on with it, to touch her…there. Aye, she thought. Pleasure filled her when he at last complied. She’d had no idea that desire could take over her body, leaving her with only one final wish—an end to this sweet torture.

  “Ah, release for me, Liza,” Hugh muttered, his voice thick.

  Her body bucked and heaved as his fingers worked their magic until at last she cried out, a keening sound he captured with his lips. Brilliant points of light filled her vision as her body shuddered. Hugh held her tight while she took flight.

  “By all that’s holy,” she whispered as she landed softly back on the bed filled with wonder. “I had no id
ea.”

  Hugh eased back to look into her face. “You’ve never?”

  “Nay. Never.”

  He shook his head. “Well then, we’ve a lot of ground to cover, do we not?”

  She smiled. “I couldn’t agree more.” Now that she’d discovered this amazing feeling, she wasn’t about to let it go. She reached down to grasp him once again.

  “Liza,” he said on a huff of breath, “we should wait.”

  “Whatever for?”

  “Christ, woman.” Hugh shifted to move over her, settling between her thighs, the tip of his manhood teasing her. “You’re certain?”

  “You talk too much.” She tilted her hips in an age-old sign of welcome, bringing his length inside her. Her breath came out in a sigh. Never had anything felt so right.

  They moved together, Hugh keeping the pace slow despite her wish to speed it up. The heat inside her built slow and steady, swamping her once again, inside and out. Then he shifted to reach between them, touching her intimately. Her world shattered once more as Hugh found his release as well. Somehow she was sure her body would’ve drifted away if not for the weight of Hugh gently holding her beneath him.

  “Oh.”

  “That’s all you have to say?” He placed his weight on his elbows as he nuzzled her neck.

  “My,” she managed, her mind completely blank.

  “Indeed,” he agreed. Then he kissed her again. “You are a special woman, Liza.” Another kiss. “Beautiful.” Then another. “Intelligent.” And again. “Enough passion to light the dawn.”

  Her heart melted completely. How could this large, fierce knight be so sweet and tender? But she knew this was merely a passing encounter for him. How was she ever going to let him go?

  Chapter Eight

  “Where is she?” Wymark’s angry voice echoed in the quiet of the brew room later that morn, startling Liza from her thoughts.

  Liza had practiced this moment many times with Hugh. She knew what to do, how to act. Though having the angry steward stride into the room sent her heart racing.

  “Who?” She turned to look at him, making sure a frown marred her brow. “I’m rather busy at the moment as you can see.” She continued to stir the ale slowly in the copper cauldron. “Far too busy for guessing games.”