Free Sword for His Lady by Mary Wine Page B

crossed her mind.
    Of course .
    It was simple logic.
    She rolled over and out of her bed, ignoring how cold the stone floor was. Her toes smarted so she hurried to get dressed. Despite the early hour, there were others stirring. Spring was a busy time—they wanted to have enough to eat during the next winter. She could hear voices floating up from the kitchen and movement in the yard.
    â€œYou are up early, Lady Isabel.”
    She stopped so quickly her skirts kept going and fell back against her ankles with a soft flutter. Ramon de Segrave was blocking her path, his sword in hand. His hair was tousled from the night but his dark eyes were clear and alert. He turned the sword with an expert motion and sheathed it.
    Something fluttered through her insides. Something she forbade herself to take note of. But she shivered anyway.
    Ramon was wearing only his breeches and a shirt, unbuttoned halfway down his chest.
    You saw him in less yesterday…
    She focused on his face, only to find his lips curved in a grin.
    â€œDare I hope you are eager to see me?”
    She was shaking her head before she recalled her purpose. “In sooth, I was seeking you. Or your captain.”
    The baron’s grin faded. “Bring your needs to me, Isabel.”
    He was using her Christian name on purpose. There was a glint in his eyes that dared her to take issue with the familiarity. The intimacy.
    You are overly sensitive…
    Perhaps she was, but Ramon was overly sure of himself.
    â€œSince my squire has yet to rise, you may assist me.”
    â€œI think nae…”
    He raised one eyebrow and his lips curved again, this time into a full, arrogant smile. He opened his arms wide, making his shirt billow and split open farther to give her a glimpse of his powerful chest.
    â€œI will happily stay in naught, if that pleases you.” He reached down and grasped the bottom of his shirt. “I did not dare to hope the needs that have you searching for me were of so personal a nature.”
    She jumped forward, pressing her hands against his chest to keep the shirt in place. His body was warm against her fingertips, setting off another spiral of sensation in her belly. She gasped, recoiling, but he followed her, pressing back against her and trapping her hands beneath his.
    â€œI should like to discover more of our reactions to one another.”
    She tried to tug free but he stepped toward her, backing her into the wall. Her eyes widened as he planted his hands on either side of her, caging her.
    â€œI made my position clear, my lord.”
    His eyes were full of promise. “As you can see, I am very good at changing your position. I suggest we try many different positions.” His tone was dark and alluring but his words were a reminder of cold, hard reality.
    â€œAye, men enjoy putting their wives into whatever places they like.”
    His expression tightened. “You accuse me unjustly. One man’s sins are not another’s to answer for.”
    â€œYou are the one holding me against the wall.”
    He shrugged, the motion drawing her attention to just how powerful his shoulders were. The scent of his skin drifted between them, drugging her, dulling her wits.
    â€œAnd you put your hands on me first.”
    â€œOnly because you were going to…to…” Her memory offered up a crystal clear recollection of what he looked like in only his skin, and her breath got caught in her throat.
    He chuckled softly, lowering his head so that his lips hovered next to her ear. “I never make idle threats.”
    She growled and shoved at the wall his chest made in front of her. “Enough toying with me! The sun is up and only a fool wastes daylight.”
    â€œYou tempt me to sin, in more than one way.”
    She gasped.
    He grunted but moved aside. “Be pleased with me, for I am bending to your dictates.”
    He moved back across the floor and scooped up his tunic from where it was lying