Free Siege Of the Heart by Elise Cyr Page B

around. “My lady, it is a pleasure.” He smiled as he surveyed her, and she was not surprised to see it did not reach his eyes.
    No matter. He would hear her whether he willed it or not. “I must apologize for my behavior last night,” she said in a strong, insincere voice. “Nothing has gone right since my injury, and I have been ill-mannered because of it. If you have been arrogant, you probably have cause to be so.” Some of his men snickered at the comment, but after a sharp glance from Alexandre, quieted. “If you have been disrespectful, it was probably done inadvertently.”
    “Isabel…” Captain Thomas warned.
    She ignored him. It was past time she put Alexandre in his place. “I am not sorry, however, for calling you patronizing. You have treated me like a child when I am more capable of running and defending my home than you are.” The Norman straightened at the charges, his face cut from stone. “You also forget I need not answer to you or your men. As William’s errand-boy, your jurisdiction here is questionable at best, and I ask you to remember that in your conduct with the members of my household for the remainder of your stay here.” She looked over his men before returning her attention to Alexandre. “Now, pray continue with your training exercises.”
    She turned on her heel, but the knight swiftly reached her side. “My lady, I ask for a chance to respond. I was denied the opportunity last night, and I have no desire to lose another.”
    Isabel sighed, her breath visible in the air. By now, the cold had crept past her clothing and she was already chilled through. She wished she had not been so eager to seek out the Norman. Facing him again, she crossed her arms to keep her body heat from escaping. She was surprised to find his countenance full of wry amusement. She expected annoyance, anger even. Not the hint of a boyish grin.
    “If I have failed to treat you with the proper respect you deserve, I can only say the manner in which we were acquainted did not flatter either one of us.” She had not forgotten the Norman’s heated glances when she first woke from her illness. Isabel shifted her feet and prayed her cheeks did not redden at the memory. “By your leave,” Alexandre continued, “I would ask we try to find some sort of accord in which we can work together.”
    “Agreed.” Isabel walked toward the castle, her steps quick to melt the ice that had formed inside her.
    Alexandre fell into step next to her. “My lady, how do you propose we proceed?”
    She glanced sidelong at him, before staring ahead once more. Just looking at him made her stomach contort. “I suggest you accustom yourself to the fact I do not have to tell you any more than I deem necessary.”
    Alexandre shrugged off his mantle and placed it about her shoulders without asking, his hands lingering. His male scent enveloped her, clouding her ability to think clearly. She inwardly cursed. This man threatened more than her independence—he threatened her sanity. Yet her desire to rip off the cloak warred with the warmth thawing her body.
    “Then, may I suggest you take care to ensure you recover fully from your illness and injury? I would also ask you acquaint me with the workings of your home so I can better understand it and aid you in whatever capacity you may require during our stay in Ashdown.”
    “ Très bien .”
    “Then we will start this afternoon, no?”
    They reached the main hall. Isabel swiftly removed his cloak and handed it back to him. “Sadly, I must go over the week’s meals with the kitchen staff today,” Isabel said with what she hoped was an apologetic smile. She needed as much distance as possible from him while she developed a plan to turn the knights out of her home once and for all.
    Alexandre pulled the mantle around himself. He smiled at her obvious desire to get away from him. “All pleasantries aside, you cannot hold me off forever, Isabel. You claimed I treated you like a