Free The Raven's Revenge by Gina Black Page B

the tawny depths of her eyes. She looked back warily. At this range, he could kiss her.
    That was it. He could solve both their problems. She would get her cat back, and he could put the fantasy Katherine out of his mind with one harmless act.
    Nicholas smiled. “I will demand payment.”
    Her delicate brows drew together.
    “Don’t worry lass, ’tis a payment you can afford.” He caught a whiff of lavender. “All I ask is one kiss.”
    Her eyes widened. He saw a flash of alarm just before it was replaced by a look of reluctant curiosity. Then she turned her head away and he could no longer read her eyes. Montford’s pleas grew louder.
    “Please,” she said, arms crossed over her chest.
    He bent his head and spoke into her ear. “Ah, lass. A kiss is naught to be feared. ’Tis one of the wondrous things a woman can share with a man.”
    “’Twill be payment for your service, and naught else.”
    “As you wish,” he grinned, certain she was right. “But I will collect.”
    With that, he walked over to the tree, grabbed hold of the two lowest branches, thrust a leg into the “V” at the bottom and began his ascent.
    As Jeremy and Henry joined her, Katherine’s stomach knotted. They stood, a somber threesome, necks craned to watch his progress. The branches above swayed as Nicholas climbed. A loud crack sounded, and a small branch came plummeting down. Jeremy grabbed Katherine and pulled her to safety.
    “You aright, Nick?” Henry called up.
    “Quite,” Nicholas’s terse reply came down.
    “And Montford?” Katherine now realized that for Nicholas to bring down the cat, he’d only be able to use one hand for climbing. That, and his recent arm wound, made it seem an impossible task.
    How could she have asked it of him?
    How could he dare it for a kiss?
    If he did succeed, she would have to pay the forfeit, but for him not to succeed was unthinkable.
    “Your puss is fine.” Nicholas called down, sounding like he spoke through clenched teeth.
    “Oh, do be careful,” she cried.
    “’Twill be just a moment longer,” he called back.
    They all watched as the branches dipped and swayed, signaling Nicholas’s descent. Katherine was surprised to see him hop down from the last branches with both hands free.
    Katherine heard a muffled meow. “But where is my kitten?”
    Nicholas laughed and held his coat open on one side. Montford’s head peeked out from the inside pocket.
    “Here is your puss—safe.” Nicholas’s voice sounded husky in the cool afternoon air. He handed Montford off to Jeremy. “You take this mischief-maker and do not let go.”
    Katherine swallowed. Nicholas’s part of the bargain was fulfilled. Would he kiss her now? Surely not with Jeremy and Henry present! 
    “If you will excuse us?” Nicholas nodded dismissal at the two men.
    Jeremy scowled as Henry took his free arm and drew the boy toward the horses. Katherine saw him turn his head twice to send her an inquiring look. Both times, she shook her head slightly. She would not go back on her word.
    Nicholas’s sense of triumph faded as he wrapped an arm around Katherine’s trembling shoulders and led her to a fallen tree branch behind a copse. For a moment, he was sorry that a small dalliance such as this could cause her so much consternation.
    But he had to go through with it. It was the only way he could think of to rid himself of the fantasy Katherine.
    He looked her over. She could not be more different from the Katherine of his vision. Alarm filled her eyes. Her lips were drawn into a hard line and her cheeks, instead of being rosy, were wan. Her breath came out in little puffs. He hoped she wouldn’t swoon.
    “Shall we?” he asked.
    “Yes.” Her voice was almost a whisper. “Can we get it over with?” Her words echoed his thoughts, yet the pleading he saw in her eyes just before she clamped them shut, did not.
    “No, lass.” He put a hand to each cheek. “Open your eyes. Look at me now.”
    Katherine cracked