Free The Maiden and Her Knight by Margaret Moore Page A

ensure that she is appreciated.”
    His eyes widened with surprise, then flared again with carnal craving. “It was a game, Allis? If so, you play a dangerous one.”
    â€œYou amaze me, Rennick.” She toyed with the hair around his ugly ears and banished from her mind any comparison of his brown, straight hair cut in the Norman style with Sir Connor’s long, thick and waving locks. “I would think a man in your position would have nothing to fear from anyone.”
    â€œOnly losing you.”
    Only losing his grasp on Montclair, she mentally amended as he again swooped down to kiss her. She quickly cupped his face in her hands, preventing that. As she did, his frigid blue eyes locked onto hers. His arms tightened around her as if he would squeeze the very breath from her body.
    The time had come. She had put it off as long aspossible, yet she could not make Rennick wait any longer. The tournament had not rallied her father and, despite all her efforts, he continued to weaken day by day. Edmond was too young to rule Montclair, and one day soon, Rennick would surely go to the king, if he was in England, or to Richard’s justiciar, and tell them that someone—some man —must be put in charge of Montclair until Edmond came of age. She didn’t doubt Rennick would paint himself the most suitable and logical candidate, and probably offer money to ensure that they agreed.
    If Rennick had to pay, his anger and bitterness would never end. But if she became his wife—if she gave him the body he so obviously craved—that might satisfy him for a time, and as his wife, she would be able to keep close watch on him.
    Yet even though she accepted the necessity, the words did not come easily. But come they did. “I have kept you waiting long enough, Rennick. If you still wish to marry me, I agree.”

Chapter 6
    â€œA t last,” Rennick said, as his whole face shone with triumph and satisfaction.
    Allis wanted to scream with despair, but she submitted to his embrace and endured his mouth plundering hers, seeking only the gratification of his own lust.
    She choked back a sob, and he did not hear it.
    She must be strong. She must endure. She must—“Rennick!” she cried, shoving him away when he roughly grabbed her breast.
    Righteous, furious anger at his impertinent action energized her. She might have to be his wife and eventually have to submit to his pawing, but not yet. By the saints, not yet!
    But she must not give Rennick cause to doubt her sincerity. She breathed deeply and put her hands on his arms that did not have the hard curves of Sir Connor’s. “You have been patient so far, Rennick, and that has impressed me. Do not spoil it now.”
    He grabbed her around the waist. “I have been patient and am eager for my reward.”
    â€œWhich you will have soon enough. Name the day you would have me for your wife.”
    Her words had the effect she hoped. Again he smiled, while she felt anything but happy. “I would marry you today, but there are important people who should be invited to our wedding.”
    Any delay would be welcome, but she tried not to show that, either. “I will leave the actual day up to your best judgment, my lord, as long as we have at least a fortnight to prepare. These important, influential people must be entertained as befits their station, and yours.”
    It would be at least a fortnight before Sir Connor would be healed enough to leave, but she must put that from her mind.
    Rennick inclined his head in agreement.
    She should be pleased to see such evidence that she could influence her husband-to-be, but that discovery did nothing to lift her spirit from the deep well of bleak despair.
    But, as always, she could not wallow in that gloomy pit. She had her father to take care of, and Isabelle and Edmond. She must not burden them with her sorrow. Their mother’s death and father’s illness were enough for