Free A Knight to Desire by Gerri Russell

since they'd been this close. She could feel the heat of Simon's body pass into her own, sensed the raw desire that lay just below his surface — the energy that was always there. She'd not forgotten how it felt to touch him. How she felt charged with tension and yet renewed each time.
    She drew a shuddering breath, trying to keep her thoughts centered on the challenges ahead. "What do you expect de la Roche will do with the artifacts he has?"
    A flash of pain darkened his eyes the instant before he pulled his hand from her slackened grasp. "He's obviously injured which explains the Grail. And the sword, no doubt, is to help him overtake the Templars. He almost accomplished that feat last time when he stole the Spear of Destiny, but thanks to Sir William and Lady Siobhan Fraser, that attempt was thwarted."
    "I know this might be unpleasant for you, but what can you tell me about him physically? Does he have any notable features? Things he could not disguise? It might help me."
    "His eyes." Simon's voice became hard. "He has unusually light blue eyes."
    "Merciful heavens," Brianna whispered. "Blue eyes…"
    Simon's gaze snapped to hers. "What is it?"
    "I've seen him before in my dreams." She reached up and toyed with the place where the lock of hair that had gone missing the night before Simon had arrived. "Or perhaps in person."
    Simon's expression darkened. "Explain yourself."
    She lifted the hair that had been left blunted after that night. "I had a dream one night that there was a man in my chamber. He stood over me and clipped a lock of my hair. Why would he do that?"
    Simon stopped his horse then reached out for her bridle, forcing her to do the same. Fear and anger mixed in the depths of his dark eyes. He reached for her hair, running his finger and thumb along the severed ends. "He did not hurt you, d id he?"
    "I could have taken care of myself if he had tried anything."
    Simon released her hair. "Nothing good can come of this."
    "What could he possibly do with my hair?"
    "I don't know for certain, but since I've come to you, it has seemed as though the man has known our every move."
    Abigail and Kaden stopped their horses. "It's the old magic," Abigail said with a frown. "I've heard tales from my mother and her mother before her that a lock of hair from one who has visions can allow others to partake in those dreams."
    "Is there any way to sever the bond?" Kaden asked, bringing his horse up next to Brianna.
    "Brother Kenneth might know." Simon glowered, quietly smoldering, but there was worry behind his eyes. "I know you are all tired, but with this new development, we absolutely must continue to the priory."
    All the color drained from Abigail's countenance. "It's that serious?"
    Simon nodded.
    Abigail stiffened. "Then let's go."
    "There is a small village ahead." Kaden paused, then added, "We can refresh the horses and perhaps ourselves there."
    Simon inclined his head. "When we reach the village, you and Abigail will gather food while Kaden and I see to the horses. Agreed?"
    Abigail gripped her horse's reins. "I'll do whatever it takes to get this man away from us," she said as they started forward once more.
    None of them spoke again until they entered the village. "How long do we have?"
    "Not long. I'll come back for you as soon as Kaden and I refresh the horses."
    Brianna turned toward the small inn to find a large, buxom woman opening the door to welcome them inside. About the same age as Abigail, the woman had graying black hair and kind brown eyes.
    "Good eve," the woman said, smiling brightly. Her smile faltered for a moment as her gaze fixed on Brianna's sword. "Will you be needing a room for the night?"
    "Nay, just a bit of food before my companions and I are on our way again."
    The woman looked past her as Simon and Kaden headed for the stable. "Judging by the tall one's steps, he appears to be in a hurry."
    Brianna nodded.
    "Then we'd best get you taken care of before he returns." The woman stepped aside