Here Be Dragons - 1 by Sharon Penman (best inspirational books txt) 📕

What game are you playing now, Joanna7 You know you want me '. jjj you depart the hall like that if you did not expect me to fol-"I expected nothing1 I'll take no blame for your mistakes, for your ursed, overweening pride For months now I've told you that it was er And even if Iwere utterly besotted with you, I'd never have mted you into Llewelyn's bedchamber, never1"Will gave a half-angry laugh "You make it sound as if we're about to defile a sacred shrine1" Yet he was not as irked as he might otherwise have been, she was clutching the sheet up to her breasts, but the matenal was soft, clinging, adhered to the curves of hip and thigh, and her hair spilled over her breasts, onto the pillow in a midnight cloud "Mayhap I did misread you, Joanna," he conceded "But I'm here now, and I cannot believe you truly want me to leaveYou admitted it yourself at Shrewsbury, how much you still wanted me You remember how it was between us " He leaned over the bed, his mouth seeking hers, and Joanna screamedWill never had more reason to bless his quick reflexes As stunned as he was, he reacted instinctively, swiftly clasping his hand over her mouth, choking back her cry He'd encountered resistance from women before, but it was usually playfully offered, a lover's game Joanna was struggling in earnest, in panic, trying to bite his hand, to scratch, to roll off the bed He realized at once that he could not restrain her without truly hurt.ng her, and when he loosened his grip on her mouth, she succeeded in giving another muffled screamNever had Will's desire diminished so rapidly, never had he lost an wection with such speed He was no longer aware of the soft female v thrashing under his, was aware only of that unshuttered window, h« hysterically barking dogJoanna, calm yourself I do not want to hurt you Joanna, listen toL>o you know what will happen to me if anyone heard your scream7f£"st Jesus, I'll be gelded with a dull knife' I'll not force you, I swear If rny hand away, let you up, do you promise not to scream7" tt,6 noc^ed'after an unnervmgly long pause He released her ^ ' ery cautiously She was gasping for breath, but she did not cry UU7 relaxed somewhat, enough for anger "Whatever possessed j °0ci Christ, woman, you almost got me killed1" ne Pul?na Was to° shaken for speech, half blinded by her own hair the sheet up, panting, rubbing her wristsBut when Will

me630took a step toward the bed, she cried, "If you dare to tou K// *-*^ri TY)Qagain . . . neHer voice had risen and he hastily backed away. "What d think, that I had rape in mind? At your own court, in your own h U chamber? What kind of a bloody fool do you think I am?"They glared at each other, but his protest had the ring of tn Joanna acknowledged that by reaching for the spaniel, seeking to a it. Will moved to the table, poured himself a double measure of mead "i cannot remember whenI've felt death so damned close," he confess d "Between you and that wretched dog, I expected half the court to corn bursting in at any moment.""You're luckier than you deserve. I want you out of here . now1" "You do want me to dress first? I'd look somewhat conspicuous wandering about the bailey in my shirt and chausses." Will set the cup down, studied Joanna with baffled, angry eyes. He still could not believe he'd not have been able to bring her around, if only he had enough privacy and time. But not here, not now, not when a single scream could bring a dozen men on the run."Here," he said, moving warily toward the bed. "Take the rest of this mead. If your nerves are half as frayed as mine, you need it."Joanna did, but she shook her head. "Just put it down and get out."She was still rubbing her wrist, and he said, "Are you hurt? In truth, Joanna, I did think you were expecting me, that I was welcome in your bed. I suppose every man has coerced a consent at one time or another. But I would never, in this lifetime or the next, force a woman like you. A Prince's wife, the King of England's sister? That mad I am not! I frightened you, I know. But you gave me a turn, too. Let's call it check and mate, and""I do not want to talk. I just want you to go." "All right. I'll go." It was for the best; she was too distraught to be trusted. But on the morrow he'd have to find a way to talk privately with her, to mollify her somehow. Women could be vindictive, unforgiving, and she was in a unique position to do him harm, to poison the ^"8 mind against him. "I'll go," he repeated, but instead he turned, moved swiftly toward the window. uJoanna sat up in alarm. "Now what are you about? Get back les , be seen!" , ut."Something is amiss." Very cautiously, he peered around the s^ ter edge."People are coming out of the hall. I cannot be sure, t>u I hear your name, hear 'Siwan.'" .£0&Joanna heard it too, now, a confused babble of voices, barking"What is it, Will?"

PT631"I do not know, mayhap a fire " He nsked another look, and drew back hastily "Christ, it's Llewelyn1"Even then, Will kept his wits about him Llewelyn was dismounting front of his lodgings, but if the door was thus eliminated as a means' f scape, that still left a side window Will darted toward it, began jyng at tne shutter latches "Joanna, hide my clothing and sword1"I t Joanna was incapable of moving She sat frozen, staring at the door"Joanna7 Joanna, are you