A medieval romance by
S.L. McKay
Excerpts from completed manuscript, June 2004
CHAPTER FIVE - Cont.
The irony of his comment was lost on her for the moment. Twisting, she tried to knee him in the groin. It was she that screamed out in pain, though, as her knee connected with the metal buckle of his sword belt. It was enough to get his attention, however. With lightening speed, he rolled her over and switched positions. Her struggling subsided as he held her wrists to the ground above either side of her head, straddled his thighs tightly along her sides, and pressed his groin into her belly.
“I suppose it falls on me to show you how to properly treat a captive.”
“Go to the devil!” she spat and continued to try to squirm free.
It was wasted energy and they both knew it. Still, Nicholas admired her spirit. Her efforts waned and he felt her taunt body surrender even before her mind saw the white flag. He watched, transfixed, as her face took on a rosy flush and her eyes darkened to a stormy blue with gold flecks that shimmered like moonlight on water. Her delicate nostrils flared as bursts of warm air escaped from her rosebud mouth. Thoughts of the two of them entwined in passion flashed through his mind and he felt himself becoming aroused. She felt it, too.
“Nay!” she screamed and used her last ounce of strength to push him off her.
He saw the terror in her eyes, then, and knew he had gone too far. He stood up and dragged her up with him. “Cease your struggles, Ariane. Had my intent been to harm, it would have happened long ago.”
Her eyes widened when her name tumbled from his lips. He knew! He knew who she was! Must have known the entire time. Though it seemed impossible, her cheeks burned hotter. Chest heaving, she struggled to compose herself. Keeping her eyes averted from his face, she feigned surrender. “Now that you have had your fun at my expense at least do me the courtesy of taking your bruising hands off me.”
“Fun?” he asked, relaxing his grip, but not releasing her.
“Aye. Were you awake the entire time?” she asked, raising her eyes to look into his. “Did you enjoy hearing me grunt like a piglet whilst hauling your huge hide? ‘Twas most unchivalrous!”
"Unchivalrous? Hardly. ‘Twas you that initiated the game, Lady Ariane. I graciously played along. I might suggest, however, that if you wish to drug a battle-hardened knight you use the more potent Asian poppy. The local variety given in such a small dose does not have the desired effect.”
Ariane glared at him.
“I do thank you though. Your infusion did wonders for the ache I’ve been having in my left shoulder.”
Ariane stuck her tongue out then turned her face away. But not before she noticed how his eyes turned velvety brown and the beginnings of dimples appeared with his grin.
“So, Lady Ariane, if you are ready to end the charade then just say so and we will be on our way.”
“On our way? To where?”
“To Monanham, and well you know it.”
Ariane couldn’t help but notice the glint of light in his deep brown eyes. He was more amused than angry and this came as a surprise. Still, she did not trust that there would not be retribution at some point. Though reluctantly admitting to herself that she was snared, she still resisted beginning the two-day journey back to Monanham. “’Twill be dark soon.”
Nicholas peered up through the complex mesh of budding branches at the dimming sky and nodded. “Very well. We will spend the night here and leave at dawn.”
“Here? What do you mean by here?”
“What else could I mean? Here! In that rickety shack.” He tossed his head in its direction as he began walking to his horse, thinking to lead it and himself to drink from the stream he had spotted through the trees. To his surprise, Ariane followed.
“But the cottage is tiny and there’s naught but a small pallet.”
He looked down into eyes round with alarm. Furrowing his brow, he nodded in understanding. “Yes, I see. That may be a problem.”
A wan smile formed on rosebud lips. “Yes. I’m glad you understand. So you won’t mind sleeping outside?”
Nicholas nearly laughed. He likely had spent as many nights sleeping under the stars as under a roof and usually preferred it. But not tonight, or any night again, now that the enchantress of his dreams had come to life. Looking upon Ariane’s shimmering beauty triggered the memory of his moon woman tempting him to the verge of bliss before he would jolt awake in a sweat, stimulated and unfulfilled. He was aroused again and would remain unfilled for another night. This time the frustration was strangely welcomed because the object of his desire stood within reach and he would have her…soon. Even as his body cried out for her, his disciplined warrior’s mind quelled his urge. No, there would be no seduction tonight. Biting his cheek to restrain a grin, he decided a bit of teasing would serve as a small reward for his extended discomfort.
Continued
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Copyright 2004 Susan McKay All Rights Reserved