A Knight's Temptation Read Online Free PDF Page B

the end of their meeting, he’d wrench that hood from her face and see exactly who dared to speak to him with such defiance—and who dared to deceive a man as powerful as de Lanceau.
    She shifted under his stare. A smile pulled at his lips and he decided to let her squirm a bit longer.
    Not caring to temper his scrutiny, he glanced her over. Despite her worn cloak, there was no disguising her slender figure or the delicate poise of her hands, clasped in front of her. She wore no rings or any other kind of identifying ornamentation. Her posture appeared almost regal, as if she were more than common born.
    Her manner of speech, too, suggested she wasn’t a commoner. However, he’d met a few courtesans—including Veronique, a poor farmer’s daughter—who imagined themselves beyond their humble births and entitled to the silk finery, perfumes, and privileges of the nobility.
    No titled lady would step inside this grimy hell pit of a tavern. If, for some reason, she had matters to attend here, she’d send a servant in her place.
    This woman before him was a well-paid courtesan who’d somehow got hold of the pendant—stolen it from a client after a passionate tryst, mayhap—and intended to claim the reward for herself.
    Before he was done with her, he’d find out exactly where she got the jewel.
    Just as the thought skittered into his mind, her other guard stepped in behind him. Aldwin almost laughed. The man was no threat. Two good punches and Aldwin could fell the lout, who looked old enough to be his grandfather.
    With a squealed groan, the door swung closed. The panel clicked into place, muting the roars and drunken cries carrying from the main room. The room plunged into near darkness, illuminated by the one candle’s spindly flame.
    He remembered seeing more candles on a crate by her. She could have provided more light, if she’d wished. But she’d wanted to remain hidden.
    Not that it mattered. He stood between her and the door now. She couldn’t dash past him. Whatever she thought, her two aging accomplices were a poor defense against him. Moreover, the one candle—held up to her face—would give enough light to see her features.
    As the silence dragged, she made a small sound that reminded him of a cat’s growl.
    “Still I am waiting,” he said, “for you to tell me who you are.”
    Again, she didn’t respond. He tried to stifle his rising annoyance.
    “I am a lady,” she said at last. “’Tis all you need to know.”
    He snorted. “Lady.”
    Her head raised a notch, as if she resented his scorn. Behind him, the old man exhaled a sharp breath.
    “I expect you are as eager as I,” she said, “to be done with our negotiations—”
    “Not at all.” He waved a careless hand. “I have traveled many leagues to get here. A few more moments do not matter to me.” Raising his eyebrows, he added, “How can I trust any of our dealings, if I do not know your name?”
    Her head turned slightly as she glanced at the wiry gnome who’d brought Aldwin to this room. “My name is . . . Lady L.”
    “Ah. The name of an expensive strumpet.”
    The little man’s shoulders jerked back.
    The woman gasped.
    “A lady of the seedy tavern underworld,” Aldwin continued, bolstered by their shock. If he insulted them enough, they might accidentally reveal important information. Dropping into a bow, he threw his arms wide in deliberate mockery. “What a pleasure to meet you.”
    The man choked. “How dare you insult mi—”
    “Shh!” the woman snapped to her associate. Then, her cloaked head turning in Aldwin’s direction, she said, “Beware, or you shall leave without your prize.”
    “Oh, I do not think so.”
    Her breath rushed out on a hiss .
    “Lady L, do you have the ruby pendant?”
    “A-aye.”
    “Draw over the candle, and let me see it.” Bring the light to your features, so I can see your face .
    She shook her head, stirring the drape of her hood. “First, I will know you have the reward.