Desire Read Online Free PDF Page B

which reminded Clare of the great cliffs that protected her beloved isle. In spite of the intelligence that gleamed in his eyes, she sensed that he could be implacable and unyielding.

    This was a man who had fought for everything he wanted in life.
    He watched Clare as she examined him. He did not appear to object to her scrutiny. He simply sat waiting calmly and patiently for judgment in a manner which suggested that the verdict did not concern him. It struck her then that he had his own ends and he intended to achieve them regardless of her decisions and conclusions.

    That realization worried Clare. The Hellhound of Wyckmere would not be easily denied once he had determined upon a goal.

    But then, she could be just as determined in the pursuit of her own goals, Clare reminded herself. For all intents and purposes she had been in command of this isle and everything on it since the age of twelve.

    "Well, my lady?" Gareth said. "Are you satisfied with your future lord?"

    Her future lord? Clare blinked in amazement. She did not know whether to laugh or scold him for his breathtaking arrogance. She settled on a polite but distinctly cold smile.

    "I cannot say," Clare murmured. "I have not yet met the other candidates for the position."

    "You are mistaken, madam. There are only two, myself and Sir Nicholas of Seabern."

    Clare's lips parted in shock. "But that's not possible. I requested a selection of at least three or four knights."

    "We do not always get what we request in this life, do we?"

    "But you do not meet any of my requirements, sir," Clare sputtered. "I mean no offense, but you are not precisely the right size. And you appear to be very much a man of war, not a man of peace." She glowered at him. "Furthermore, I do not gain the impression that you are of a cheerful temperament."

    "My size I can do nothing about. And 'tis true that I have been well trained in the art of war, but I swear
    to you that I seek a quiet, peaceful life. As for my temperament, who is to say? A man can change, can he not?"

    "I'm not at all certain of that," Clare said warily.

    "I can read."

    "Well, that is something, I suppose. Nevertheless—"

    "My lady, it has been my experience that we all must learn to make do with what is granted to us."

    "No one knows that better than I," Clare said icily. "Sir, I shall be blunt. You have come a long way and given us a fine show. I do not wish to disappoint you, but in all fairness, I fear I must tell you that you are very unlikely to qualify for the position of lord of Desire. Mayhap it would be best if you and your men left on the same boats that brought you here."

    "Nay, lady. I have waited too long and come too far. I am here to claim my future. I have no intention of leaving."

    "But I must insist—"

    There was a soft, deadly sigh of sound. Gareth's sword appeared in his hand as if by magic. The swift, terrifying movement brought a collective gasp from the crowd. Clare halted in the middle of her sentence. Her eyes widened.

    Sunlight danced and flashed on steel as Gareth held the blade aloft.

    Once again everything and everyone seemed to freeze into utter stillness.
    It was young William who managed to shatter the spell.

    "You must not hurt my lady," he yelled at Gareth. "I will not let you hurt her."

    The crowd was as stunned by William's boldness as it was at the sight of the drawn blade.

    "Hush, William," Clare whispered. Gareth looked at William. "You are very brave, boy. There are those who flee in fear when they gaze at the Window of Hell."

    It was clear that William was frightened, but he wore an expression of stubborn determination. He glared at Gareth. "Do not hurt her."

    "I will not hurt her," Gareth said. "Indeed, as her future lord, I am well pleased to see that she has had such a bold protector to watch over her until my arrival. I am in your debt, lad."

    William's expression became one of uncertainty.

    Gareth reversed the sword with another lightning-swift