Heart's Ransom (Heart and Soul) Read Online Free PDF Page A

are allowed our clothes and belongings, we have not been subjected to rough handling or insults, we are warm and dry, and we are about to be fed.  Things could indeed be much worse.”
    “Indeed,” Alys said tightly.
    Compared to the fate that awaited her, Gwen found this place much more pleasant and comfortable.  She had grown up with Talon Montgomery at her borders, and although she detested the Englishman for his raids into her land, usually in answer to when her father raided, she had to admit she respected him.  It was not easy to keep the peace with a man such as her father staring him in the teeth just across the river.  Yet, Montgomery had managed it.
    A knock startled Gwen and she opened it to discover Earl Montgomery towering in its frame.
    He had changed out of his armor and wore a clean black knee length tunic, with black hosen and soft shoes.  A leather belt circled his waist; a large finely made dagger drew attention with its delicate craftsmanship as well as the small cornet around his brow.  She was surprised at the length of his hair, falling lose past his shoulders.  A rich mahogany streaked with various hues of glowing copper and golden blonde.  The light reflected off the shining strands, giving his hair a tawny appearance.  And in the better light, she could see that his brown eyes more closely resembled his hair.  Not a solid brown but made up of many different hues from gold to walnut and everything in between.
    Another black cloak graced his shoulders, falling in voluminous folds and secured at his right shoulder with an elaborate knotwork broach.  The material was of the finest weave she had ever seen but she wondered why a man with his wealth would chose to dress entirely in sable.  It struck her as if he was in mourning but she had heard of no recent deaths befalling House Montgomery.
    “My lady,” he said, inclining his head slightly.  “Dinner is being served in the hall.  Will you and your maid be joining us this eve?”
    She nodded. 
    He sighed, leaning his shoulder indolently against the frame.  Gwen realized that the expanse of fabric of his tunic and cloak did nothing to hide the mass of his shoulders and chest.  He seemed to appear even bigger than he had wearing armor.
    “Lady Gwenillian--”
    “Gwen, please, my lord.”
    He arched an eyebrow.  “Talon.”
    “Talon, can you not tell me what this is all about?”
    For a brief instant, fury flashed red in his brown eyes, stunning her.  A muscle ticked in his jaw but the abrupt signs of rage vanished just as suddenly as they appeared, followed by an icy control that frightened her even more.
    “As I said before, Gwen, my reasons are my own.  Rest assured you will not be harmed or mistreated in any way.  During the day you have free access to the castle and the inner bailey.  At night you and your maid will be locked in this room to dissuade any fool who might see a maiden in distress and seek free you.  I advise you not to go near the gates or try to flee Montgomery.  I have eyes everywhere and I am not known as a patient man.”
    Anger at the enforced captivity sparked within her.  She lifted her chin.  “I do not understand this,” she said through clenched teeth.  “In all the years you and my father have vied against each other over your foolish male egos, never once have you acted without honorable conduct.”  She paused, her eyes narrowing.  “Unlike my own bastard sire who will change the rules of the game on a whim.  What has gotten into you with this scheme, Talon Montgomery?”
    He blinked at her in surprise and Gwen silently counted a point in her favor.  But he quickly masked his shock and stepped forward slightly, bending his neck to look down at her.  Gwen suddenly realized his lips were scant inches from hers.
    “Scheme, my lady?” he purred, his voice rich with silken seduction.  Shivers leapt over her skin as if he had caressed her.  She found her gaze locked on his and could