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

not turn away.  It was as if he bewitched her and held her in thrall.
    “Perhaps my scheme is to prevent you from suffering a fate worse than death.  Remember, I know Lord Fitzalans quite well.”
    The mention of her betrothed’s name broke the spell and she turned away from him suddenly chilled to the core.  “Aye,” she said softly, rubbing her arms.  “I may detest being your prisoner but I’d much rather be here than being beaten into the vows awaiting me.”
    “Beaten?” he asked softly and she heard him take a step forward.
    “No matter,” she said but still refused to look at him. 
    “You do not want this wedding?”
    Her ire pricked again and she spun, almost plowing into his chest.  “You just said you know Fitzalans quite well.  You tell me, what woman in her right mind would want to be cursed with that ancient, withered, sodding, old...?” her voice faded.  For once she had run out of names.
    Talon’s lips twitched and she realized he fought back a smile.  “Aye, lady, I agree with that summation.”
    Suddenly an idea sparked within her, a way to discomfit her sodding father and to turn the tables on Montgomery.  “Talon, despite my earlier words, I know you to be an honorable man.  I have no desire to be married to a mossback such as Fitzalans.”  She took a deep breath and gently gripped his forearm.  “So I beg sanctuary, my lord, grant me the protection of Montgomery.”
    He recoiled as if she had struck him.  “Sanctuary?” he whispered.
    “Aye, sanctuary.  If you protect me, I won’t have to marry Fitzalans nor will I have to return to my father.”
    His mouth twisted into a grim line.  “Lady, you seek sanctuary in the wrong place.  That is reserved for the House of God.  I do not wish to bring harm upon you but if your father does not heed me in this matter, you will pay the price of his foolishness.  Once my business with your father is completed to my satisfaction you will be returned to him forthwith.”  He spun on his heel and slammed the door behind him.  Leaving Gwen to stare at the oak wood, her mouth agape.
    “You don’t understand, do you?” she whispered to herself.  “My father doesn’t care one whit about me.  If you have taken me for true leverage against him, you have indeed made a foolish error.  And I have never known you to play the fool, Talon Montgomery.”

Chapter Two
     
    Days passed after Talon’s abduction of Lady Gwenillian.  Although tempted beyond human endurance to send a ransom note to Powys demanding Rose’s return, Talon somehow controlled himself, unwilling to tip his hand prematurely.  Finally, one of his spies reported from Powys.  Talon read the letter three times to make sure he understood the shocking news.
    Powys and Fitzalans were at each other’s throats, each blaming the other for Gwen’s abduction.  Neither of them made any mention of suspicion pointing in Talon’s direction.  Under normal circumstances, Talon would have found it all a great jest.
    “The fool sods wouldn’t see the truth if it bit them on their arses, Marcus,” Talon muttered, pacing the great hall.
    “Aye,” Marcus said.  “One would think Powys would immediately suspect you.”
    “Unless he does not have Rose.”  That thought chilled him even more.  If Powys did not have Rose, he was back to the beginning.  “I cannot send a ransom note now or Powys and Fitzalans will be knocking on my gates in force.”  He thought for a long moment, his hand tearing through his hair.  “Lady Gwen asked for sanctuary and as tempted as I am to grant it, if Powys has Rose, the exchange must be made.  Therefore, I cannot grant her the protection of Montgomery Castle.”
    “Pray pardon, my lord, but if we keep the lady here and safe, Powys and Fitzalans will be off balance by suspecting each other.  We can continue searching for Rose.”
    Talon nodded.  “Until we have more information that is the best we can do.”  He spun on his