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

heel and called on Thomas to bring him his armor and saddle his horse.
     
    ****
     
    A sennight turned into a fortnight since her arrival at Montgomery and Gwen was nearly at wits end.  Although granted free access to the keep and bailey she started to feel like a trapped animal.  She had nothing to do here, no duties, nothing to keep her mind from boredom and the inactivity began to frazzle her nerves. 
    She thought Talon would be pleased with her.  She had not tried to escape, nor had she harassed him.  On the other hand, she had not seen much of him either.  Most days, the black clad earl led his men out of the gate at dawn and didn’t return until well after sunset.
    But today Talon had remained at home.  Gwen sought him out, a servant telling her he was in the gardens.  She could not take any more of this.  Confinement never sat well with her.  It was a common ploy her father had used against her and she hated it.
    She saw Talon standing in the middle of the gardens, once again dressed entirely in sable.  He stood with his back to her, tossing rocks into a tiny pool before him.  She scowled and observed him a moment.  His shoulders appeared slightly bowed, as if he was weary.  His head lowered, he gazed into the pool, but seemed as if he did not focus on it.  A muscle ticked in his jaw.  He wore his long hair loose, tumbling around his shoulders, gleaming golden in the sunlight.
    She found herself admiring the various shades of brown, red, and gold, appearing as sunshine glowing through honey.  She cleared her throat and approached.
    He turned quickly, scowling at her.  “My lady?”
    “My lord,” she said and cocked her head, noting his body seemed to coil at her approach.  “I am sorry I disturbed you.”
    “Is something amiss?”
    She studied his face, beautiful in its artistry.  Even the Greek sculptors Brother Cedric had taught her about could never craft such perfection.  Certainly no mortal could ever have a hand in creating such beauty.  But why did he insist on wearing sable?  With his sun darkened skin, he wore the color well, except for his eyes.  For some reason black made his rich brown eyes look bleaker, stealing the depth of their colors.  For an instant Gwen wondered if he was one of God’s angels fallen from heaven, wearing black in grievance for being cursed to the mortal realm.
    “My lady?” he prompted, his scowl deepening.
    She shook herself, embarrassment creeping through her that she had allowed herself to be distracted.  “Uh...forgive me, my lord.  I...uh....”  Damnation, why was she suddenly so flustered?
    He ran his hand through his hair then gave his head a slight leonine toss, sending the locks tumbling down his back.  Once again Gwen found herself painfully distracted; suddenly there wasn’t enough air in the entire world to fill her lungs.  Irritated she forced the strange feelings down.  “Talon, I must ask a boon of you.”
    He arched an eyebrow, folding his powerful arms over his massive chest.
    Gwen clenched her teeth.  Why did she note his every movement with absolute clarity?  “I...I have tried very hard to abide by the rules of your house and...err...your hospitality.”
    A second eyebrow followed the first.  He quickly looked back to the pool but not before she saw a spark of amusement flash in his eyes.  He rubbed his jaw and Gwen abruptly realized he did it to cover the smile that played on his lips.  He took a deep breath and looked at her again, his humor gone.  “And?”
    She almost growled at him.  He certainly wasn’t making this easy.  “Talon, I am going mad being cooped up in this castle.  I have nothing to do here.  At home I had duties, I used to do things for enjoyment, I used to go riding all the time.”
    “Riding?”
    She took a step toward him.  “I love riding, Talon.  I used to go almost every day, even if only for an hour or two.  Please, Talon, I need to get out for a short time.”
    He shook his