Love's Call Read Online Free PDF Page A

his. Desire would overwhelm him when awake.
    Each was a reminder of what he didn’t have, and since he’d recently begun his twenty-fifth turn, he was convinced he’d never meet her. It was odd, how much he could ache to hold her in his arms and not even know her.
    A place that was never fulfilled, even by the occasional lovers he’d taken. He might have held them close momentarily, but this girl—dark curly-haired beauty—would always hold him.
    He sighed, stubble grazing his palm, as he dragged a hand down his face.
    Now that she was in front of him, he felt farther away from her than ever before. His gaze rested on their joined hands. So small, her palm resting against his. Soft. Pale. In need of protection.
    Cursing under his breath, Roduch clenched his jaw. Pain shot up into his teeth. He’d find who had dared hurt her and rip them to shreds.
    Nonnegotiable .
    No one would hurt her again.
    When she woke, he’d voice his vow.
    Roduch must have fallen asleep in the chair, because the rustling of bed linens jolted him awake.
    His lower back and neck ached. After shifting and taking a breath, he met the greenest orbs he’d ever seen, even more so than the young Greenwald knighted mage, Lucan.
    She gasped when she realized he was awake, yanking her hand out of his and scrambling back against the large, carved headboard, knees drawn to her chest. She wrapped her arms tight, making herself smaller while glancing around the room frantically.
    She’s going to bolt, first chance she gets.
    “Wait.” Roduch kept his voice low, raising flat palms. “I won’t hurt you.”
    The girl froze and stared. “Where am I?” The whisper was so low he’d almost missed it.
    “Castle Aldern. We found you in the middle of the road. You collapsed in my arms. Asked for help,” Roduch spoke softly, making no moves. He was a large man, but she had nothing to fear from him, ever.
    The girl whimpered. Her gaze was locked onto his hands. She trembled.
    Damn, she’s scared.
    Roduch’s heart flipped, and he forced another breath. She couldn’t fear him. “I won’t hurt you,” he repeated. “ Ever .” He wanted to touch her, but she would just shy away. She wasn’t ready.
    She looked around the room again, this time a bit slower. “What’s your name?” she whispered but avoided his eyes.
    “Sir Roduch Grantham, one of the twelve knights of Lord and Lady Aldern’s personal guard.” He gave a small bow from his seat. Standing was a bad idea.
    The girl was likely nervous of his size while seated, so he’d terrify her if he straightened, all six-feet-five-inches of him.
    “You’re a knight?” Gorgeous green eyes wide, the girl looked torn between horror and awe.
    “Aye. I’m from Terraquist, formerly one of King Nathal’s knights.”
    “I was rescued by a knight?” She glanced at him sharply when he chuckled, but her shoulders loosened, and she let her legs fall to the bed. Still pressed into the corner, she reached for the furs, snatching them away, when Roduch leaned in to help.
    He tried not to be offended that she made sure they didn’t touch. “Actually, you were rescued by a Senior King’s Rider, several knights, a half a dozen men-at-arms, and a squire in training. Mistress Ansley Fraser found you first. We were on patrol when we rode up to the both of you. I got to you as fast as I could.”
    The girl finally looked at him, and Roduch fell into her eyes. He swallowed hard. Her black curls were disheveled, but it didn’t take away from his instant attraction to her. Her face was still flushed pink from sleep, and he ached to touch her. “What’s your name?” he breathed, ordering his hands to remain in his lap.
    She shook her head, and her front teeth sank into her full bottom lip.
    Roduch reached for her hand, but she scooted even further away from him. “It’s all right. I promise you’re safe here. No one will hurt you ever again.” After berating himself for reaching out when he’d known better,