My Heart Belongs to You (Medieval Romance Trilogy Book 3) Read Online Free PDF Page A

wedlock, Nicholas had vowed at an early age that he would never father a babe until he wed the mother first. Neither would he reject any child of his making. Though his real father had known nothing of his cruel childhood, Nicholas warred with feelings of dejection and anger. As a young boy, he’d felt abandoned by his real father. Nicholas rode a double-edged sword. Because he did not dally with women as other warriors were wont to do, his men wondered if he preferred killing. He’d been accused of bloodlust. Only Alex knew the truth and Nicholas wished his brother wasn’t so astute. Now, he had a chance for a new life. A new beginning. And he would not lose it.
    Alex placed a hand on Nicholas’s shoulder. “What will you do if she refuses to wed you?”
    “She cannot refuse.”
    “You could tell her the truth. That would sway her toward your cause.”
    Nicholas gave a harsh laugh. “We willna speak of the truth.”
    “She might already know. Perhaps Lord Maston told her before he died.”
    Anger pulsed through Nicholas’s body. How he wished Alex would leave this topic alone. “Maston said he would take the secret to his grave. You’ll not breathe a word of it to her or anyone. It’s verra important, do you understand?”
    Nodding, Alex showed an understanding smile. “I would never tell a soul. But surely Lady Ysabelle would cease to fight you if she knew the truth.”
    “No, she would fight me even more. I don’t want to break her heart, or her spirit.”
    “So, you care for her feelings.”
    A low rumble was Nicholas’s reply. If Alex were not his brother, he would lay him low. Only two men dared speak to the fierce Scots Ram in such a way. His brother and his real father. It wasn’t that Nicholas feared either man. In fact, he loved them both dearly. For this reason alone, he allowed them leeway, though he would never confess as much.
    Alex stepped closer, his eyes glowing in the dim shadows. “You are a fierce warrior. But you have never been faced with a small bit of fluff that smells like springtime and looks like an angel sent to tempt your verra bones. No doubt Lady Ysabelle still mourns her dead father. Now, she has been forced into wedlock by her king and widowed in the same day.”
    Nicholas nodded with agreement. Too bad he’d been forced to steal her away, earning her distrust and anger in the process.
    “She is obviously frightened of you,” Alex told him.
    With a glare, Nicholas stowed the water skin away in his pack. “You know I’ll never allow Sutcliffe to fall to the English King.”
    Alex snorted. “Yes, I know. You would take on the English army alone if your men weren’t so loyal to you. It must be quite comfortable not to need anyone’s help. Even my presence here was my idea. You would never ask. But I know what you need.”
    “And what is that, brother?” Nicholas snapped.
    “A woman who idolizes you.”
    Nicholas gave a derisive laugh. “Such a woman doesn’t exist. I don’t fear the English King’s army. I have a secret weapon.”
    Alex quirked an eyebrow. “And what is that?”
    “You! If all else fails, I’ll simply let you talk them to death.”
    A chuckle rose in Alex’s throat. “Truly I mean no offense, but do you know how to show affection to a woman?”
    With a noncommittal shrug, Nicholas frowned. “I prefer not to lift the skirt of every female I meet, as you are so eager to do.”
    “Then you have missed one of the treasures of life.”
    Pausing to consider this, Nicholas was momentarily vexed. “I prefer to win my lady’s heart, but I am no stripling lad.”
    Alex laughed. “That I know, but I think you…”
    “You think too much.”
    Whirling about, Nicholas walked toward the stand of spruce, conscious of Alex staring after him. Though Nicholas pretended otherwise, he ached for softness in his life. He would never admit it, but he held a deep desire to have a home of his own, and heirs to inherit what he fought so hard to gain. It was the