Shanna Read Online Free PDF Page B

glanced down at the filthy straw and could not suppress a shudder.
    Taking a seat in the corner, Ruark leaned back against the damp stone wall, drawing up a knee to let his arm rest upon it, the hand dangling limply. His eyes fastened on her, and Shanna steeled herself for the final act. She must make it good. At least he had not yet openly laughed at her.
    â€œDo you think I lightly consider this, Ruark? My father is a man of iron will, and, though he has been called many things, I have never heard a man question his word. I have no doubt that he will do as he said and force me to marry a man I despise.”
    Ruark’s contemplation was steady, but no words parted his lips. It was her turn to be nervous and pace, and doingso furthered her cause no small amount Shanna Trahern moved with the natural grace of one who led an active life and bore nothing of the affected daintiness so often displayed by beauties of the courts and salons. There was a sureness in her stride that lent a smooth, fluid grace to her every movement. Ruark admired every side of her, and for the most part her words missed him, for he had already set the price in his mind and only waited the moment.
    Shanna stopped, and, resting her hands on the table, leaned toward him. The gown opened enticingly, and she saw his eyes fall where she wanted them.
    â€œRuark,” she said firmly, and his gaze raised reluctantly to meet hers. “Is there something about me which you find distasteful?”
    â€œNay, Shanna, my love.” His voice was hushed but sounded hollow in the cell “You are beautiful beyond my imagination. And I have enjoyed this repast so much I would not see its end. But please consider this. If your cause is really so dear, I will bargain with you for my name, but the price will be high, Shanna. And I ask you say me yea or nay before you leave, for that suspense I could not bear.”
    Shanna held her breath in fear of what he was about to say.
    â€œMy price is this.” His words echoed through her brain. “The marriage will be one in fact as well as vow. I am condemned to hang, and I would elect the chance to leave an heir. The cost is that you spend the night with me and consummate the vows in deed as well as words.”
    Her breath came out in a rush and her eyes flared with anger. She gasped in stunned rage at his affront That he should dare! Shanna was set to shriek her fury in his face, but his laughter rang in the cell and brought quick death to her ire. Swinging both legs onto the cot and clasping his hands behind his head, he was as relaxed as if he were in some inn swigging ale.
    â€œAh, yes,” he chuckled derisively. “I thought that might see the real price of your predicament. You seek my name for a cause so dear, this name which is my last and sole possession and mine alone to give. When I ask the same of you—that the cost be what is yours alone to give—thenthe price is much too dear. So you reject the price, deny the bargain, and will be seen to that end your father wills.”
    Ruark seized the flask and raising it high, gave the toast. “To your wedding, Shanna, love.”
    He drank deeply and then sat staring at her with a wan smile, feeling his loss. Shanna returned his gaze with little warmth in her eyes.
    That damned filthy fool! Did he think he could best her?
    She came toward him, swinging her hips like a gypsy dancer, hair tumbling and eyes flashing with green fire. She had been stung and felt a need to set his smirk awry. Anger ruled where good sense trembled in fear. She stood before him, feet spread and arms akimbo and slowly reached out a finger to rest it along the straight line of his nose.
    â€œLook,” she sneered. “I dare touch you, filthy though you are, swine though you are to mock my need. And if I bed you, what then do I gain? To trade my father’s will for your brat?”
    Leaning his head back, Ruark laughed into her glare. “Your