To Tempt a Knight Read Online Free PDF Page A

comfortable?”
    A look of confusion entered her eyes. “Nay. Why would he lie to me?”
    “People do all kinds of things to protect those they love.” He thought the explanation sounded reasonable, yet his words didn’t have the effect he’d hoped. She turned away, facing forward on the horse, but not before he saw tears spill from beneath her dark lashes.
    Suddenly William wished he were deep in the thick of battle, for then he’d know what to do. He had no experience comforting women, especially when he’d caused the upset with his words. William palmed his sword, allowing the hilt to warm beneath his palm.
    Robert the Bruce had trusted him with the most sacred of secrets, and this woman’s father was part of that secret. William frowned. How could he gain her trust?
    William steeled himself to do what must be done, no matter how innocent or frightened she appeared. He needed information about the Spear of Destiny. Herfather had known its location. Did that mean she knew the Templar’s other secrets as well?
    He relaxed his grip on his sword. He pulled her back against his chest. Her body stiffened. A soft sob escaped her. He remained silent, not knowing how else to comfort her. A moment later, she leaned back into his chest. “This day started so well. Where did it go wrong?” she whispered.
    William allowed her body to sink back against his. He swallowed hard, trying not to notice the soft brush of her skin against his or the sweet feminine smell that filled his head. God’s mercy, it had been years since a woman had been in his arms. He drew in a long breath and let the scent of heather permeate his senses. Had a woman ever felt this soft before?
    Something inside him that had been dormant for a very long time sputtered to life. Warmth filled him, then heat. But it was a heat he could never sate. He forced his thoughts back to the present. He needed information about her father to complete his mission.
    “We will find him, lass,” he said softly.
    She turned to face him. “Do you know who did this?” she whispered.
    “Aye.”
    Her green eyes widened. He could see the cold, stark fear reflected there.
    “It’s someone who wants certain information your father has.”
    “I have to help him. All his research is back at our home. That would be the best place to start.”
    He nodded. “I’ll take you back and continue to protect you from de la Roche if you, in turn, cooperate with me.”
    Suspicion narrowed her gaze. “Why? How does this profit you?”
    “The Templars need your father.” Their gazes met and held. “And you, Lady Siobhan, need me.”
    She drew a breath, then nodded. “I accept your offer. Take me home, and let’s see what secrets the scroll contains.”
    Pierre de la Roche’s company slowed their horses to a stop as they cleared the valley, coming back into the open once more. The landscape stretched for miles with no sign of the Templar or the girl. Anger flared. He needed that girl to make her father talk. The man had shown marked reserve until de la Roche had mentioned heading back for the daughter.
    De la Roche clenched his gloved hands as Navarre Valois, his captain, brought his horse alongside de la Roche’s. “We were right behind them. How could they disappear into thin air?” the man asked.
    “I’ll tell you how he slipped away,” de la Roche replied caustically. “That blasphemous Templar has been on the run for many years. He’s become very adept at secreting himself.” His gloved hand snaked out, connecting with the man’s cheek and jaw, nearly unseating Navarre from his horse.
    “Let that be a lesson to be more careful,” de la Roche growled.
    The captain rubbed the growing red mark that dominated the left side of his face. “Aye,” he mumbled.
    Navarre had been with him for years, since long before strands of gray began threading his hair. The man had been competent at one time. Perhaps those days were gone.
    De la Roche turned to his troops. All the