Valentine Read Online Free PDF Page B

were broad, the tight cincture of his robe hinting at a lean frame.
    “Afternoon? Excuse. I have no speaking,” she apologized. “I want a man quickly.”
    The monk’s lips parted in a grin that could only be described as devilish, his teeth shockingly white and even against his sun-kissed skin.
    “Hello,” he said, his English flavored with an accent that was not of this little Austrian village. “Certainly I am that man for you, my lady.”
    Mary gave a tremendous sigh of relief and turned her face toward the heavens. “Oh, thank God!” But she had no time for extended thanksgiving . . . they would be looking for her soon. “Are you Victor?”
    The monk frowned. “Victor? No,” he hedged, and then his sultry smile returned. “But you may call me Victor if it pleases you.”
    “No.” Mary shook her head and glanced over her shoulder. “I need Father Victor. Please, oh please, tell me that he resides in yonder abbey. I’ve come such a long way and my time is short.”
    “Well,” the monk drawled, “perhaps . . . perhaps I know of a man named Victor. Indeed, I do. And perhaps,” he took a step closer and reached out to touch a curl of her hair, “I could be persuaded to introduce you to him. Although I can no think how he could be of assistance to a lady as lovely as you.”
    Mary was near to losing control. If she did not get what she needed here in Melk, she would be swept off in the morning with the group. She closed the short distance remaining between them and grabbed the monk’s cowl in both fists.
    “Is he there or not?” she demanded through her teeth.
    “You.” The monk chuckled. “Such passion!”
    Mary screeched in frustration and released him. “Never mind,” she said, picking up her skirts once more and starting toward the path to the abbey. “I shall find him myself! You should be ashamed!” she tossed over her shoulder.
    “Wait!” she heard him call out from behind her, and then the sound of his footfalls on the path. “I am ashamed, yes!” He came even with her once more as she tromped up the hill. “Please, do no run away. I am sorry to have disregarded your plea in my admiration. I shall take you to Victor, of course. He is right this way.”
    She glanced at him, thinking that perhaps she had judged him too hastily. After all, it was likely the religious behaved differently in other parts of the world.
    “Thank you,” Mary replied. “He must hear my confession immediately, so if you would be so kind—”
    “Confession?” the monk repeated. “If that is what you seek, perhaps we should . . . share a meal first, and I could counsel you that you might completely purge your conscience.”
    Mary stopped in the path and gaped at him. “What kind of monk are you?”
    He shrugged and gave her another grin.
    “I have come all the way from England to meet this priest. I have endured weeks of road travel, sea travel, infestations of lice. I’ve shared a bed with an old woman who can’t keep her hands to herself. I’ve essentially run away from home, and my nurse is likely out of her mind with worry. I am very happy that I will marry a great knight later this year, and I don’t have time for your nonsense! Unless I accomplish what I set out to do this very day , my entire life will be ruined!” She shoved a finger into his chest. “And if it is because of you that I miss the opportunity to see Father Victor, I will personally see to it that you are defrocked.”
    His smile widened. “You wish to defrock me?”
    “Argh!” Mary screamed, and once more took up her march to the abbey.
    “Fine! Fine!” the monk acquiesced with a laugh. He easily matched her pace. “So determined! I do hope your betrothed knows what he is getting himself into by marrying you. I will take you to Victor.”
    She spoke not another word to him as they climbed the path together, and it took all of Mary’s self-control not to burst into tears. As they neared the monstrous compound, she was