Wicked Whispers Read Online Free PDF Page A

what happened.”
    Too much. Losing herself in Enrique’s arms wasn’t like her. All her life, Sancha had been the demure one, dismissing passion in favor of books and knowledge. Love was for other women who wanted nothing more than a man to rule their days. “I told him his hope for our union was impossible and to woo another woman.”
    “What? Since when do you find him as repulsive as you did Fernando? Is it because they resemble each other so closely?”
    “No. I find Enrique too thrilling. We kissed and I wanted more.”
    Isabella laughed gaily, turning a fast circle only to stop. “You said you wanted more. Why then are you denying him and yourself?”
    “To save others, as I did Fernando. If he had been anyone else’s husband save yours, and I had wed a man who refused to allow my healing, Fernando would have died. How can I permit such a thing? How can anyone, and for no other reason than I happen to be a woman?”
    “Sancha.” Isabella embraced her. “I fear for your safety. The Inquisition has spies everywhere. Many of them are probably here tonight, eating my husband’s food and enjoying his drink.”
    “Those spies have always been around, even when I tended Fernando.”
    “You had me to protect you.”
    Fighting a smile, she cradled Isabella’s cheek. Her little sister was more warrior than she, both of them battling the constraints of their sex. “Protect me during my absence. Tell anyone who inquires that I felt ill and took to my bed. Surely, no one will come in here to see proof of my sickness.”
    “Enrique might.”
    Enrique would. He was not a man to let anyone deny him.
    She should have been disturbed at the prospect of them in this room alone, both bared to each other’s sight and touch, him wanting, seeking, demanding everything she could give.
    Warmth coursed through her. She recalled their kiss, his thickened shaft pressing against her mound. A dull ache had filled her then, her channel growing increasingly congested, needy of a man to fill and possess that part of her. Even now, moisture lingered on the soft folds between her legs, proof of her desire for love and physical pleasure despite what good sense told her.
    This had to stop. “If Enrique does come here, send him away.” If he refused to be strong in this matter, she’d have to be for both of them.
    Isabella sighed. “You have no hope of a future with him?”
    Sadly, no. “I explained my position and he refused to see matters as I do. He would stand in the way of my healing anyone except him, our children, and the rest of the family.”
    “He wants to protect you. In time, you may change his mind on the matter.”
    “How many will die as I wait for his decision? No man, even a good one, has a right to ask such a thing of me.” She pressed Isabella’s hand to her cheek. “I trust you with my secret and life, little sister.”
    Isabella hugged her fiercely. “I will never fail you.”
    * * * *
    Enrique checked dozens of bedchambers, each empty of guests though filled with their clothing and other personal articles. A quick search told him none of the items belonged to Sancha. The silks and gems were garish, nothing like her.
    She had to be somewhere in the castle, no doubt with Isabella, who’d left the dining hall never to return. Hopefully, she was trying to change Sancha’s mind about what she and Enrique had fought over.
    He closed the last door, sensing even the most impassioned speech or his kisses and ardent lovemaking wouldn’t change Sancha’s mind on anything for long. She was as stubborn as Isabella, perhaps more so, her willfulness nearly as bad as his.
    He’d never acquiesce to her plans to save the world. The danger she faced was incomprehensible, his determination as great. Whatever it took, he’d keep her from harm.
    He bolted down the hall and checked balconies this time. He hadn’t expected her to return to the one where they’d met, though there was always hope.
    She wasn’t there.
    He