Read Online A Knight With Grace: Book 1 of the Assassin Knights Series by Laurel O'Donnell - Free Book Online

was clean shaven with a square, strong jaw. His nose was straight. His eyes reflected the fire light of the hearth with a dark intensity. Dark wet strands of hair hung around his face. He was handsome, she would give him that. Thunder boomed overhead and she cast her gaze to the ceiling. The rain pounded the roof. She looked at him again and realized she would feel safer if he stayed in the darkness with her. It was a silly thought. After his hard work and kind treatment of her, she felt obligated to treat him civilly. Even if he did kill Curtis. Although she knew in her heart he had not. She wanted to blame him for her friend’s death, but she knew Curtis had fallen on his own dagger. She had seen it with her own eyes. It had not been William’s sword that had pierced him. “You are not what I expected.”
    William turned his head to look at her. “What did you expect?”
    Embarrassed, Grace gazed into the fire. A small smile touched her lips. “Horns. Definitely glowing eyes.” She clasped her hands and her grin faded. “I suppose I expected a man more like my father. A man who would not listen to me. A selfish man filled with hate. A terrible, cold man who wanted to grow his stature and combine the lands regardless of all else.”
    William was silent for a long time, until he asked, “What else is there?”
    “Kindness. Love. I used to think God until my prayers went unanswered.” She stood and prepared to move to her small corner to sleep.
    He reached out and clasped her hand. “Don’t give up on God, Lady Grace. His timeline is different than yours or mine.”
    Strange that he should still believe in a God that had given up on him. She eased her hand from his. “You may remain inside,” she proclaimed.
    He looked at her, shocked.
    “If you’d like,” she quickly added. “We can sleep across the room from each other.” When she looked at him, she saw the confusion in his eyes. A smile spread across her lips. “I can’t have the knight who is to aid me weakened and chilled by the storm.”
    “I assure you a storm will not weaken me.”
    She lifted her chin, regally. “But the ground will be wet and cold.”
    He nodded in agreement. “Aye. That it will. I would appreciate staying inside. I thank ye. I will sleep by the door.”
    Grace clasped her hands before her and turned away. She stopped and took a deep breath. “I’m sorry, Sir William.”
    “Sorry?”
    Grace bowed her head and turned back to him. “I was angry and lashed out at you. I know you did not kill Curtis. I’m sorry for accusing you.” When the silence stretched, she looked at him and caught the surprise in his eyes which made the guilt lurch forward in her heart.
    Shock gave way to gratitude. “Thank you.”
    His modesty was daunting. And attractive. She nodded, her gaze sweeping over his fire-kissed face. The red light accented his perfect nose, his sensual lips, the warmth in his eyes. She found it strange that she liked the way he looked at her, that his company was so comforting. It was all strange. Because this was not the way she had ever felt with Curtis.

    A mumbling from outside caused Grace to stir. She turned over, pulling the blanket over her shoulder. It was a moment before she realized the mumbling was muted talking. She sat up and stretched. Again, she heard the sound of communication. She couldn’t make out the words, but she could hear the different tones and knew it was two men speaking. She threw the blanket from her legs and stood, moving quickly into the shadows. Had her father found her so soon? The cottage had only one opening for a door, but some of the planks near the front of the building were separating. She moved to them and bent down slightly to peer between the slots. She twisted her head, trying to see all around. In the front of the building, she spotted a man she did not know. He had dark hair, and a thick beard. He wore commoners clothing of breeches and tunic. He was saying something to