Read Online Joanna Davis - Knights In Shining Armor by Haven; Taken By The Soldier - Free Book Online Page A

Emeline entered the great hall. She was glowing on this fine autumn day, dazzling in a soft pink dress. He gestured her over to him, indicating the empty seat at his side. When she sat down, he pulled her close to his side and planted a kiss on her. He had to stop himself from lingering over her mouth.
                  Sweet Jesu, she'd woven a spell over him!
                  He'd been able to think of anything else but taking her back to bed in the little time that they'd been apart.
                  She sat stiffly beside him, cheeks pink with embarrassment. He knew it bothered her that everyone knew he'd taken her to his bed, but the thought filled him with pride. He wanted everyone to know.
                  "Good morning sweeting."
                  "Good morning my lord."
                  He grinned, liking the sound of his title on her lips. It was the first time she'd called him that. The servants brought bread and cheese. Emeline selected an apple from the platter and bit into it. He ate heartily, enjoying the feel of her pressed against his side. He wondered if it was too soon to take her back to bed again before dinner. She might be tender still. He glanced sideways at her, remembering the way he's made her cry out in ecstasy with his mouth. He'd do that again, and soon.
                  The other men were filtering in from the barracks. Kenneth and Wyeth were late to the table. Kenneth was at his best, jesting and acting like nothing had happened.
                  "How are you this fine day my lady?"
                  "I am well thank you. And you sir?"
                  "I slept like a baby!"
                  Wyeth snorted.
                  "Aye, one with the colic and a tendency to pass gas."
                  Kenneth elbowed him hard as Rowan looked on affectionately. Things were nearly back to normal between them. The old man would forgive him when he saw how happy he would make Emeline. Kenneth was in a fine mood this day as well. He'd seen him flirting with Lisbeth, the plump girl who worked in the kitchens. The girl had seemed pleased by the knight's attentions.
                  He longed to make Emeline look on him as favorably. She'd glow with the pleasure he'd give her each and every night and sparkle from the jewels and fine gowns he was already planning to buy her. She was accustomed to fine things, and he'd see to it that she was spoiled like she'd been by her doting parents when they first met.
                  He sighed deeply at the end of the meal, loath to leave her but he had letters to answer and soldiers to train for the King's service. He kissed her hand gallantly as he stood.
                  "Until later, sweeting."
     
     
     
    **********
     
     
     
                  The next few weeks were a blur for Emeline. Rowan didn't revert to his old behavior as she feared. What had caused the change, she couldn't be sure, but it made things even more confusing for her. He was kind and solicitous, even doting on her now during the day, and at night, he took her again and again with a tender urgency. He cared for her, of that she had no doubt. But not in the way he had before.
                  Unfortunately, she was losing her heart to him once again, if she'd ever had it back. She knew it was a dangerous game they played. She could sense instinctively that he was holding her at arms length emotionally, even as he used her body night after night. She had a suspicion that he saw her as a pleasant diversion, a pretty thing to be enjoyed, nothing else.
                  The only calm she found was in the aftermath of their stormy lovemaking. When he held her in his arms, both of their hearts racing like rabbits, their skin cooling at last, she could pretend that they had run away together as she'd always