FOREVER KNIGHTS: #6 Malevolent Attentions

“You’re a cad!” She expostulated.

“And you are no delicate miss. They do not go traipsing the woods at night.” Without him intending to his disapproval marked his words.

She crossed her arms. “And what concern of your is that?”

“As a matter of point, it is my concern. I swore to them.” He gestured down the hill. “That I would help protect you. That is why I have watched over you so closely.” He blew out a breath and his tone softened. “I would deny them nothing. So, if you have not guessed by now, you are safe in my keeping.”

“Am I?” She lifted her chin.

“I never lie.”

“So, you keep saying.”

“And yet you keep doubting.”

“And I will continue to keep doubting.”

He grew more severe. “If you do not want to assure me you will not worry the women then I have need to remind you I know your secret as well.”

Her eyes flashed and her jaw set. “What secret?”

He gave her a long look. “You know what secret.”

“I haven’t the faintest.” She shook her head.

“About the cave in Battle Village.”

“You would tell them that?” Her arms fell. “You truly are a cad.”

“I did not deny it.”

She stomped in frustration. But even doing that did not change his view of her. With that splash of crimson against the dirtied nightdress she was still as calming and lovely as a doe bathed in dawn’s pink rays.

“Fine!” She squawked. “I will say nothing of it.”

She is nearly spitting at me, she’s so mad. Another smile teased his lips.

“May I return now?” She demanded haughtily.

He gave a slight bow as he gestured down the hill.

She began stalking down but promptly tripped over a tree root and was sent splaying.

Sighing he shook his head. Always falling.

And I am always catching her.

This time he did not use his magic though. He wrapped his arms around her and had both of them floating. Her feet kicked pitifully as they turned horizontal with the momentum of her fall. Eyes huge her gaze went from him behind to the ground beneath her several feet. As they rounded their fall and began to drop again, he rolled his weight, so she lay atop him as they jounced to the dirt. Damp leaves sloshing under him. She grunted at the impact.

But wasted no time in rolling off him to sit on her knees.

He followed her movement as he rolled to his side, resting a cheek in the palm of his hand.

“And if I do not tell, what will you do?” She demanded. “Will all this foolishness end?”

His eyes roved her face but found only anger. “If that is what you wish.”

Her lips tightened but he saw the uncertainty in her eyes.

Ah. Now she recalls I’m the shadow she speaks to in the dark.

“If you want me to leave you be I shall. You need only promise you won’t worry the women. Their respect and company are priceless to me.”

She reached over and flicked a pale blonde curl from his forehead. “Your hair is so pale compared to the gold of your skin.”

“Not all of me is so gold.” He cut himself off before the teasing note could enter his voice again.

“I will not tell them.” Her voice was soft now and eyes nearly liquid as she looked at him.

What had warmed her?

“But not as any favor to you…”

“I’ll take it.” Lurching up onto his hip he gave her cheek a quick kiss. “And I thank you.”

Squealing in outrage she slapped a hand to her violated cheek. Rising clumsily, she turned and began stalking back down the hill.

“Have a care.” He called after her. “I prefer to only catch women once or twice a day. You’re pushing me past my limit.”

“You unbearable fiend!” She shrieked. Tossing the hem of her nightgown so roughly with each step that it left a trail of twigs and leaves.

“You seemed to bear me well.” He called down after her. His laughter chasing her step.