Knight's Captive by Samantha Holt

her until she was nothing
but a mass of quivering limbs and then he could have taken her with ease.
    But just as he would protect her from those who
would wish to harm her, he would protect her from himself. Henry was past the
days of bedding any woman who showed interest and in truth, he’d lost interest
himself. None of the serving girls or wenches who had paid him attention had
sparked his desire.
    God’s blood, it would have to be his prisoner
that would ignite it again, would it not?
    “The priest spoke of your uncle...”
    He clenched his jaw tight and hissed out air
between them. Why would the ghost of his uncle forever linger over their
family? 
    “My uncle was killed for heresy when I was but a
boy.”
    “That is awful.”
    Henry lifted a shoulder. “Many men and women
have suffered the same. My father managed to distance himself and prove his
loyalty. He worked hard to regain our family honour. I only hope I can continue
to do so.”
    “Your conduct in this capture will surely prove
your honour.”
    “The successful return of the prisoners—and
yourself—will ensure my family’s name is no longer linked to my Uncle’s
treachery.”
    “Is practicing another religion really
treachery?”
    He stared her down. “In this country it is.
Catholics still practice but they are wise enough to stay silent on the
matter.”
    She sighed and rubbed a finger across the table. “’Tis sad that men and women have to lose their lives over
the love of God.” Antonia lifted her head. “Can I visit with my father
today?” she asked.
    Henry tried not to reveal his surprise at her
asking so meekly rather than demanding. It might have only been two short days
since he had taken her into his care, but he had grown used to the way she spat
demands at him.
    “Of course. I must
check on the holdings to the east of the village and speak with the farmers so
I can take you on my way.”
    A tiny smile graced her lips, making him forget
his fears. He gripped the table lest he find himself toppling backwards. It had
to be the first time she had smiled and her beauty near stole his breath. The
smile creased the corners of her eyes, enhancing their slightly exotic shape.
And the way those lips curved made him want to taste them all over again. He
swore he could almost feel them touching his all over again.
    It took all his control not to stare at her the
entire time they were sitting at the table together. She sat to his right with
several chairs between them. He couldn’t even claim she was too close for
comfort. Still, he eyed her profile and watched those long lashes dash over her
skin every time she glanced down. Once or twice, their gazes connected and she
looked quickly away.
    By the time they were ready to leave, the
overnight clouds had cleared. It must have rained the previous night but he
doubted the farmers would complain. Puddles filled the bumps and ruts of the
path leading to the house but they’d had an unusually dry summer.
    Something else for him to worry
about. He hoped their harvest would not suffer for it.
    The mounts were waiting for them as requested.
Antonia took a moment to greet the horse again and the sharp scrape of envy on
his insides made itself known. Envious of a horse. His
wits really were addled by this woman. He’d have to make a better attempt at
keeping his distance.
    After this day, that was. First he had to escort
her to her father and then she’d have to accompany him to the holdings. He dare
not leave her alone, firstly, for fear of what someone might do to a Catholic
in their midst and secondly, because he still did not trust her.
    “Are you ready?”
    “ Si .”
    With the image of her proud and beautiful atop
one of his favourite horses burning in his mind, they headed toward the village
and the physician’s house. It didn’t take them long to navigate the path to the
seaside village but it was long enough for him to peer back several times and
admire the way the wind blew her hair