Knights of Valor

by Denise Domning

  "I do not think Kent has much to stand on in the grave. I cannot imagine any others coming for me."

  "Beth may not be the only one."

  Elena shook her head. "'Twas revenge that spurred her on, not Kent's orders. Her brother was Larry, the man who tried to kill me in Ireland."

  Michael nodded. "That is where I'd seen the dagger before. I could not for the life of me recall. 'Twas Kent's man's dagger. Let us hope we can be free at last to love in peace."

  "Speaking of loving…" Elena trailed off, as she tugged her husband toward the bed. She desperately needed the comfort and abandon he could provide her after this latest scare.

  Michael kicked the door shut with his boot and followed. "With pleasure."

  Seven Months Later

  Elena crooked her finger at Michael as she backed into their bedchamber. She felt so alive today, so sensual, and she wanted nothing more than to tease her husband who'd been pining to climb into her bed for nearly three months.

  "My lady, the guests should be arriving soon," he said with a devilish wink as he advanced on her. "What would they think if they arrived to the sounds of our shouts of ecstasy?"

  She laughed out loud. "Close the door."

  "As you wish, my fairy princess." He kicked the door closed without taking his gaze off her.

  Elena stood tall, and slowly, tantalizingly stripped herself naked. She loved the hungry way Michael's gaze devoured her every move. She shivered, her body reacting to his obvious desire. "Husband, I have not had the pleasure of making love in many months. I want you inside me. Now."

  It'd been the required amount of time since their little darling princess was born. Sweet Adelaide had been taken on a nice walk in the warm summer air by her nursemaid, to give Elena and Michael some time to themselves.

  Michael's grin widened, and he, too, stripped bare, tossing clothes to the ground as he stalked toward her. He placed his warm hands on her rounded hips and lifted her high in the air, pressing his face to the valley between her breasts.

  He breathed in her scent. "You smell of flowers and spice. The guests can wait."

  She threaded her fingers through his hair and gazed into his eyes. "Aye, but I cannot."

  Michael marched to the bed and tossed her onto its surface amid her laughs. He crawled over her, kissing her from her ankles to her inner thighs. "I have not tasted your sweet nectar in…too long." His lips grazed over the sensitive flesh of her mons.

  Elena sucked in a breath and pressed her hips upward, begging him to taste her further. Her hands fisted on the sheets, and then in his hair as he tortured her with his tongue. He swirled lightly over her pearl, then stroked up and down with more pressure. Light, then harder. He pressed a finger to her sheath and slowly entered her.

  "Oh, yes," Elena moaned, rolling her hips against his mouth.

  "Oh, yes." Michael's voice was like that of a very satisfied male.

  His fingers danced in and out of her center while his tongue laved at the folds of her sex and the sweet bud. Pleasure most exquisite concentrated there in that little bundle of nerves, and fired along her flesh, making her legs shake, her belly quiver. She gasped and moaned, so close to finding release.

  "Peak for me, my love," he murmured against her slick folds.

  Elena could hold back no longer. "Oh!" she shrieked, undulating her hips, arching her back, pulling his hair. Her body shattered and for a moment she floated in ethereal space, only knowing the bliss of her husband's tongue upon her flesh.

  Michael gripped her hips and kissed his way from her mons to her belly. "So flat, amazing it was once so round," he teased.

  She pretended to swat at him, but he caught a nipple between his lips and all of her play anger dissipated into desire once more. Her sex quivered with the need to be pleasured again. She stroked her toes up and down his legs, delighting in the sensation of his crisp hair tickling her feet.

  Michael sucked her nipple into his mouth, teasing the turgid flesh with his teeth and tongue. "God, I missed you," he groaned. He pressed his lips to her neck, then to her mouth, surrounding her senses with the scent of desire.

  His hard shaft pressed to her sex. Elena moved her hand down to grip his heavy length in her palm.

  "I missed you more."

  "We shall see about that, my lady wife."

  He took his length in his own hand and slid it between her folds. She sighed, then moaned, lifting her hips and wrapping her legs around him in invitation. How many times had she imagined this moment over the last few months?

  "Are you sure?" he asked, worry clouding his desire-darkened eyes for a moment.

  "More than sure."

  "Thank God, I cannot wait." Michael sank slowly inside her. His thickness stretched her center inch by inch. "You are so tight…so wet. Feels so good. Oh, my love." He thrust home, burying himself all the way to the hilt. His hands stroked over her hips, her thighs.

  "Aye, so good." Elena had expected pain, but there was none, only tingling pleasure. She threaded her fingers through his hair and tugged his lips to hers, swirling her tongue around his, grazing her teeth over his lip.

  Michael slowly withdrew, then agonizingly inched his way back inside. He trailed tender kisses along her neck, stopped every inch or so to suck at her flesh. Erotic sensation mixed with love and euphoria whipped itself through Elena. She stroked her fingers over his back and shoulders, and urged him with the rise and fall of her hips to increase his pace. His tender strokes within her body turned to frenzied thrusts. Oh, how she craved release. Begged for it. The delicious pressure built within her, swirling in her center until at last, she cried out. Michael's movements only increased. He stroked her body, kissed her neck, her mouth, her breasts, while plunging deep and arcing up to touch that special place within her sheath.

  "Oh!" she shrieked as her body broke apart once more.

  "Aye!" Michael growled against her throat as he drove inside her again and again, holding her hips as anchor, until he shuddered above her. He captured her lips for a searing, carnal, possessive kiss, his seed spilling inside her. His forehead fell against hers and their sated gazes locked. "Shall I tell Arthur not to open the gates for our guests, and we can stay here for another sennight?"

  Elena laughed. "Aye."

  They lay still, limbs entwined, holding one another, and whispering words of affection. But their sweet interlude was interrupted moments later when shouts of greetings sounded from the courtyard.

  "Damn. Not enough time to warn Arthur. I suppose we should dress," Michael said noncommittally.

  "Do you think they wouldn't mind waiting a little longer?" Elena stroked a finger over his chest, down his abdomen and gripped his already hardening length.

  "Oh, aye. Time for your ride, my lady." Michael chuckled then rolled to his back, pulling Elena on top of him. He spread her thighs wide and thrust upward into her warmth.

  Elena's head fell backward, her hands splayed on his abdomen as she rocked back and forth. Their movements were frenzied quick, each seeking the ultimate finish, their bodies already on fire from their afternoon of lovemaking.

  Within moments they both cried out at the same time as a knock sounded at the door. They ignored the knock, riding out their release as though they had all the time in the world.

  The knock came again.

  "We will be down shortly," Michael shouted, his voice breathless. "Damn servants. You know they heard us, too."

  Elena laughed. "Most likely they wish they were in their own beds receiving as much pleasure as we are."

  Michael grinned and slapped her bottom. "No truer words have ever been spoken on the matter."

  They finally stood and dressed, then made their way down to the great hall—already full with their guests.

  "'Tis about time," Thomas said, a knowing grin curving his lips.

  Elena's face flushed, and she ducked her head to hide it, but her eyes landed on Raelyn's rounded belly. She looked up sharply.

  "Raelyn, are you…"r />
  "Aye," she said rubbing and hand over the swell. "We expect the babe to arrive in late fall."

  "Oh, I am so happy for you!" Elena pulled her friend in close. "You will make an excellent mother, Raelyn."

  "Thank you. We saw little Adelaide with her nursemaid. She is the spitting image of you," Raelyn said.

  "And her temperament, too," Michael added with a wink.

  "Michael, we thank you for your invitation." A tall, broad nobleman stepped forward, his beautiful raven-haired wife beside him.

  "Alexander! I am most pleased you could join us. Allow me to introduce my wife, Lady Elena, this is the Earl of Arundel and his wife Lady Chloe. He is one of the courageous men I served with in France."

  "A pleasure to meet you." Elena curtsied.

  "You have a gorgeous home," Chloe said with a slightly French accent.

  "My thanks." Elena was pleased. Instead of going back to Kent Castle, the scene of so many nightmares, she and Michael had moved into Leeds Castle making it the main seat for the earldom, which Michael now ruled. When the king learned Elena had born a daughter, he entailed the whole earldom of Kent to Michael.

  Fletch and Colin entered the great hall with Theodore and Bernard on their heels. The men all joked and prodded each other. Elena was glad to see that out of so many hardships everyone had prospered. Fletch was the new Captain of the Guard, Colin the Master of Arms and Theodore and Bernard served as second and third in command. Even Arthur, the wily peasant boy from Yorkshire had moved up in the world. Indeed, Michael had given him a place of honor as Leeds' Gate Keeper.

  Elena sighed with contentment, her eyes falling on Michael to see he was also gazing at her. He grinned and put his arm around her shoulder.

  "See, I told you it would all work out in the end, my fairy princess."

  "I would have expected nothing less from the Black Knight. Which rule was this one?"

  "New rule," he leaned in close to her ear. "Ravish your wife at every fortuitous moment you receive."

  If you enjoyed A KNIGHT'S VICTORY, please spread the word by leaving a review on the site where you purchased your copy, or a reader site such as Goodreads or Shelfari! I love to hear from readers too, so drop me a line at authorelizaknight@gmail.com OR visit me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elizaknightauthor. I'm also on Twitter: @ElizaKnight. Join my newsletter at www.elizaknight.com to find out more about upcoming releases! Many thanks!

  Eliza Knight is the multi-published, award-winning, Amazon best-selling author of sizzling historical romance and erotic romance. While not reading, writing or researching for her latest book, she chases after her three children. In her spare time (if there is such a thing…) she likes daydreaming, wine-tasting, traveling, hiking, staring at the stars, watching movies, shopping and visiting with family and friends. She lives atop a small mountain, and enjoys cold winter nights when she can curl up in front of a roaring fire with her own knight in shining armor. Visit Eliza at www.elizaknight.com or her historical blog History Undressed: www.historyundressed.com

  A Lady's Charade, Book One: The Rules of Chivalry

  The Stolen Bride Series

  The Highlander's Reward – Book One

  The Highlander's Conquest – Book Two

  The Highlander's Lady – Book Three

  The Highlander's Warrior Bride – Book Four

  The Highlander's Triumph – Book Five

  A Gentleman's Kiss

  Men of the Sea Series:

  Her Captain Returns

  Her Captain Surrenders

  Her Captain Dares All

  Erotic Romances

  Behind the Plaid (Highland Bound Trilogy, Book One)

  The Highland Jewel Series

  Warrior in a Box

  Lady in a Box

  Love in a Box

  Lady Seductress's Ball

  Take it Off, Warrior

  Highland Steam

  A Pirate's Bounty

  Highland Tryst (Something Wicked This Way Comes Volume 1)

  Highlander Brawn (Sequel to Highland Steam)

  Contemporary Romances

  The Rebound Pact

  Apocalypse of the Heart (Post-Apocalyptic)

  Coming soon…

  The Highlander's Sin – Book Six, The Stolen Bride Series

  The Highlander's Temptation – Prequel, The Stolen Bride Series

  Bared to the Highlander (Highland Bound Trilogy, Book Two)

  The Dark Side of the Laird (Highland Bound Trilogy, Book Three)

  My Lady Viper – Tales from the Tudor Court

  Prisoner of the Queen – Tales from the Tudor Court

  FINALIST, 2008 NATIONAL READERS' CHOICE AWARDS

  “ A Knight’s Reward is an engaging page-turner... This is a masterpiece, an extraordinary tale that should be read by all.”—Coffee Time Romance

  “A Knight’s Reward is a fast-paced treasure that involves you in the story from the very beginning with wonderful characters, an excellent story line, and a tale that will leave you cheering at the end.”—Affaire de Coeur Magazine

  “Ms. Kean delivers a pulse pounding ride. If you like a fast paced story with multifaceted characters and a love that never dies pick A Knight’s Reward and get ready to stay up all night reading it!”—Love Romances and More

  “A Knight’s Reward is an excellent romance… The action, passion, danger, and romance Ms. Kean has written within these pages will pull at your heart strings and keep you quickly turning pages… A Knight’s Reward is a ‘keeper’ you’ll be eager to reread often.”—The Romance Readers’ Connection

  “A Knight’s Reward is a suspense-filled, emotionally riveting historical novel. Watching as Gisela tries to keep her son and Dominic safe without regard for herself and still maintain her secrets will keep readers on the edge of their seats… A Knight’s Reward has found a place on my ‘recommended read’ list.”— Romance Junkies

  Published by Catherine Kean

  P.O. Box 917624

  Longwood, FL 32791-7624

  Visit Catherine's website at http://www.catherinekean.com

  * * *

  This novel is a reissue and was previously published in mass market paperback.

  Copyright © 2012 by Catherine Kean

  All elements of this book are fictional. The author reserves all rights to this eBook.

  This eBook may not be re-sold or reproduced in any way.

  Cover art by Kim Killion, The Killion Group

  For my mother, Shirley Lord. Your love is always with me.

  Every day, I consider myself lucky to have such a fantastic critique group. Nancy Robards Thompson, Elizabeth Grainger, and Teresa Elliott Brown, I owe you a tremendous "thank you"—and lots of chocolate!

  Mike and Megan, thank you for always cheering me on. Each book is an adventure, but you never stop me from journeying into the creative mist and wrestling my stories onto the printed page. I love you both, so very much!

  Moydenshire, England

  Summer, 1194

  Someone was watching her.

  Someone close by in the market crowd.

  The smells of freshly baked bread, smoke from the blacksmith's fire, and dried lavender from the herbalist's stall suddenly became cloying, like a hand closing around Gisela Anne Balewyne's throat. Fear sluiced through her as she dug in her coin purse for a bit of silver to pay the baker for the loaf of coarse bread.

  In her brief wander through the market, she'd almost resisted the inner cry for caution—the voice that had been her companion every day and night for the past four months. She'd nearly pushed back the hood of her drab woolen cloak, freed her hair from its leather thong, and raised her face to the warm sunshine. How she'd yearned to savor the sunlight. To pretend, for a moment, she was free to do so. That she didn't have to stay hidden within the confines of her cloak, and it did not matter who saw her face.

  It has been four months, a traitorous little whisper had coaxed. Ryle has not found you. He likely never will.

  Y
et, despite all her careful precautions, mayhap he had.

  Cold, sickly sweat dampened her palms. Her heart lurched into a rhythm sharpened by months of simmering anxiety. She must pay for the bread, then leave the market as quickly as possible. If she were lucky, she could lose whoever watched her when she passed by the throng gathered around the trainer with the two dancing bears.

  "Ye all right, love?" asked the baker, a tall, broadly built man whose wife had died last year. He bent to squint at her. Gisela jerked her face away, pretending to be looking into her coin purse.

  "I . . . am fine. I do have the money," she said with a shaky laugh. As her slick fingers closed on a coin, a sigh broke from her.

  With a musical clink, the silver slipped back down into the bag.

  "Mercy!" She fought the urge to toss the bread she'd tucked under her arm back onto the table, then bolt. The same voice that had lived with her for so long warned that to flee in such a way would be foolish. Whoever watched her would realize she knew she'd been found.

  They might try to capture her here in the market.

  They'd take her back to her husband, to answer for slipping away with little Ewan in the dark, silent hours of the night.

  Ryle would make her pay for what she had done.

  "Try to run away, and I will find you," he had sneered that horrible evening months ago as blood, seeping through the slash above her right breast, stained her silk gown. Her blood glistened on his knife. "Go to your family, and I will cut them, too. You can trust no one, Gisela. This I promise you."

  A brutal shudder wrenched through her. Oh, God. Oh, God.