Loving Lies

by Tina Donahue

  With Diego on the earthen floor, Fernando secured the door’s latch, closed the screen over the window then examined the animal’s bloody jaw.

  Isabella fell to her knees at his side. “The blow hit him square on his head. Will he live?”

  “He was stunned. A tooth broken, mouth cut, nothing more.”

  She reached for the dog, wanting to embrace him. Fernando yanked her to her feet.

  She frowned. “What are you doing?”

  “Have you gone mad? How could you have allowed your tongue such freedom? I heard what you called the puto.”

  She didn’t understand. “What you called him.”

  “As a man I have the right. You hardly own my size, strength, fighting skills, or good sense.”

  “Or your weapon.” She offered the dagger, hilt first. “I made good use of it as you requested, no?”

  “You did no more than prick the swine’s filthy hand.”

  “You gave me no time to finish him off.”

  “He would have beaten you senseless before you had the chance. Afterward, he and his filthy companions would have raped you.”

  “With you serving as my protector?”

  Fernando’s eyes rounded. “You expect me to fight three men at once as I also stop the fourth if he decided to abduct you? In the time it would have taken me to gain a mount and follow, you and he would have been far from here. Once he felt safe, he would have raped you and slit your throat, leaving you to the flies, jackdaws, and vultures.”

  Isabella touched Fernando’s arm. “You might have been injured.”

  “You might have been murdered. Where is your good sense?”

  “I lost it when he harmed Diego. I would have lost it again had he done anything to harm you.”

  Fernando pressed his fingers to his forehead. “With my blade at his throat he would have been dead if he tried.”

  “Will he return here?”

  He dropped his hand and glanced at Diego, who whined. “Only if he wants to die.”

  “What of the village? You mean to go there tonight and gain a mount, no? What if he sees you? Fernando, I beg of you, stay here. No mount is worth your life.”

  “No mount is to be had. The landlord said the Moors ruined this area, the same as at the venta. Our enemies left no more than barnyard animals and what grows in the villagers’ gardens. Any beast I could purchase would be of poor quality and would likely die before we rode it a full day.”

  “You must stay here, then, and sleep.”

  He looked at Diego. The galgo wouldn’t stop whining. “Perhaps a drink of water will quiet the creature.”

  “Fernando.” Isabella tightened her fingers on his arm to keep him in the chamber. “I thought only to avenge a poor beast that had done no harm. I beg of you, stay here and rest as I fetch the water.”

  “And risk your safety? No.”

  “How can I come to harm if the coward never returns? How could I if he did? He hardly owns your youth, strength, or skill. His missing fingers were either lost in battle or bitten off by an animal he was hunting.”

  “He lost his fingers when other men sliced them off to mark him as a cheat.”

  “In games of chance?”

  “What else? Men like him win by fraud and lose their fingers when discovered.”

  “Then he’s also a fool who would hardly come storming back here to harm us.”

  “He will hardly storm. His kind use stealth.” Fernando rubbed his eyes with the back of his fist. “There is no more to be said on the matter. When I return with the water, I expect to see you eating. Once you finish, I expect you to go to bed.”

  “The bed is yours as Diego and I stand guard.”

  Fernando lowered his hand. “Diego is in too much pain and is far too interested in food to be of any use as a protector. And I have never required as much sleep as you seem to believe I do.”

  “You require more, my lord. We should stay here till the end of the week.”

  He bunched his shoulders. “Another delay.”

  For once, Isabella wasn’t proposing that. She cradled his whiskered cheek in her palm, prepared to tell the truth. “I worry greatly about you. Already your pace has slowed considerably. We barely covered half the distance today we did on the first. Now, you have difficulty going even two leagues and keeping pace with a woman who has been far too pampered.” She continued despite his weary laughter. “Is it your intent to walk until you drop? One night of rest is all I ask. Can you grant me my one request?”

  He sobered. “I humiliated the man in front of his companions and marked him with my sword. I have to keep watch should he return.”

  “Will you, at least, consider staying another day so you can sleep after the sun rises?”

  “No. You need to obey me on this. Fill your belly, go to bed, and leave your protection to me.”

  She had no choice. With Fernando fetching the water, she fed Diego small bits of egg, figs, and olives. The galgo chewed slowly, making mournful noises. She ate little, worrying until Fernando returned.

  After he gave Diego his fill of water, Fernando finished the roasted pork, three small oranges, and a container of goat’s milk. When he offered her the wine, she refused. Isabella wasn’t about to sleep tonight.

  She pretended to slumber but watched him instead. He leaned against the wall closest to the window, listening for footfalls. No one approached. When fatigue threatened to overtake him, he paced the chamber to keep alert and finally poured water over his head to rouse himself. Next, he put his palm over the flame of the oil lamp.

  She gasped. “Fernando, stop.”

  “Go to sleep.” He stared at his fingers. “You need to rest for our journey. I will not carry you again.”

  She slumped to the mattress, unable to stand this. If painful burns failed to rouse him, she suspected he might next slice off a finger or two. Isabella draped her arm over her eyes, afraid to witness such a thing. She considered hitting him over the head with the clay bowl, forcing him to sleep, but decided against doing so, afraid she’d harm him greatly.

  Her mind went round and round, or at least she thought it had until her lids parted, telling her she’d fallen asleep. Propped on one elbow, she looked over, surprised it was near dawn.

  Fernando was at the window gazing at the rosy horizon. His garments were rumpled, broad shoulders slumped.

  She left the bed and put the screen over the window. “Come.” She took his arm. “We survived the night. Now you can enjoy a few moments’ sleep.”

  He shook his head.

  “The puto will not return at this hour.”

  He glared at her. “I forbid you to use such language.”

  She swore in Arabic as he always did.

  “Isabella.”

  “My lord, what do words matter when your health is at stake? No harm will come to us if you rest. Surely, all are sleeping off last night’s wine or being eaten by birds because someone murdered them. Come.” She ordered Diego off the straw mattress and pulled Fernando to it. “You must rest.”

  “Only if you join me.” He fell onto the bed, pulling her with him.

  Diego bolted to the other side of the chamber.

  “Fernando.” Her breath hushed against his throat as he slipped his hand beneath her shirt. “You must sleep.”

  “In time.” He pushed the shirt to her throat, exposing her breasts to the cool morning air and his touch. He lowered his mouth to her nipple and drew it inside.

  Her lids slid down. She softened at his heat and intimate embrace, his lips and tongue branding her, fingers exploring. His mouth was wonderfully tender, his tongue playful as it rasped against her firm nipple. He suckled her and gently squeezed her other breast. Arousal and heat rippled down her torso, swirled in her belly, and settled between her legs. That part of her felt all too achy in a wondrous way.

  At last, he lifted his head and captured her mouth with his own. His kiss was hungry, g
reedy, impatient, dispelling his fatigue, proving he was still young and strong. He trailed his fingers from her breast to her throat and over her cheek as he kissed her deeply, delivering a torrent of pleasure and unparalleled happiness.

  At last, he finished and lifted his head, eyes hooded, breathing strained.

  Her heart flooded with love “Gracias. Now rest.”

  His smile faded. “You want no more of this?” He licked her nipple, leaving her lightheaded and weak. “You want no more of me?”

  “I want all of you, my lord.”

  He met her gaze.

  His eyes were the most beautiful she’d ever seen and the weariest. “If I promise you my full compliance, will you rest?”

  He shook his head. “What do you mean?”

  “If I promise to lay with you after you rest, will you take your rest?”

  He frowned. “No.”

  She hadn’t expected his answer or anger. Coupling with him was the only thing she could offer, even though it would complicate the deception and make him hate her even more. At the moment, it didn’t matter. His health counted most. “Why do you persist in this and refuse to rest?”

  “We have no time to do so.” He pushed away and left the bed. “We must quit this place. Handle your dog while I purchase what food is to be had for today’s journey.”

  * * * *

  They ate and walked in silence. Fernando found no peace as Isabella’s words played in his mind…her willingness to lie with him if he took his rest.

  How could he? He wanted her willing participation in their coupling, not as a bribe or a sacrifice. He wanted love she had yet to admit, at least when he was awake.

  She looked at him now as if he were a feeble old man. He wasn’t old or feeble. If need be, he’d walk till he dropped, and proved it with his forceful strides.

  Before long, she was trotting to remain close. “Why are you running? Even Diego cannot keep up.”

  Fernando turned and walked backwards. The dog was several lengths away, tongue dangling over its bruised jaw. “Your son stopped to hunt those rabbits. It caused him to fall behind.”

  “You are impossible.”

  He turned his back to her and continued walking. “Because I proved you wrong concerning my infirmities, advanced age, and poor health?”

  “Very well, I concede defeat. You bested me, Fernando. Take me here, take me now, I will not resist.”

  Stopping, he fisted his fingers and faced her. “How dare you think I want your forced submission.”

  She gulped air. “Forced? Never. I willingly give what you most desire.”

  “And what do you desire, Isabella? What truth do you continue to hide?” He advanced so quickly, she stepped back. “Tell me here, tell me now.”

  She told him nothing.

  Fernando pivoted and resumed walking even faster.

  * * * *

  Given his increased pace, she feared they’d reach her papá’s castle today. She had no idea how close it might be or in what direction. Biting her lip, she followed.

  Too soon, she and Diego fell behind. At last, even Fernando was unable to keep up the mad pace, though he wouldn’t stop. He changed course and lurched across a field.

  To a swifter route or to her papá’s castle?

  Holding back, she lowered her head and breathed hard, fearing the journey was at its end. Fernando would soon know the second daughter of a duke had duped him.

  “I beg you to someday forgive me, my love.”

  Diego pressed his sleek body against her leg.

  She stroked him. “We must go now and say our farewells to your papá.”

  With the galgo following, Isabella forced herself to climb the small rise Fernando had climbed. In the distance, she would soon see her papá’s finest castle, its white stone glinting in the afternoon sun. Before her rescue in Granada, her childhood home would have been a welcomed sight. Now it was the end of her happiness. On a heavy sigh, she reached the top of the rise. Instead of her papá's castle, fields, trees, and a stream lay before her.

  Fernando stared in her direction then entered the stream fully clothed.

  She sank to the ground. Water glistened off his hair. His broad chest rose and fell with his strained breathing. Although he turned in her direction again, she made no move to join him.

  When Diego stepped forward, she pulled him back to her side. “You must stay here. If we join papá, he may force us to keep walking.” If she delayed her and the galgo’s arrival, Fernando might give into sleep.

  He finally dragged to a tree. After unsheathing his sword, he sank to the ground and sagged against the trunk. Although he turned his face to her, his expression was unreadable because of the shade.

  She rubbed her calves.

  With his legs crossed at the ankles, Fernando folded his arms over his chest. His head soon lolled to the right. The rest of him followed until he lay sprawled on the ground. She waited to see if he only pretended to sleep.

  He didn’t budge.

  She smiled. “Rest well, my love.”

  As he did, she’d wash the day’s grime away, build a fire, and cook the rabbits Diego would surely kill. After feeding Fernando, she’d beg him to sleep some more. Once they spent two days at this spot he’d have renewed vigor, and she would have been at his side that much longer.

  She hurried down the rise to the stream until she realized she’d need Fernando’s dagger to prepare the rabbits. If she waited until after her bath to take the weapon, he might awaken and insist upon their departure. If she took the dagger now, she could rouse him with the scent of cooked meat.

  As she reached his side, she slung her arm around Diego’s neck, keeping the galgo from licking Fernando’s fingers.

  “Do not disturb papá.”

  The galgo lifted his sweet eyes to her and licked her nose instead.

  Isabella smiled until she realized the dagger was beneath Fernando’s arm. If she took the weapon, she risked waking him. His sword, on the other hand, lay to his side beneath his limp fingers. With great care, she slid the weapon toward her and made a wide circle around him so as not to disturb his rest.

  She hurried toward a stand of trees that led to another part of the stream where Fernando wouldn’t overhear her bath. When Diego didn’t follow, she motioned for the greyhound.

  He looked quite content to stay with his papá.

  Isabella mouthed Diego’s name. She pointed at the ground as she whispered for him to come to her. At length and with great coaxing, the galgo pushed to its feet and trotted her way.

  Impatient with the delay in her plans, Isabella raced through the stand of trees.

  Chapter 10

  After a short run, she stopped, panting. Foliage stirred beneath the gentle breeze. Water gurgled in the stream. Sounds she shouldn’t have noticed if Diego had been trotting over twigs and dry leaves as he followed her.

  The dog was nowhere in sight.

  She turned to go back and scold him. A sudden rush of movement in the trees stopped her. Him catching a rabbit? The noise paused abruptly. Was he enjoying his kill? She waited. No Diego. If he were eating, at least he wouldn’t bother Fernando.

  She ran again, breaking through the stand to the bank. There, she carefully lowered Fernando’s sword to the dry ground. Less cautious with her clothing, she dropped the garments in a pile on top of the weapon. The mud soothed her aching feet. The cool water was a delight, reducing the heat of the heavy sun and baked air. Sighing, she sloshed through the stream until it reached her scraped knees, stinging them. She flapped her hands at the pain. Once the worst had passed, she turned.

  Diego was at the edge of the stand. Although his body faced her, the galgo had turned his slender head in the direction they’d come.

  Had Fernando awakened? Was he following?

  Her heart sank. He’d insist they leave, shortening their time together. She wanted to call to Diego but feared her voice would carry o
n the wind. Quietly, she asked, “Does papá approach?”

  Diego looked at her, advanced a step, only to glance behind again.

  Isabella stepped to the right in order to see Fernando’s approach. Days before, she would have tried to hide her nudity, thinking it shameful.

  Her arms remained at her sides now as the caressing breeze tightened her nipples.

  She felt Fernando watching. Her cleft grew damp as she imagined him hungering over her flesh that she’d offered and he refused. Fernando didn’t want her unwilling surrender. He demanded her full desire and the truth.

  She sucked her lip, waiting to see what he’d do next. When nothing happened, she advanced a step. Water swished around her legs, her toes sank farther into the cool mud. A bird cried out overhead. She glimpsed at it before focusing again on the stand. Diego turned suddenly and darted back into the trees. To go where Fernando watched?

  She craned her neck, straining to see the galgo, listening hard to catch his movements. He made none she could catch from this distance. What of Fernando? Had he returned to where he’d been sleeping or had he never left the spot? Perhaps she’d only imagined him watching her.

  More birds flew past. Diego didn’t return. Isabella was ready to leave the stream when the galgo dashed toward the bank.

  “Good Diego. Brave Diego.”

  The beast regarded her for a moment and again turned back to the trees, seemingly torn between being with his adoring mamá and his still-slumbering papá.

  “No, Diego. No.”

  The dog paid no heed, trotting back into the stand.

  Isabella muttered oath after oath, fearing Diego would wake Fernando, who’d rail at her for taking his precious sword and allowing him to sleep. She was thinking of her defense and a way to get him to stay here when the wind brought a series of noises. Dead leaves skittering, twigs snapping. Diego on the hunt? She waited, expecting him to return with his kill.

  He didn’t, nor did Fernando approach.

  Birds landed on the grass, pecking at the short, dry stalks, searching for a meal. Isabella glanced at them then back at the trees. Diego didn’t run out as he had before. Perhaps he’d detected a warren and was hiding from the rabbits he would soon surprise and kill. If so, his hunt would surely keep him from disturbing Fernando, who would have been here by now if he weren’t asleep.