Sword for His Lady by Mary Wine Page B

me, for I fully intend to bring mine to you.”
    The spurs made a soft chink when they were set on the tabletop next to the goblet. The boy then began removing one boot. Isabel blinked rapidly, but the sight of the man sitting in her bedchamber remained.
    â€œVery well. You have assured me that you are—”
    He tilted his head to one side and fixed her with a stare that was unrelenting. “Willing to rise to any challenge you give me?”
    Ramon let his gaze slide down her length. Behind the sheer, worn fabric of her chemise, her nipples drew tight.
    â€œBe assured that when you challenge me, I will rise to the occasion.” His voice deepened, becoming sensuous. Her cheeks heated but she couldn’t make herself look away. The promise glittering in his eyes stoked something inside her.
    The squire removed the second boot and set them neatly next to one another near the chair. The baron stood and the boy unhooked his sword belt.
    Isabel stood and shook off her fascination with him. “This is my chamber. Leave.”
    He offered her only a soft grunt while his squire took his sword from him. Isabel nearly choked, for no knight went anywhere without his sword. The boy laid the weapon on the table within reach of the bed.
    â€œThere are chambers that my husband used on the north side of the tower,” she insisted.
    The squire climbed up onto a stool and began to pull his master’s over tunic off.
    â€œYes, Ambrose and my captains are making use of those chambers. The expansion of this fortification will include more chambers.”
    â€œSince it seems you are intent, I shall sleep elsewhere.”
    The baron suddenly sent his squire away with a flick of his fingers and stepped into her path. The boy was halfway to the door before Isabel realized she would soon be alone with Ramon.
    â€œWait—” Her hand flew up to cover her lips when the boy turned, a stunned look on his face. He didn’t stop moving, and continued on through the doorway while she sucked in a gasp of horror.
    â€œDo not ever countermand my orders to my squire. My training is what will keep them alive.”
    She shook her head. “I know…I didn’t think before I spoke.” She suddenly recalled exactly why she had been so brazen as to interfere between a knight and his squire. “Yet it is your own fault. You have no right to shock me in such a fashion.”
    Determination glittered in his eyes, and she recalled the look very well from when he had stood up in the bathhouse. She should have combed her hair before the nightmare had arrived.
    â€œWhat shocks you, lady?” He crossed his arms over his chest. “A knight of honor may share a bed with a widow so long as his sword is placed down the center of it.” He reached over and lifted his sword in one sure motion and placed it on the surface of the bed.
    â€œThat is acceptable within the chivalric code.” Triumph flickered in his eyes as his lips curled into a victory smile.
    The man was attempting to outmaneuver her.
    Isabel tried to resist admitting that Ramon de Segrave was very good at forming strategy.
    Far too good.
    â€œI will sleep elsewhere.” She kept her tone low, to hide the emotions that were roaring through her. She struggled to remain poised and calm so the beast wouldn’t know how much he needled her.
    â€œThere is not a foot of space anywhere in this keep not being used by my knights.”
    â€œBut—”
    He turned and picked his goblet back up. “I have spoken.”
    Isabel lost her patience. “Indeed you have, Lord de Segrave, but that does not mean I shall meekly obey you. One of the reasons I have declined to wed you is that I have no desire to be submissive.”
    â€œAhh…” He chuckled. “I have noticed you play the game of meekness when it suits you and only when you have something to gain from doing so.”
    She felt her breath lodged in her throat.