“Wait.” Liza jerked her arm free from Wymark’s grasp and ran down several steps and past one of the guards to reach Hugh.
From the look of surprise on Wymark’s face, he hadn’t expected her to do such a thing. “Halt!”
Liza reached up and hugged Hugh, taking him by surprise. “Hold me one last time.” Then she kissed him as if her life depended on it.
The length of her against him and lips on his caused his mind to go blank. Out of reflex, his arms lifted to hold her. The feel of his axe hanging on her back worked like a splash of cold water.
“Liza, step back,” Wymark demanded.
“Get away from him,” one of the guards insisted.
Liza drew back and opened her cloak.
“Christ, woman! Have you no shame?” Wymark called out.
Hugh released her only to reach beneath the garment and release his axe. “Thank you,” he whispered then pressed her against the wall and out of harm’s way.
“I said step back.” Wymark drew the guard’s sword and pointed it at Hugh.
Hugh gave the guard on the step below him a mighty shove, sending him tumbling down the steps. Hugh raised his axe to block Wymark’s thrust. The guard standing between them was defenseless and seemed uncertain what to do other than dodge the weapons.
Hugh’s next blow knocked Wymark back. His high-pitched squeal echoed in the stairway. Wymark shoved the defenseless guard into Hugh, but Hugh twisted to the side and gave the guard an extra push down the stairs. The man landed on his companion at the bottom and seemed reluctant to rejoin the fight.
“Nay!” Liza’s cry alerted Hugh to Wymark grabbing her, but it was too late.
“Put down your weapon else I’ll kill her,” Wymark demanded, holding a knife at Liza’s throat.
“Release her,” Hugh ordered, his gaze holding Liza’s. He prayed she trusted him enough for what he was about to do.
“You have to the count of three,” Wymark snarled. “One—”
Hugh threw the axe just over Liza’s shoulder, striking Wymark in the face.
Liza’s mouth opened in a silent scream as she turned to see Wymark stiffen then fall back, blood gushing from the wound.
Hugh reached for Liza and pulled her into his arms, burying her face in his shoulder for a brief moment. He glanced down at the guards but neither moved.
“Let us go,” he whispered and eased her up the stairs, past Wymark. Hugh paused long enough to retrieve his axe, wiping the blood on Wymark’s tunic.
Several servants stood near the top of the stairs but no one attempted to stop them. Holding tight to Liza’s hand, he hurried past the empty great hall toward the kitchen. He slowed his stride so as not to draw more attention. The cook hailed them but Hugh didn’t pause, praying no one raised the alarm to halt their escape.
He didn’t bother retrieving the familiar horse and cart but Liza stopped to take a bag from the cart. Together, they continued walking. Hugh held his axe in one hand in case he had need of it, the other still holding Liza. He had no intention of letting go of either.
The gate to the inner bailey came into view, giving him hope.
“You killed him.” The hint of panic in Liza’s voice worried Hugh.
“I didn’t care for the way he held a knife to your throat.”
“You didn’t?”
“I rather like your throat.”
“You do?”
“Along with the rest of you.” Her gasp pleased him to no end.
“Truly?”
Though there was no time for such sentiments, he drew her aside as soon as they passed through the gate. “Aye.” He laid his hand alongside her cheek. “So very much.” Slowly, he placed his lips on hers, sealing his words with a heated kiss. “Will you be mine?”
She laid her hand over his on her cheek, her eyes shining with tears. “Nothing would please me more.” She rose up on her toes and kissed him.
His heart flew. He’d had no idea this mission would change his life forever. “I love you, Liza. I know we haven’t known each other long, but ’tis true. I didn’t think I was capable of this.”
“Nor I. You’ve made me believe that second chances are possible. I love you.”
“Then let us leave this place together.” He glanced around as they continued on their way. “No one yet searches for us. I have to assume Wymark was not well liked.”
“I can attest to that.” She shuddered. “Good riddance.”
“I fear we cannot return to the alehouse.”
“I’ve taken care of what needed to be done there. All I desire is here.” She squeezed his hand.
He smiled down at her. “Then we’ll fetch my horse and another for you and be on our way. You’ll like Larkspur. I promise.”
“As long as that is where you are, I’m certain I’ll love it.”
Unable to resist, he pressed a quick kiss on her lips as they walked. “Then let us begin our new life in this moment.”
“Agreed.” Her smile lit her face as well as Hugh’s heart.
THE END
Turn the page for an excerpt of A Vow To Keep, Book I in The Vengeance Trilogy!
Acknowledgements
Brad, Brandon, and Jordan: love you forever and a day.
Thank you to my wonderfully talented critique partners: Michelle Major, Lani Joramo, and Robin Nolet, and to my beta readers, Linda Benning, Lauren Billing, and Sarah Billing. I appreciate your help more than I can say!
Copyright © 2014 by Lana Williams
All rights reserved.
ISBN-13: 978-1511883115
ISBN-10: 1511883111
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Table of Contents
CHAPTER ONE
CHAPTER TWO
CHAPTER THREE
CHAPTER FOUR
CHAPTER FIVE
CHAPTER SIX
CHAPTER SEVEN
CHAPTER EIGHT
CHAPTER NINE
Acknowledgements
Vengeance 01.5 - A Knight's Kiss Page 8