Julie Garwood - [3 Book Box Set] by Gentle Warrior:Honor's Splendour:Lion's Lady Page B

were around her waist. He smelled of leather and sweat. It wasn’t unpleasant to be held by him, Elizabeth admitted.
    “Your kissing has improved, Elizabeth,” Geoffrey said against her forehead. A deep contentment he had not known before enveloped him; the feel of her against him was right, he felt it was right in his heart. He inhaled the fragrance of wildflowers scenting her hair and almost sighed aloud, his pleasure was so great. He knew he should let go of her and take a firm, intimidating stand so that she would well understand their relationship from the beginning, for he was her lord and she his subject, but he couldn’t seem to drop his hands, to erase the smile. He would have to guard against letting her know the power she held over him. It would most likely be his downfall if he showed her his weakness for her. He knew from past experience that the fairer sex could easily manipulate any man, regardless of their physical strength, if the man allowed it. No woman would lead him around by the crook of herfinger; no, he would do the leading, and she would be most thankful to follow.
    “I was but curious,” Elizabeth stated, referring to the kiss she had stolen when she was caring for him. “I have not kissed much,” she added as she pushed against him to break the hold.
    “I have no doubt that you are pure,” Geoffrey remarked, and Elizabeth noted that the arrogance was back in his voice. His smile warmed her, and Elizabeth returned the gesture. She would have to watch herself with this one, she decided. He had a way about him that pulled at her, beckoned her. But he was too powerful, too overwhelming for her likes, she reminded herself; he would be like the stone walls of her fortress, unbending, and it would do her no good to become involved with such a man. No, she could never allow such an attraction to nurture. She had no wish to be swallowed up by his strength, only to be spit out as a former shell of herself when he turned his attention elsewhere. She turned her back on him and tried to remember what they were talking about. Pure, he thought her pure, he had said. “How could you know?” she found herself asking, “that I am pure,” she qualified. She turned back to him and waited for his reply. Although she thought he had made the remark to ease her worry that he might have judged her wanton, she found herself irritated. Instead of being relieved that he did not think her a camp follower, she found herself somewhat insulted. Were her kisses so lacking?
    “It was obvious, Elizabeth,” the lord answered. “Though to take advantage of a man in a weakened condition tells me much about your character.” He was teasing her, the laughter was there in his eyes. It surprised her, for she didn’t think he was a man who laughed much. She returned his smile.
    She could see that the kiss had lightened his mood, and sought to take advantage of the moment. “You are feeling well now?”
    “Aye,” Geoffrey replied.
    “You have called me by my name, my lord. How did you learn—”
    “It was easy to solve part of the riddle,” Geoffrey answered. “Still, I would like more answers. When we return to the manor . . .”
    “I would . . . if it pleases you lord, I would like to talk with you now, before we return to Montwright.”
    Geoffrey frowned over this request and then nodded. He walked over to the mud-splattered boulder adjacent to the hut and leaned against the edge, his long legs outstretched before him. He wasn’t aware that he stroked the dogs leaning against his sides as he watched Elizabeth. “Begin by telling me why you did not stay inside the walls. Why did you come back here?”
    “I could not stay there with Belwain coming, I could not.” Elizabeth calmed her voice and walked over to stand between Geoffrey’s legs. She folded her hands as if she was preparing for her morning prayers and said, “It is a long story, my lord. Will you listen to me?”
    “Aye,” Geoffrey replied. He was