Believe by Victoria Alexander Read Free Book Online Page A

there.
    “I’m not sure where to start.”
    “’Tis apparent, fair lady, you are a stranger to this land. Your arrival ’twould seem to be the place to begin.” And his voice, deep and resonant with a gentle strength that seemed to seep inside her soul. He was good.
    “Well…” She stared up at him, caught in the raw power of his presence. Merlin wasn’t the only one practicing magic around here. “I was in the—how tall are you anyway? About six-three, six-four maybe?”
    “I stand a head above most men but not so tall as my horse. But you…how could I not see you for what you are? As tiny and delicate as a rose in bloom.” He gazed at her with a look that clearly indicated she was one blossom he wouldn’t mind plucking. A look that left her wondering just how delightful plucking might be. He was very good.
    And he knew it. Maybe it was the satisfied upward quirk of his lips at the corners or the way he leaned subtly closer to her as if to snatch her, unresisting, into his arms or the tinge of success that shaded his eyes, or maybe it was the whole package presented by the body language of Sir Hunk, but Tessa abruptly realized the man thought he had her in the palm of his hand. He wasn’t far wrong.
    In the interest of self-preservation, she took a hasty step back and shook her head. “Watch it, pal. That rose business may work like a charm on your typical damsel in distress but I’m made of different stuff. So you can turn off the knight-in-shining-armor charm right now.”
    His eyes widened with innocence. “I fear you have mistaken my intentions.”
    “Right.”
    He heaved a patient sigh, as if used to dealing with recalcitrant females. “I shall watch my words with you in the future. Now, how came you to be here unbeknownst to me? I heard no sound of your entry into the chapel.”
    “Remember that long story I mentioned?”
    He nodded.
    “This is part of it.”
    “I can well imagine what kind of tale would explain your strange garb.”
    “My strange—oh, my clothes.” She glanced down and shrugged. “Actually, where I come from this is considered almost classic, in a terribly casual sort of way.”
    “Odd leggings.” He reached out a long, tanned finger and poked at her jeans. “Why do you not wear a gown? Even in the far reaches of the realm, women do not wear clothing such as this. ’Tis not suitable for a female.”
    “It’s suitable for me. Besides, I didn’t have time to pack. I arrived rather unexpectedly.”
    “Arrived?”
    “Yeah, here in the chapel. In Camelot or whatever. One minute I was minding my own business in the library, looking at your picture I might add, and the next I was whisked here, apparently through time and space and—what are you doing?”
    Galahad’s hand rested lightly on the hilt of his sword. His eyes gleamed.
    “Galahad?” Her stomach fluttered at the expression on his face. A look of consideration, speculation and suspicion. “Come on pal, what are you thinking?”
    “I am wondering if thou art indeed the demon I believed when first I saw you.” His words were slow and measured. “Your talk of time and space is curious and bespeaks of forces best left unknown to mortal man. How do you know my name?” His fingers tightened around the sword.
    “I didn’t realize you were that sensitive about a little thing like a name but believe me, it’s no big deal.” Who knew he’d be set off so easily? She’d better watch her step. She had no doubt he wouldn’t hesitate to cut off her head with the slightest provocation. “Merlin told me.”
    His eyes narrowed. “Merlin?”
    “You know. Long beard? Blue dress? Tap dances?”
    “Tap dances?”
    “’Tis a sure sign of a mind befuddled when a man repeats his words.” She tossed him a smug smile. “Confusion and stupidity are not the same thing.”
    He stared at her for a long, tense moment. Anxiety clenched her jaw. Oh Lord, surely they had a sense of humor in the Middle Ages? Without warning