Love's Blazing Ecstasy by Kathryn Kramer Read Free Book Online

had not witnessed her departure from the cave. Valerian would be safe for the moment. Wynne could take no more chances, though, in coming to the cave by daylight. From now on she would have to wait until dark to see the man she was falling in love with.
    “Valerian,” she cried, as worry overcame her. She felt driven to return to the cave to protect him, yet knew that to do so could cause his death, for no doubt the riders were still in the forest watching her. There was nothing to do but return to her village and wait until nightfall to go to him.

    Chapter Six
     
     
    Valerian stared into the light of the fire. It had been five days and nights since his capture by the heathens a nd his rescue by the woman named Wynne. He’d had more than enough time to regain his strength, but somehow he could not force himself to leave. He looked forward to seeing the woman each night when she brought him food. Yet he could not stay here forever; soon he would have to find his way back to his own people.
    “Why is the thought of leaving so painful to me?” he asked himself, as if he did not know the answer. The fair-haired Wynne had bewitched him.
    Not only was she beautiful, but she learned so quickly. He had taught her several additional words in his language, and she in turn had taught him words in her native tongue. Their conversation was primitive, but it was improving day by day.
    Since that first night, Valerian had made no move to touch or kiss Wynne. He was afraid of frightening her. She was so shy, and he didn’t even know if she liked him in that way or not. No, he would not take the chance of offending her, not now. If he were honest with himself, he would have to admit to a certain fear, as he had never felt this way before. It was intimidating.  Women had come and gone in his life; he had sampled their charms and then said his good-byes. With Wynne he wanted something more, something forbidden.
    A sound behind him startled him, but turning, he saw that it was Wynne. She had brought him a leg of mutton, bread, and a small keg of ale.
    “Certainly you know how to please a man, Wynne,” he said with a laugh, then began to eat greedily. By evening he was always starved, since Wynne now came only at night.
    Valerian’s hunger for Wynne’s visits, however, had little to do with the food she brought. As a centurion he was used to keeping himself alive by foraging on the berries and small fowl in the forest. No, it was her company that soothed him. Looking up, he caught her eye and smiled. She shyly returned the smile, then glanced away, fearful lest he be able to read the longing in her eyes. Much to her disappointment, he had not tried to kiss her again. Perhaps he already had a wife, she thought sadly, or did not find her appealing. Yet she had tried so hard to make herself beautiful. As always, she anxiously watched the Roman for his reactions.
    After quenching his thirst with ale, Valerian stood up. How beautiful she looks tonight, he thought, openly staring at her. Like many of her people, Wynne was nearly as tall as he, only about two inches shorter than his six feet. Her stature made her appear regal, particularly in the scarlet gown she was wearing, which reached to the ground—her midriff bare. Her waist was  small, her breasts full--he could see the tips straining against the linen of her gown. It took all his self-control not to gather her into his arms. Her slim arms, revealed by the sleeveless gown, were decorated with large gilt bracelets, twined around them. He wondered at the engraving which adorned not only these bracelets but also her necklace and brooch.
    “You look lovely,” he said softly.
    “Thank you,” she answered, knowing that he was complimenting her. Her heart quickened as she noticed his eyes savoring her body.
    Valerian looked hastily away. The sight of her was too arousing. Frantically he searched for something to say to her to fill the stillness in which his own heartbeat seemed