Twelve Kisses by Lindsay Townsend Read Free Book Online Page A

and she tottered a few steps to regain her balance, desperate
to twist around and see David . If I can
watch him, hold him in my eyes, pray God he will be
safe.
    But David was faster and more nimble than the soldier. He
pivoted sideways, ducking under the man’s chopping blade, and
booted the fellow, catching the older man off-guard and knocking
him sprawling into a snowdrift.
    “ Stop this,” Alis pleaded, unable to keep silent as the warrior
cursed and flailed in the snow, rising with a look of murder on his
bearded face. “My lord husband, my lord Roger, please! Has there
not been enough killing?”
    She thought her heart-felt wish had fallen on deaf ears, but
Sir Roger spurred his horse between David and his adversary.
“Enough!” he bawled so loudly Margaret flinched.
    “ No more, please,” Alis said again, steeling herself to remain
still.
    Sir Roger stared at her and then at David, who looked prepared
and willing to fight for her barehanded, ready even after his
opponent had dishonorably charged too early. After a tense, hanging
instant, Sir Roger sighed, whether with exasperation or resignation
Alis dared not speculate, but she kept her countenance calm and
prayed.
    Sir Roger was the first to look away. “David, this was not my
plan. If you are determined—”
    “ I am,” said David.
    “ We are,” said Alis.
    With a brief nod to Alis, Sir Roger addressed her husband. “So
be it, David Haveton, and mayhap you deserve each other.
Come!”
    Sir Roger spurred his black horse and cantered off, leaving
the hapless Margaret and his men to trail after him.
    * * *
*
    “ How did you know?” David asked, when the road and the
surrounding fields were silent again.
    Alis smiled, light-headed in her relief, but still
sure. David said he loves me. That he has
always loved me . “For her, I knew it was
false because she never looked at you, not once. As your wife, I
cannot take my eyes off you.” She swung his large hand in hers. “My
handsome man.”
    He gave a sharp bark of laughter and kissed her wedding
ring—the twelfth kiss, she understood at once. “And for me? How did
you know for me?”
    “ You told me you loved me—by your words and by your
deeds.”
    As she spoke, Alis understood something else. His words were
the promise, but his deeds were the proof. By his deeds, by keeping
her warm and safe and entertained—in all ways—David had proved his
love.
    “ You give me honor,” she said.
    He closed his eyes and rocked slightly. “Thank God. Truly, I
never thought Sir Roger so determined to win his own way, so
outrageous—and the poor woman, too.”
    “ Forget her,” Alis said quickly. “He will
find her another husband soon enough. But she cannot have mine .”
    “ Thank God,” David said again.
    For both of us , Alis thought, but as a
good wife, she said nothing, allowing her husband to take her into
his arms and to kiss her, most heartily.
    Their twelve days, their twelve kisses, were
complete.

     
     

About the Author
     
    Lindsay Townsend is fascinated by ancient world and medieval
history and writes historical romance covering these periods. She
also enjoys thrillers and writes both historical and contemporary
romantic suspense. When not writing, Lindsay enjoys spending time
with her husband, gardening, reading and taking long, languid baths
– possibly with chocolate.