Book Two of The Knight Shades Trilogy by chart-topping erotic romance author Toni Sands
Sir Gavin, banned from the Jupiter stronghold, is forced to see where the witch Sibilla sends him next. When a luscious lady requests a favour, what’s a knight to do? But soon he’s thrust into a bleak, frozen landscape where nights are long and women easily bored. Destiny throws his friend Tev into the mix again and their bond remains strong as they determine to outwit the enchantress. But Gavin changes tactics and receives startling information convincing him he must regain the trust of his true liege lord and fight Sir Tiernan’s cause. Only then can he hope to end this bizarre game.
He focused on the countryside he rode through. Never would he forget the variety of colours and the blend of sweet and pungent smells drifting from the undergrowth. Images of his last night in Arcandos Castle, after Lady Amara visited his chamber, flashed before his eyes. In spite of the danger they risked, neither of them had been able to deny the spark zapping between them. Powering one final bout of lovemaking, as fierce and forceful as a championship jousting bout.
Lady Amara had swiftly stepped from her gown. Stood before him, naked and splendid, breasts jutting, nipples already aroused. At that moment, Gavin knew he risked a far more severe punishment than merely being banished from his lover’s husband’s household. The First Lord’s warning, if disregarded, spelled peril should the lovers be discovered. The link with Sibilla could not be ignored. Gavin hesitated. He was lost.
‘Quick! Undress and get into bed beside me.’ Amara’s hair, loosened from its braids, hung over her shoulders.
‘Won’t you be missed?’ Gavin was already tearing off his clothes.
‘No. I sent everyone to supper. I have a secret staircase leading to my rooms. No one, not even my most trusted companions, knows of its existence.’
He’d taken his place beside her. Anger and fear fuelling him, he’d kissed her passionately. Moved his mouth swiftly down her smooth, curvaceous body. Felt her writhe beneath him, her breathing becoming more rapid as her need for him matched his need for her.
When he entered her, thrusting slow and deep, Amara bent her knees, lay back, and let him take her with a strength that astonished him. They climbed together in a rhythm born of passion and poignancy, matching each other’s gasps and moans, till his plunging stopped and the lovers clung together as Gavin emptied himself into her accepting body.
There’d been no time for emotion. They’d dressed quickly. One brief kiss on the lips and he’d opened his chamber door to check no curious servant loitered outside. Amara had left him, vanishing like a phantom through the secret entrance at the end of the passage.
A huge bird swooped overhead, interrupting Gavin’s thoughts as he rode on. They’d crossed the ford and Sarum didn’t hesitate to take the right-hand fork when the track divided. Gavin gazed up at the golden bird hovering above him. Blocking the sun. Casting no shadow. He remained unflinching, but wondered whether the creature spelled menace. Something in its eyes stirred a memory, but it dipped its wings, soared upwards, and flew off in the direction they were travelling. Curious. But Arcandos contained many curious things.
‘All I can do is put my trust in you, Sarum.’ Gavin patted the stallion’s head. ‘Let’s get out of here.’
