Alys ran, certain that she would not be fast enough to evade Burke. She scrambled over the low wall, knowing he would have to ride all the way to the gate, yet doubting ’twould be time enough to give her much advantage.
Hearing Moonshadow’s hoofbeats as the beast rounded the wall, she raced to reach the kitchen portal without looking back. Burke swore and Alys glanced back to see him leap from his saddle. She lunged for the door and was snatched up just as her foot brushed the threshold, a strong arm locked around her waist.
“Put me down!” Alys wriggled and found herself deposited with her back against the wall. Burke glared, then leaned closer. “Do not even think of kissing me!” she insisted wildly, and the knight stiffened, then retreated slightly.
“What is this?”
“Do not kiss me, do
