Boyd felt his lips twitch despite himself.It was such a ridiculous image that he almost smiled before he could catch himself and hide it.
They were silent for a long moment, the tension in the room shifting into something different.Awareness.
"Why are ye sleeping on a cot, Bella?"
"'Tis the safest position.I can hear anyone trying to enter."
"Well, sheath yer claws and get on the bed," Boyd gestured to the bed."We've a long day ahead tomorrow.Get some sleep, and I'll keep watch."
"Ye'll keep watch?"
"Aye.'Tis what I said, isn't it?"Boyd moved toward the cot that Bella had vacated."Now go on.Get some rest."
"Boyd—" Bella started, then stopped."The bed is large enough for two.We could share it.I can keep a respectful distance."
Boyd's hands clenched at his sides.The offer was so tempting.But he did not trust himself.
"No," he replied curtly.
Boyd settled himself on the uncomfortable cot, already regretting his chivalry.The damned thing was far too small for a man of his size, and his body was still humming with arousal from their encounter.
Bella finally settled on the bed as they lay in the semi-darkness, the fire casting dancing shadows on the walls.The tension had eased slightly, but the air still felt charged.
Finally, unable to help himself, Boyd broke the silence."Who was the warrior that taught ye that move, Bella?"There was an edge to his voice he couldn't quite hide.A touch of jealousy."I thought no men were allowed in the abbey?"
There was a long pause.
"No man taught me," Bella replied truthfully.
Boyd waited for her to elaborate, but she said nothing more.Just turned on her side, facing away from him, clearly signaling the conversation was over.
But Boyd's mind was racing.If no man had taught her, then who?And where had she gotten that blade?The move she'd used on him was sophisticated.The kind of thing that came from serious training.
"Bella, I want the name of the man who taught ye.Was it a lover?"
"I told ye, no man taught me and there was no lover."
"Bella," he growled.
"Sister Beatrice at the abbey taught me."
"A nun taught ye?"
"Aye, she taught me to defend myself in case of attack."
"So, it wasn't yer lover?"
"Good night, Boyd," she replied, ignoring his question.
Boyd stared at the ceiling, listening to her breathing and tried to ignore the discomfort of the too-small cot.
Boyd tried to ignore the way his body still hummed with awareness from having her beneath him, and then on top of him.He tried to ignore the growing suspicion that everything he thought he knew about Bella Sutherland might be wrong.
***
