Cover Copy

      Follow the heart through darkness . . .

      As the Inquisition gains force, even the faintest rumor can brand one a heretic. In this world it is Sancha’s gift—or curse—to be blessed with the gift of healing. But the villagers are in need of her arts more than ever, and she feels it is her duty to help them at the risk of losing her life. And at the sacrifice of her heart . . .

      Enrique has never wanted a woman as he does Sancha. Determined to have her love, he woos her with exquisite passion, giving her refuge to pursue her healing in secret. But their very desire and escape from the ruthless forces of the world may be their undoing. And together, they must pit themselves against a jealous rival and archaic tradition to secure their place in a hopeful new dawn . . .

      Visit us at www.kensingtonbooks.com

      Books by Tina Donahue

      Dangerous Desires Series

      Loving Lies

      Wicked Whispers

      Passionate Pursuit

      Published by Kensington Publishing Corporation

      Wicked Whispers

      Dangerous Desires

      Tina Donahue

      LYRICAL PRESS

      Kensington Publishing Corp.

      www.kensingtonbooks.com

      Copyright

      Lyrical Press books are published by

      Kensington Publishing Corp. 119 West 40th Street New York, NY 10018

      Copyright © 2015 by Tina Donahue

      All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of the Publisher, excepting brief quotes used in reviews.

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      First Electronic Edition: May 2016

      eISBN-13: 978-1-60183-589-5

      eISBN-10: 1-60183-589-2

      First Print Edition: May 2016

      ISBN-13: 978-1-60183-590-1

      ISBN-10: 1-60183-590-6

      Printed in the United States of America

      Dedication

      To the Book Escape Authors – you guys rock!

      Author’s Foreword

      Ah, Spain. Warm, vibrant, enchanting. The first time I researched this wonderful country, I fell in love. The late fifteenth century was an especially volatile time for Spain with the battle against the Moors and the establishment of the Inquisition. A period that continues to fascinate me.

      Acknowledgements

      To Penny Barber for her wise and always accurate suggestions.

      Chapter 1

      Andalucía, Spain—1488

      The castle of Don Fernando de Zayas

      Of all the perils a man might face, Enrique de Zayas figured the worst was unending desire for a woman. Especially one whose heart he hadn’t yet claimed, because the lady in question was being remarkably difficult. Heat had burned in Sancha’s eyes the few times she’d deigned to meet his gaze. Of course, she had been busy tending to his brother Fernando’s grave injuries, sparing him death and life as a cripple.

      Isabella would never have forgiven her sister if Sancha had chopped off Fernando’s arm and leg to save his life. He was a warrior knight and had proved his bravery by falling in love with and wedding Isabella, one of the Lopéz de Lara sisters, who appeared to be delicate Spanish flowers but were as hard as any man.

      Steeling himself for whatever happened tonight, Enrique joined the other nobles in his brother’s grand dining hall. Exotic spices, garlic, and onions scented the cavernous space. Rich tapestries depicting country life hung on the walls below ornate Moorish designs in gold and silver. The metal glinted from the flickering candlelight and oil lamps. A harpist, flutist, and a man playing a lute sat in the center area on red chairs. The musicians’ vibrant Spanish melody was scarcely audible beneath too much converse and loud laughter from hundreds of guests, all dressed in their finest.

      He spotted Isabella, regally attired in a gold silk gown that complemented her auburn hair and milky complexion. She saw him too and threaded through the crowd, heading his way. Numerous señoritas also edged close, eyeing him as the main fare for this evening’s feast. Being a rich man in need of a wife was the second greatest peril a man could face. Isabella stood only as close as etiquette allowed to quell wagging tongues. Spaniards loved intrigue whether it involved the Crown or one of Spain’s wealthy subjects. Her earlier abduction and near sale as a concubine for the Sultan’s harem had certainly fueled enough gossip.

      She turned into him, the top of her head reaching his shoulder. “Take heart. Sancha is here tonight.”

      His pulse pounded. Warmth rushed to his groin.

      Isabella glanced around the opulent, red-walled room. “This time she promised not to take too long with the servant.”

      “Too long doing what?”

      Isabella paled then shrugged. “Whatever one does with servants. Trust me, she will not keep you waiting.”

      She already had, repeatedly, in the few weeks since they’d met. To him the time seemed longer than most of his life. He wasn’t a man who needed decades to determine his feelings for a woman. With Sancha, he’d fallen in an instant. Each day without her added to his torment.

      He frowned.

      “Oh no.” Isabella regarded him closely. “Have you lost interest in her already?”

      She’d made him sound like the worst sort of beast when he was the one in pain. “It would appear your sister has never shared my passion.”

      She flicked her hand dismissively. “You need to woo her as Fernando wooed me.”

      “When he believed you were Sancha, his betrothed, or after he learned your true identity?”

      “Both.” She grinned despite the hell she’d put him, Fernando, and two of their other brothers through. “Everything worked out as it should.”

      Indeed.