How could it not?

"You don't have to thank me..." The Verderer stammered nervously in the dark; Christine had never heard the man sound this unsure before. He seemed as conflicted as she felt.

In a way the good man's uncertainty, emboldened her. She reached out through the blackness to rest on her hands on his broad shoulders and pulled herself up to him. The Christine Gerard of just a week ago would never be so daring, but after the adventures of the past few days, this new version of herself was a different person. Even standing on the first step of the narrow stairway, Christine had to lift to her tiptoes to get close enough to whisper in his ear.

"I want to thank you Master Werner." She was close enough to feel the man's breath exhaled suddenly on her cheek and the warmth made her nipples tighten. Her hand climbed up the side of his neck until her fingers found the soft spot just under his ear. This stilled his words before he could restart his protests and the light touch sent sparks all the way to the stiff tips of her breasts. The warmth in her belly pulsed in time with her rapidly beating heart. Judging by the way the Verderer stiffened at the touch Christine realized that although she lacked the experience of many women, she too could tempt this man.

With a newfound boldness, Christine leaned forward slightly, her hand resting on the Verderer's broad chest. It was not just her imagination - Master Werner's heart was beating as wildly as hers, and Christine lifted her lips in an unmistakable offering. She had been kissed before, but not like this. Even as Werner's lips found hers, his fingers tightened in her hair tilted up to meet his mouth and she let out a soft 'mew' of wonder. This was not like William's clumsy attempts to convince her to accept his suit, and certainly not at all how she imagined Bishop Anthryl might have kissed her if she had lets things get that far. The Verderer's kiss had the strength and conviction of a man who knew what he wanted, blended perfectly with someone aware of her inexperience who wanted her to share the joy and wonder of the kiss.

Still on her toes, Christine tried desperately to get as close as possible to her rescuer, soft breasts flattened against his torso, her nipples throbbing almost painfully and his strong arms holding her as easily and securely as a mother holding her child. Christine knew that she was playing with fire, to continue too far down this path could only lead to one inevitable outcome, but she just didn't care.

Who better to claim her maidenhead than the man who rescued her from the bishop's hellhole? So many times, over the past few days, her virginity had been under ****. First it was Prince Henry who had lusted after her so openly, then the trio of outlaws in the old forest would surely have torn at her like wild dogs fighting over a scrap of hide. She realized now that her interview with Master Merthin could have ended very differently. What if instead of sending her away, the unprincipled notary had decided to keep her for himself ... and then finally, her harrowing experience in Oldchester Cathedral. Although Christine still found it extraordinary that a venerable pillar of the Church could behave so abominably. there was no doubt in her mind that Bishop Anthryl would have carried through with his licentious intention to defile her. The Verderer was more worthy by far than any of those villains. Almost of their own accord her legs spread until Werner's thick thigh was trapped between hers. The night shift she wore left much of the skin of her inner legs bare, and she could feel the warmth of the Verderer's upper leg as she rubbed her crotch shamelessly against him.

"Easy now, Lady Gerard," The Verderer's tone was as soothing as the words, "we can't be doing this." Christine desperately wished that the Verderer hadn't learned her true identity. This would be so much easier if knew her simply as Evelyn, the merchant's daughter he first rescued in the forests.

"I am Lady Gerard no longer, Master Werner." Christine whispered fiercely as she clung to the good man. "By Royal Decree I am as common as you, I saw the announcement with my own eyes." Her lips found the Verderer's mouth and this time it was she who led the charge. When she finally pulled away, she knew the Verderer wanted this as much as her.

"Please, Master Werner ..." She grasped the Verderer's large hand in hers and pulled him upwards.