Page 16 of Intrigued By A Highlander

“I heard something. Lord Torrance hired a mercenary, a strong one, to find Autumn and return her to him—” Albert paused, tilting his head to listen. “Is anyone else nearby?”

Dru glanced around. “Just some bairns playing off in the distance.”

Albert listened a moment longer, then leaned in. “There’s a rumor that someone else is searching for Autumn. No word on who it might be or for what reason.”

Dru frowned. “Why now? Autumn is of no importance, except to Lord Torrance. Why the sudden interest?”

Albert sighed. “I wondered the same myself. It’s troubling, so again, be careful.”

She squeezed his arm gently. “I’m always careful.”

Albert gave her a knowing smile. “Are you now? Then what’s this I hear about you taking a beating to save a monk?”

Dru smirked. “That’s a whole other tale, and I’ll tell you one day. But for now, I need to go.”

“You’ll come back?” he asked anxiously.

“Always.”

His weathered hand tightened over hers. “I’ll hold you to that promise you once made me, Dru.”

She smiled softly. “No need. I keep my word. If I’m lucky enough to find a safe place to settle, I’ll make sure there’s room for you.”

Tears gathered in his blind eyes. “You’re like the granddaughter I never had.”

Dru kissed his cheek and whispered, “I’ll be back, Granddad. Count on it.”

She hurried off, leaving Albert smiling.

Instead of going back through the village, she slipped behind Albert’s cottage, cutting into the forest where Knox would be waiting.

Before she barely took two steps into the woods, a strong arm clamped around her waist, pulling her flush against a solid chest. At the same time a large hand covered her mouth before she could let out a yelp.

CHAPTER 6

“Not a sound,” Knox’s low voice murmured in her ear, his breath warm against her skin. “Not until we reach the horse.”

Dru stilled, her heart racing like mad from fright or was it something else? Knox was as immovable as a stone wall, and yet she felt no fear in his arms. She calmed herself and nodded.

Satisfied, Knox moved his hand off her mouth but kept his hold firm as he guided her deeper into the forest. She didn’t resist. It wasn’t as though she wanted to linger where Seth or anyone else might come looking for her. Besides she had information to share with him and a task to complete.

The shadows thickened as they moved amongst the trees, the sounds of the village fading behind them. It wasn’t long before they reached Knox’s waiting mare, the beast flicking its tail impatiently.

Without a word, Knox lifted Dru onto the saddle, then swung up behind her. His arms bracketed her as he took the reins, and she was keenly aware of the warmth radiating from him.

Only when they were moving did he finally break the silence. “What did you find out? And what did the old man have to say? And it better be the truth.”

Dru arched a brow. “Sounds like we still have a trust issue.”

His arm around her waist tightened slightly, just enough to remind her she had little room to wriggle out of answering.

“Tell me all of it.”

She sighed dramatically. “Well, if you must know, I gave Albert an apple. He has good teeth, in case you were wondering.”

Knox’s eyes flared with annoyance. “Dru.”

She smirked but relented. “I asked him about Autumn. He told me what you likely already know, same with Hennie—Torrance hired a mercenary to find her. A big fellow… you.” She cast him a glance, but he remained unreadable. “Hennie also mentioned a healer who befriended Autumn’s mum, if that matters, and I heard whispers that some believe Autumn is dead.”

---