Page 44 of Intrigued By A Highlander

Phelan grinned. “Well, if he doesn’t, I’ll take you with me.”

His men snickered.

Dru smiled sweetly. “Hell would have to freeze solid for that to happen.”

The monks crossed themselves.

“I hope you are all blessing her since I let no woman talk to me that way,” Phelan sneered and gave Brother Ewan a shove as he released him.

Brother Ewan stumbled but righted himself. “We have graciously provided you with food and drink when you’ve stopped here as we do for most travelers. But I will not see you harm someone under our protection.”

Phelan took quick steps to Brother Ewan and jabbed his finger in his chest. “And how will you stop me… with prayer.”

His men laughed and helped themselves to the wine on the large table.

“If monks are the only men, you have the courage to threaten, I have a friend you might want to meet,” Dru said, fighting to hide her anger at the way he was treating Brother Ewan.

“You can introduce him to me after I teach you to hold that tongue of yours and then I’ll teach your friend to mind his own business.”

Dru’s chin went up defiantly. “The Monk wouldn’t like that.”

“What monk?” Phelan demanded.

“The Monk,” Dru emphasized.

Silence struck the room.

Phelan laughed. “Lie. You don’t know the infamous warrior, The Monk.”

Dru grinned. “Do you really want to find out?”

“Why not?” Phelan said and stepped toward her.

Dru didn’t budge, though her legs trembled. “Then how about my husband… Knox.”

The name stopped Phelan dead but only for a moment. He burst out laughing as did his men.

“Now I know you’re a liar. Knox would never wed someone as small and skinny as you.”

It took great effort for Dru to remain calm. “Maybe you don’t know Knox as well as you think you do.”

“I know him better than anyone,” Phelan claimed.

Dru laughed. “You’re a man who thinks only of himself, so I doubt you truly know anyone.”

The monks blessed themselves again and a few closed their eyes in silent prayer and Dru was glad since she needed all the help she could get.

Fury raged in Phelan’s eyes. “You need a good beating.”

Dru remained defiant. “And what do you think Knox would do to you if you beat his wife, not to mention what The Monk would do when he found out what you did to me.”

Phelan’s fury simmered, considering the consequences.

“I may just stick around to see if Knox is really your husband,” Phelan challenged.

“Then do wait outside since the lot of you stink horribly,” Dru said, fanning her hand in front of her face.

That did it. Phelan’s face burned red as he raised his hand ready to strike her.

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