Page 23 of Intrigued By A Highlander

“A mutual agreement,” he said, growing annoyed.

“We have that and it’s not working out well. You need to do better if you want to find yourself a wife. You tell me I’m pretty enough, and then the next second destroy the compliment with an insult. Not good, Knox. Not good at all.”

He had learned not to anger easily, it could cost one a fight, but with Dru that was proving to be a challenge. “Our agreement doesn’t include me treating you as if our marriage was official.”

“True enough.” She shrugged. “But if you don’t treat your fake wife decently, what makes you think you’ll be any different when you have an official wife?” She wiggled uncomfortably again.

Knox brought his mare to a halt and with an arm around Dru’s waist, easily lowered her off the horse. “Walk.”

She looked up at him shocked. “I’m right. You’d make a lousy husband.”

“You said your bum was sore. Like a good husband, I listened.” He wore not the slightest smile. “I fixed the problem. With you walking, it won’t be sore anymore.”

Dru could see by his stoic manner that he assumed he’d won their little altercation.

Foolish man.

She smiled as she ran her hand down the mare’s neck. “How thoughtful of you, husband.”

Knox cracked a smile then. “I’m glad you recognize my worth as a husband.”

She chuckled. “You are a wonderful husband, giving me free rein.”

His brow narrowed. “Free rein?”

“Aye,” she said taking quick steps away from the mare. “I’ll meet you at Dugan’s.”

She turned and ran into the woods laughing.

Knox let several oaths fly before he shouted, “DRU! COME BACK HERE!”

All he heard was the echo of her laughter.

When he got his hands on her, she’d learn fast enough what kind of husband he was.

The sky hunglow and heavy, thick with the promise of rain, and the smell of damp earth clung to the air. She adjusted her cloak and slowed her steps as Dugan’s croft came into view, a squat stone building with a thatched roof, smoke curling from the chimney. A makeshift stable stood off to the side, a few tired-looking horses tethered there, their ears flicking lazily. Several men loitered at tables and benches for travelers to sit and enjoy food and drink.

She didn’t spot Knox, but she figured she’d get here before him, knowing a shortcut through the woods if traveling by foot. He probably wouldn’t be too far behind her.

Dru slowed her pace, her instincts prickling at the scent of ale and damp wool thick in the air. She knew better than to rush into places like this without first taking stock.

One man in particular caught her eye.

He was broad-shouldered and thick through the middle, his dark beard patchy, his expression unreadable. But it was his eyes that set her on edge—cold, assessing, and fixed on her like a wolf watching a stray lamb.

If she were alone, without the added protection of Knox not being far behind her, she would wisely avoid the place until the men gathered there took their leave.

Dru forced herself to keep her stride steady, chin lifted in defiance.

The man’s glare didn’t waver.

He was unfamiliar to her, but she’d met his kind before. The sort that looked at a woman alone and thought she was easy prey. Something he could have fun with then toss aside. He was dangerous and she intended to avoid him as best she could.

The croft’s door stood open, welcoming travelers with food and drink in exchange for coins. Warmth and the scent of roasted meat greeted before she even stepped inside. The space was only big enough for a table to prepare food and a bed tucked in the corner. Once you got your food and drink you took it outside no matter what the weather.

“Dru,” Hannah, Dugan’s wife, greeted with a grin as her chunky fingers broke fresh bread apart to add to the pieces of bread in the wooden bowl on the table. “I haven’t seen you in a while.” She sent a cautionary glance behind Dru and whispered, “I wouldn’t stay long if I were you.”

“Thanks for the warning but a friend is not far behind me.”

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