Page 45 of Highlander Lord Of Vengeance

“Hold your tongue, Una,” Torrance commanded.

“Who is she?” Hakon asked with interest.

“No one of concern,” Torrance said, not looking her way.

“She’s got the look of a hellcat,” Hakon muttered, stepping closer. “You said you had no suitable match, and yet this one prowls your hall?”

Una crossed her arms. “If you’re looking for someone to chain to your bedpost, try the stables.”

Murmurs rippled around the room. Brack froze in shock, Torrance shook his head, and Esme cringed waiting for either her husband or Hakon to explode in fury.

Hakon stared at Una, his expression unreadable, then slowly, he grinned. “I’ve broken warriors with gentler tongues.”

“I’ve made warriors cry with my sharp tongue,” she shot back.

He laughed, a low sound that rumbled in his chest. “You’ve spirit. I like that.”

“I don’t care what you like, savage. I’m no concern to you.”

“Take your leave now, Una,” Torrance ordered sharply.

“Nay,” Hakon said, still watching her. “Let her speak. I’m beginning to enjoy her company.”

Una rolled her eyes and strode past them all toward the kitchen again. “You’re all mad,” she muttered. “Best you not drag me into it.”

As the door closed behind her, Hakon turned back to Torrance. “She’ll do. I’ll take her with me.”

Torrance didn’t answer at once. He watched the door for a moment longer.

Esme worried what he might be thinking and silently prayed for Una, her heartbeat catching at his response.

“I’ll consider it.” Torrance turned to his wife. “Go rest. I have matters to see to.”

“Aye, my lord,” Esme said and left the room reluctantly, her worry for Una growing.

Food and drink were brought out for Hakon’s warriors to enjoy but Torrance’s warriors remained standing guard.Torrance and Hakon retreated to the table on the dais while Brack remained nearby.

Hakon took the tankard filled with ale from the servant with a grunt, his eyes fixed on the door Una had disappeared through. “She’d bite before she’d bow.”

“Then you’ll need a strong hand to hold the leash,” Torrance said, not partaking of the ale.

Hakon’s lips curled. “I don’t leash women. I challenge them, but most don’t have the stamina or courage to deal with me.”

Torrance studied him. “Una is no docile woman. She’ll claw your eyes out if you corner her.”

“She can try.” Hakon looked over. “You’ve been slow in keeping your word, Torrance, whereas I am ready to keep mine and fight for you when necessary.”

“An unexpected and dire situation has come up,” Torrance said, realizing Hakon’s unexpected visit just might prove beneficial.

“Tell me,” Hakon said eagerly.

“There have been attempts made on my life.”

Hakon laughed. “That happens to me often. All men of power have that problem. Kill a few people, innocent or not, and it will stop.”

“Nay, I believe the two men left and fled north. They posed as monks.”

“I could find out about them.”

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