Page 64 of A Virgin for the Beastly Highlander

Her face is so familiar. I ken I’ve seen her around. Maybe the village? Or the stream? Of course it could have been a brothel, but then why is she here?

Damon swallowed hard as he turned his attention the thatched roof and stone walls. A hint of an idea popped into his head and he smiled. Climbing to his feet, he dusted himself off.

Cutting through the tall grass, he moved to the house. His eyes shifted to and fro hunting and searching for any signs of danger. Tugging on his belt, he stood at the front door and knocked.

“What have ye done?” The female voice was soft and muffled as Damon pressed his ear to the door to listen.

“Go away,” the woman’s voice proclaimed.

“But I need help, my horse has gone lame and yer the first house I’ve come across. Please, can ye nae spare water? Or some bread?”

Damon leaned closer as his heart fluttered about in his chest. He knew he was lying through his teeth, but how else was he to get close to them?

“How many of there are ye?” the woman called.

“Tis just myself,” Damon answered. “I was told by Joseph that I would find what I seek here.”

“Quickly, open the door,” the woman said. In a blink of an eye, the door flew open and Damon stared directly at two beautiful caramel brown eyes.

“How dae ye ken Joseph?” the girl asked, keeping her place in front of the doorway blocking access into the house.

“I’ve ken him for a bit,” Damon said.

“Sadie, let the man in,” the woman standing behind Sadie said. “Ye ken what happened the last time we refused one of Joseph’s companions.”

“That’s precisely why, I’ll nae let the stranger in,” Sadie said, her voice ragged and her eyes filled with hate.

Sadie? Where have I heard the name before?

“I swear on the life of the blood of Clan Ó Riagáin, I’ll nae harm ye.”

“And what ties to dea have wit’ that clan?” the woman asked as Damon flashed his crooked smile.

“Better question is what ties dae ye have?” Damon asked as he arched his eyebrow.

The women exchanged glances. “Take what ye need and leave,” the older woman said pointing to the pitcher on the table.

“Tell me,” Damon said as he moved into the small house. Everything about it was worn down and managed. “What are two bonnie lassies such as yerselves doin’ here all alone? Dae ye nea have a man about to help ye?”

“Ye ask a lot of questions,” the older woman said as she lifted her chin defiantly.

“Just tryin’ to defuse the situation is all. Ye see, ye I ken ye daenae ken me from Adam, and ye have every right to be wary of me bein’ here. But the truth of the matter is, I’m lookin’ for Joseph. I tracked him to this very spot and I seem to have lost him.”

Damon kept his eyes locked on them a moment and noticed the way their eyes shifted to the corner of the room. It was clear by the fear in their eyes something was amiss.

He pulled in a deep breath, as a sinking feeling crept over him. The twisting in his gut made him instantly suspicious.

“Tell me, if ye will, how many goats dae ye have?” Damon asked as he shifted his eyes to the corner of the room.

“Five,” Sadie answered as she nudged her head to the corner. Damon walked to the corner making certain his boots fell hard on the floor. A smile slipped over his lips as he caught the different pitch of the wood under his feet.

“And ye take care of them all by yerself dae ye?” Damon asked as realized he stood on a false floor. Glancing to the floor he spied the frayed rug on the floor.

“Aye,” the older woman said. “We dae what we can to survive.”

“Well, I thank ye for yer hospitality,” Damon said as he dipped his head. “Be sure to tell Joseph I’ve come.”

“Ye didnae give yer name, sir,” Sadie said as she reached out to him and grabbed him by the arm. Damon stared at her a moment and noticed the sliver of parchment in her hand. He took it from her and tucked it away as swiftly as he received it.

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