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The inebriated lad looked up into Maxwell’s gaze, his eyes suddenly fearful. The hand that had been gripping the woman’s shoulder abruptly dropped to his side. “Sorry milord, milady.” He gave a loud belch, turned and stepped back, before shuffling across to his friends.

Maxwell turned to the lass, a smile curving his lips as he anticipated her grateful response to his chivalry. But instead ofa warm smile of thanks, her pretty lips turned down and he was met with a scowl.

“If ye’re expecting me to simper and thank ye for saving me from a discourteous yokel, ye’re much mistaken. I’m able to manage these foolish affronts without the assistance of a man.”

He took a step back, his eyebrows shooting up. “I beg yer pardon, lass.” He shook his head, “I intended nay dishonor to ye. I was merely offering me help before the situation took an ugly turn.”

She shrugged. “As I said, I can manage without yer so-called help.”

A rush of wickedness overtook Maxwell.So, she thinks she is too good fer me help daes she?He turned and snapped his fingers in the obnoxious lad’s direction.

“Here lad.” The churl’s head snapped up, a wary expression on his face. “I bid ye come back tae the lady. She wishes tae deal wi’ ye herself.”

She huffed loudly and cast Maxwell a snarl. “Ye’re too clever fer yer own good.”

He slanted her a sly grin. “So, after all, mayhap ye dinnae wish yer swain to return and ply ye wi’ his favors.”

“Mayhap I dinnae.”

“Nay lad.” He called, inclining his head in the woman’s direction. “The wee lass is nay interested in yer favors after all.” He chuckled. “Methinks, she prefers me company tae yers.”

She snorted, her green eyes flashing fire. “Prefer yer company? Think again fellow. I dinnae wish fer company at all.” Raising a defiant chin, she turned away from Maxwell and raised her tankard to her lips.

Unable to resist, Maxwell pulled another chair to the table and sat, signaling to the landlord to bring him another tankard.

“Ye’ll forbid me from taking a draught of ale wi’ ye then? Fer courtesy’s sake?”

She turned her gaze on him and something twinkled there, that, to Maxwell’s mind, could have been mischief. “I’d nae be discourteous to a stranger. Ye may take yer drink beside me if ye wish. But first…”

He lifted his head, his interest sparking. “First…?” he echoed.

“First I wish tae show ye how little I care fer yer pretense at chivalry. I challenge ye tae a match of skill, tae test ye against me and fer ye tae see how I am able tae better ye. ‘Tis time ye learned a lesson or two yerself.”

Maxwell rocked back on his chair.

What foolishness is this? The lass is challenging me tae physical combat!

His glance took in her form as she glowered at him. She was, as he’d imagined, slim and slight – although there were curves enough to please a lad. There was no way a lass such as this could begin to be a match for his warrior’s tempered skills.

“Well?”

He laughed. “I cannae wrestle wi’ a lass like yerself. ‘Tis nae fair tae ye.” He looked her up and down. “Why, I’m twice yer size, I would break ye like a wee twig if ye wrestled wi’ me.”

“Is that a refusal tae take on me challenge?” She pinned him with the intensity of her gaze.

He slowly shook his head. The only match with the lass that interested him was the one he envisaged taking place in a soft bed, where they both shed their clothes and lay naked. Then she could wrestle with him all she liked, rolling atop his broad nakedness, pressing her bountiful breasts to his chest?—

“Why, nay.” He grinned at her.

If this is what she demands, she is welcome tae a defeat at me hands.

“Never let it be said I am a coward who refuses a challenge thrown at me. I’ll pit me strength against yers whenever ye wish.”

At that, she jumped to her feet, spilling a drop of her ale on the table. “Right. Ye’ve agreed and we shall fight.”

As he stood, Maxwell became aware that a hush had fallen over the tavern’s patrons and all eyes had suddenly turned on himself and the fiery-haired lass.

Across the room one of the old men raised a fist. “Ay! Let’s see a lass take down a big warrior.” He licked his lips, lending a salacious hint to his words.