Page 7 of Intrigued By A Highlander (Highland Revenge Trilogy #2)

CHAPTER 7

T he morning air hung thick and cool, the heavy clouds overhead hinting at rain later in the day. Dru pulled her worn cloak tighter around her, her arms brushing against Knox’s where they rested around her as he guided the mare along the dirt path.

The night’s events lingered between them.

“So,” Dru said, breaking the silence. “Rankin scurried off with his tail between his legs. Can’t say I expected anything different. I take it you know him well.”

“As well as I need to. He had no choice,” Knox said flatly. “I meant what I said—I would’ve killed him if he hadn’t.”

Dru tilted her head back slightly, glancing up at him. “Aye, I believed you.”

Knox’s grip on the reins didn’t tighten, didn’t flex—he remained as steady as ever, but there was something in his tone, a sharpness, that told her he was still turning things over in his head.

Dru arched a brow. “So, this ‘first to find, first to keep’ rule?—”

Knox huffed. “Another of Phelan’s rules that strictly benefit him. His mercenaries come across a woman, Phelan has first choice. Bounty—it belongs to Phelan. Everything belongs to Phelan. He shares only what he chooses to with his warriors, and he isn’t overly generous.”

“Why would any warrior stay with him?”

“Food. Women. Drink. In abundance.”

“It wasn’t enough for you?”

“Not nearly enough. I want a place I can call mine. Food and drink of my own and a woman of my own.”

Dru patted his chest and teased, “Well, you got the woman. I’m all yours.”

Knox chuckled. “Not quite, though I can rectify that.”

Dru swore beneath her breath, feeling her cheeks heat.

“No worries, Dru. As I’ve told you. You’re too small for me.”

“Then you must not be good at coupling,” she snapped and nearly cringed, allowing her temper to get the better of her.

What did it matter to her anyway whether he was or wasn’t any good at coupling? She had no intention of finding out. So, she should be glad he had no interest in her and yet it continued to annoy her that he didn’t. She was safe with him. She should be happy. So, why did it nag at her?

He studied her for a moment before asking, “Because I find you too small for me, you believe I wouldn’t be good at coupling? Do tell me how you came by that conclusion.”

She did it this time. Now she was going to have to tell him what Hennie had said.

“I’m thinking this has something to do with that discussion you, Hennie, and Birdie had.”

He was astute. She needed to remember that.

“Spill it, Dru. What did Hennie say? It had to be her since out of the three of you she would have the most experience with men.” His brow narrowed. “Unless, of course, you’re more familiar with men.”

Anger marked her every word. “I’m a virgin and I’ve fought hard to keep it that way. No man will ever touch me, not ever.”

“I believe you.”

“You do?” she asked surprised he didn’t hesitate to let her know that.

“I do. You can be a handful, but I believe you’re an honorable woman, a trait I would want in my wife.” He tapped her nose. “And I got it in my wife. Now tell me what Hennie said that makes you believe I wouldn’t be good at coupling.”

“We should not be discussing this,” she said, trying to avoid doing so.

“Aye, but we should. We’re wed and coupling is an important part of marriage.”

“We’re not truly wed,” she reminded him.

“Let’s say we are. I intend to make sure my wife is well pleased in bed. So, tell me why I wouldn’t please you.”

Dru wanted to get it over with and move on. “Hennie says no woman is too small for a man who is a good lover. That he knows how to ease a woman to fit him.”

“Hennie’s right.”

She never expected that response and spoke without thinking. “But you have said again and again that I am too small for you.”

“Aye. You’re pretty enough, Dru, but I have a taste for larger women, not wee ones.”

It was true enough. He’d always preferred larger women and yet having her tucked in his arms and sleeping wrapped around her, he was finding he liked the way she fit with him—perfectly.

His remark touched her and confused her. He thought her pretty, yet he preferred larger women. His compliment gave her heart a flutter, but it was what he said without saying, that he didn’t find her appealing, that sent the flutter scurrying.

She smiled and raised her chin with a bravado she didn’t actually feel. “It is good to know. Now, let’s get back to what’s important so we can see this task done and part ways.”

Knox agreed, struggling to understand that for a moment it disturbed him to think of bidding her farewell.

He cleared his throat. “Phelan sent Rankin to sniff. Make no mistake, Phelan is going after the bounty. If he gets to Autumn first, he’ll use her to his advantage.”

Dru let out a slow breath. “And that leaves us with the question—who? Who could possibly want Autumn dead?”

Knox didn’t answer right away. The mare’s steady gait carried them along the leaf strewn path.

Dru twisted slightly, watching him. “Do you know any more than you’ve already told me about Autumn?”

Knox kept his gaze on the road ahead. “She was raised away from his household. And he’s never met her.”

Dru scoffed. “Aye, well, that tells me nothing about her—only about him.”

Knox gave her a look, but she continued.

“It’s obvious Torrance doesn’t give a hoot about Autumn and why should he when she was never in his life, probably by intention. His father didn’t intend for the siblings to mingle. That tells me that he also didn’t give a hoot about his daughter. Autumn is nothing more than chattel to her half-brother.”

“On the other side of the coin, she is a problem for someone and needs to be eliminated. It could be someone opposed to the marriage Torrance has arranged for Autumn.”

“Or someone with intense dislike for Torrance, which would be a wide range of people,” Dru said, trying to adjust herself in the saddle, her bottom getting a bit sore.

Knox shifted her to stop her squirming, fitting her more firmly against him. More comfortable for her but a bit of a surprising challenge for him. If he didn’t find her appealing, why was his manhood responding to the way she rubbed against it as they bounced along in the saddle?

Trying to get his mind off his unexpected reaction, he asked, “What do you know of Autumn?”

“Not much, only whispers here and there,” she admitted.

“How does she vanish without so much as a trace?”

“Survival,” Dru suggested. “Maybe her mum made her aware how her father would use her to benefit himself and the clan. And she chose not to leave herself vulnerable to his whim.”

“That does make sense.” He shook his head. “But vanishing without a trace would take help. Maybe that healer is the one who helped her. We need to find her.”

Dru wiggled in place and Knox thought it might be wise of him to find a willing woman when given a chance. A glance down at Dru reminded him he had a wife and though their vows hadn’t been sealed there was no way he would dishonor them.

“Sit still, Dru,” he snapped.

She glared at him. “My bum is getting sore.”

“It wouldn’t if you had more meat on your bones.”

His insult sparked her anger, and she jabbed him in the chest. “You’re not a very kind husband, insulting your wife the way you do. How do you expect to find love if you treat your wife so poorly?”

He huffed. “I’m not looking for love.”

“But your wife might be.” She shook her head slowly. “Again, not a good husband, denying her your heart. Why would she ever marry you?”

“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 hung low 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.”

“Not too far I hope,” Hannah whispered, shooting another glance behind her.

“Where’s Dugan?” Dru asked.

“He’s butchering the meat he caught from an early morning hunt.” Hannah’s eyes shifted nervously past Dru.

Dru moved to the end of the table to the bowl of bread, only to feel the weight of a stare pressing against her back.

After scooping up a chunk, she turned.

The bearded man had followed her in.

He didn’t move closer. Didn’t speak. Just stood there, watching.

“More drink?” Hannah asked the fellow as she reached for a large jug nearby.

“Nay. I see what I want,” the man said, not taking his eyes off Dru.

She’d dealt with men like him before. And she’d handled men like this before, but there were more of them out there and she had the sense they were traveling together.

Hannah turned to Dru. “I’ll get you that food and drink.”

“I heard her ask where Dugan was,” the man said. “I can take her to him.”

“After she eats,” Hannah said, reaching for a bowl, a nervous tremor to her hand.

Dru didn’t want Hannah to suffer for trying to help her.

Dru turned a deep scowl on the man. “I don’t need you taking me anywhere.”

The man grinned. “Maybe you don’t have a need, but I have an aching need.”

“Why would I let a sloven fool like you touch me?”

He didn’t take offense. Instead, he laughed. “You have no choice. I want you. I’ll have you. Though I do prefer a woman with more meat on her. More to hold onto when I pound her good. But you’ll do in a pinch.”

“Do you always sweet-talk a woman before poking her?” Dru asked, keeping him talking as long as she could to give Knox time to reach her.

He scratched his unkempt beard. “Never found the need. All a woman has to do is get on her hands and knees and let me get done with it. I’m quick at it and that pleases them.”

“I bet it does,” Dru said, realizing the man was more a fool than she thought, and that level of stupidity could be dangerous.

“It does,” he boasted proudly and waved at Dru. “So, come on, let’s get done with it. My ache is growing.”

The bump in his plaid confirmed that and Dru shook her head. “You’re not poking me.”

“Willing or unwilling, it makes no difference to me,” he said and lunged toward Dru.

She grabbed the large jug, Hannah had lifted toward her, and swung just in time, catching the man in the face and cringing when she heard a vicious crack.

The man fell to the floor and Dru didn’t waste a minute, jumping over him and out the door.

“You bitch. You’ll pay for this.”

Dru chanced a quick glance back, surprised to see him already on his feet and in the doorway, blood streaming from his nose that was so bent out of shape that you wouldn’t think it was a nose.

“Grab her,” he shouted.

Dru barely had time to react before a rough hand clamped onto her arm, jerking her backward. She twisted, trying to wrench free, but the man was built like an ox, his grip crushing.

“You made a fool of me,” the man snarled as he approached, blood continuing to run from his nose.

“That wasn’t hard to do,” Dru shot back and received a sharp slap to the face, momentarily stunning her.

The man built like an ox released her as the fellow with the bloody nose gripped her arm painfully.

He sneered. “I should?—”

Whatever he meant to say was lost as Dru drove her booted foot into his shin with all her strength in an effort to break free. He cursed but didn’t let go.

Dru thrashed harder, her pulse pounding. She had no weapon, only her wits and her mouth, both enough to get her into plenty of trouble.

“You’re just proving me right,” she hissed. “A weak fool of a man being bested by a wee woman.”

Her hand fisted, she swung, catching him in his already broken nose and he howled in pain but surprisingly kept tight hold of her. His rage had him raise his free hand, curled in a fist and aimed at her face.

Before he could swing?—

His arm was suddenly yanked back, and a deafening crack rang through the air.

The man’s body jerked violently before he crumpled to his knees.

Knox stood there, his fist still raised, his dark eyes filled with fury.

Dru barely had time to breathe before Knox grabbed the man’s tunic and hauled him upright like a sack of grain.

“You dare put your hands on her, Morley?” Knox’s voice was deadly calm.

It caused a shiver to run down Dru’s spine as did the fact that Knox knew the man. One of Phelan’s crew? Or another band of mercenaries out to try and collect the bounty on Autumn.

The other men there backed away in fear.

The man sputtered, dazed, blood trickling from not only his nose but his split lip, struggled to his feet.

“She ran her mouth, Knox,” he said as if that explained it.

Knox didn’t even hesitate. His rapid-fire punch landed square in the man’s gut, doubling him over with a sickening wheeze.

Dru watched, heart still hammering, but she didn’t move.

Knox let the man crumple to the ground, then crouched beside him, his voice barely above a whisper. “She’s mine. You so much as look at her, Morley, and it will be the last person you ever see.”

The man nodded frantically, clutching his stomach. “I didn’t know she belonged to you, Knox. I’m sorry. Really, I am.”

Knox stood, towering over him. “Get out of my sight.”

The man scrambled away, half-stumbling, and called out, “Let’s go, we’re out of here.”

Dru watched the four men hurry to their horses and ride off as fast as they could.

When they were a distance away, Knox turned to her, his sharp gaze, sweeping over her. “Are you hurt?”

“Nay, I’m good.”

Anger scrunched his face when he spotted the red welt on her cheek and he went to her, running his hand gently over it.

That annoying flutter she’d been feeling lately hit her hard this time and she did her best to ignore it while answering him. “It’s nothing.”

“You’re mine. My wife. My responsibility. No one touches you but me,” he said as if it were law.

She went to disagree, having survived well enough on her own.

“Don’t bother to tell me you manage fine on your own. It’s obvious you don’t.”

“But I do,” she argued. “I wouldn’t be in this situation if it wasn’t for you. And if I had been on my own, I would have known better than to stop here seeing those men. I knew you couldn’t be far behind me so I took the risk to see what I could find out before you arrived. So, this mess is all your fault.”

“My fault?” Knox shook his head. “You can’t be serious. You took off.”

“You told me to walk.”

“Aye, but not leave my side.”

“You should have made that clear.”

Knox muttered under his breath, then reached out, his large hand closing around her arm. “Never leave my side again.”

She grinned. “Not ever?”

Knox released her arm and slipped it around her waist to hoist her up, so they were face to face. “You’re playing with danger, Dru. Those men were mercenaries. Need I remind you that I am as well?”

She cupped his cheeks with her slim hands. “You’re nothing like them. You’re a man of honor. They’re not. You called the man by name. Are they part of Phelan’s crew?”

He set her on her feet, shaking his head again. She didn’t know him. If she did, she wouldn’t believe him honorable.

“Nay. They’re a ragtag crew with little skill.” He grabbed hold of her chin. “One day, Dru, you are going to get into a situation you can’t get yourself out of.”

“Nah, you’ll be there to rescue me.”

“Not always,” Knox said, and the thought frightened him, and fright was not something he had experienced in a long while.

“Come on,” Dru said, “or did you forget we’re here to talk to Dugan?” She fell in step beside him, bumping her arm against his, and grinned. “You know, I almost had him.”

Knox eyed her with a smirk. “In your dreams, Dru. Only in your dreams.”