Page 13 of When the Merchant Met the Orc

“I’m not scared. I’m shocked.”

“That I can fight? But you know my past.”

“Seeing it in real time is quite different from chatting about it over cheese.”

I chuckle and say a quick prayer of forgiveness and apology aimed at the thieves. It’s always complicated when I must defend someone or even myself. I don’t like dealing in violence, but it’s often the only way to come out alive. Those males were giving their all, and I couldn’t be too easy with them.

Rychell sits back down, but she’s still twisted, so she can study me from where I take a seat in the cart. I remove my sheathed sword, keeping it at my side in case there’s more trouble. Rychell’s starlight eyes are locked onto my hands.

“We should move on,” I say gently. “Do you want me to drive? You can rest back here if you like.”

“No, I’m all right.”

She takes up the reins and gets Tamar moving again. The mare stomps and snorts, and Rychell calls out some sweet words for the horse. Finally, we are moving along again.

Have I ruined my chances? Will she refuse to consider me not only because of her stance on love, but also because of my violent side?

Chapter 7

Rychell

Watching Halvard fight was like witnessing an artist at work on a masterpiece. He was the epitome of grace and righteous fury. His massive body, the muscles rolling in his shoulders, arms, and back, shifting this way and that like a perfectly formed machine.

“I’m not afraid, if that’s what you’re thinking back there,” I say.

“I’m very glad. I will always fight to keep you safe.”

“I know. I’m grateful. Thank you so much for risking your life for me.”

“You’re welcome. I will never let anyone harm a single hair on your head.”

The passionate tone of his words sends a thrill through me. I recall his hands on me, so careful not to squeeze too tightly when he could crush me like a week-old grape if he wanted to. I imagine what it would feel like to be caressed by those scarred hands, to wrap my arms around his powerful neck and feel a measure of his weight stretched along my body. My breathing grows erratic. Gritting my teeth, I shove those imaginings tothe dark corners of my mind. I will not risk Nate’s heart with a romance. I refuse.

A small voice in the back of my mind whispers,But what about a few days of passion? Nothing has to be permanent…

No, I can’t allow. Too risky. I like Halvard too much. I’m not sure I could say no after a taste of him.

I swallow and force myself to focus on the road and my plan. Maybe I should tell Halvard and nip this whole thing in the bud.

“When we arrive in Honey Sands, I’ll get us two rooms at the Yarrow Inn.”

“Sounds good.”

“We will visit the market, visit with some traders most likely, and I might have a meeting or two.”

“I will accompany you all over Honey Sands.”

“Perfect. I added one thing to our plans.”

“Whatever you need to do, I’m here for it.”

I swallow and nod. “I saw an ad placed by Master Osric Breakwave. He runs the main spicery in Honey Sands.”

“I’ve heard his name.”

“I haven’t met him, but I’ve purchased spices from his stand in the market there. Today, he ran an ad. He’s hoping to find someone who will marry him and engage in a business relationship for both companionship and trade work. For a partner.”

Halvard shakes his head like a bug is flying around his ear. “I’m sorry. I think I misunderstood you.”