Total pages in book: 96
Estimated words: 91416 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 457(@200wpm)___ 366(@250wpm)___ 305(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 91416 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 457(@200wpm)___ 366(@250wpm)___ 305(@300wpm)
Cared.
Is that what she felt for him? Did she truly care for him? Care more than she should? She didn’t want to admit it but the faint touch of his lips against hers had sent a thrill through her this morning. Shock at how she felt had her jumping out of bed. She had never known such a pleasant sensation and she was reminded of a warning—that pleasure with a man could be amazing and could also prove dangerous.
“We go to Autumn’s home now?” Dru asked, refusing to linger in the disturbing thought.
“I need to make a stop first,” Knox said, looking as if his thoughts were elsewhere.
“Where do we stop?”
“Not we—me.”
“And me?” Dru asked, having an idea of what he might be thinking.
“I will leave you at an abbey where you will be safe with the monks.”
“Safe with the monks.” She shook her head firmly. “I trusted a monk once and it was a huge mistake. No thank you.”
“These monks are trustworthy,” Knox assured her.
Maybe he believed that, but she didn’t. “Where are you going?”
“You don’t need to know.”
She shrugged. “I already do.”
His brow narrowed suspiciously. “You are not going to trick me into telling you.”
“I don’t have to. You’re going to see Phelan and warn him to stay away from us. Huge mistake.”
“My choice.”
“And my choice as to where I stay,” Dru said.
“Aye, at the abbey with the monks and I will have them keep you locked in your room if you give me any trouble about it,” he warned.
I’d like to see you try, she thought but didn’t say it, not wanting to antagonize him any more than she already had.
“You need to obey me for your own good,” Knox cautioned.
“I’ve heard that before,” she muttered. “It never turns out well.”
CHAPTER 12
The abbey loomed in the distance, a solid structure of stone and faith, its high walls promising safety. Dru wasn’t convinced.
As they rode closer, she took in the simple but sturdy buildings, the neat rows of cultivated land, and the figures moving about in brown robes. She had little love for monks, but these men seemed peaceful enough, but it changed nothing.
Dru shifted uncomfortably in the saddle. She didn’t like the idea of being left behind while Knox ran off on some dangerous errand. What if he didn’t return? And why did that thought disturb her so much?
When Knox dismounted, he reached up to help her down. She hesitated before placing her hands on his broad shoulders, letting him lift her effortlessly to the ground.
“I won’t stay here long,” she warned.
Knox scowled. “You’ll stay until I return.”
A pair of monks approached—one elderly, the other younger, perhaps only a few years older than her. The older man smiled kindly. “Welcome, travelers. I am Brother Ewan, and this is Brother Thomas.”
Knox gave them a respectful nod. “Brother Ewan. I’m Knox and this is my wife, Dru. I was hoping you’d have a room to spare for a day or two for my wife. I must leave on an urgent matter, and I need her kept safe until I return. I will gladly compensate you for her stay.”
Dru folded her arms over her chest but said nothing.
“We welcome travelers whether they are able to compensate us or not, my son, but your generosity is appreciated,” Brother Ewan said. “Dru will be safe and well cared for while here.”
Knox turned to her, his expression serious. “Stay here. Do not leave these walls. Do not cause trouble. And do not try to follow me.”
She lifted a brow. “Or you’ll have me locked away?”
“If I must.”
She smirked. “I’d like to see you try.”
He exhaled sharply, muttering under his breath before looking at Brother Ewan. “She can be difficult.”
The old monk chuckled. “What woman isn’t?”
Knox turned back to Dru. “I won’t be gone long. Stay put. This place is safe, and I need to know you’re safe.”
She could argue—she wanted to argue—but something in his eyes made her pause. Worry. For her.
She looked away, fighting foolish and unexpected tears that threatened. “Just… don’t get yourself killed.”
Knox reached out and took hold of her chin to turn her head toward him and lowered his lips to hers and kissed her gently, then whispered, “I don’t want to lose you. Stay safe for me.”
And with that, he mounted his horse and rode away, leaving Dru with her mouth agape, her misty eyes following him, her lips tingling, and with far too much time to think about his words—I don’t want to lose you—and what they meant and how they made her feel.
Knox had no idea why he said what he did to Dru or why he kissed her.
That was a lie.
He wanted to kiss her and though it was far from a sufficient kiss, the gentle feel of her lips delivered a powerful punch to his senses. Not simply sparking them but lighting them on fire. What was it about the pint-sized, wickedly feisty woman that he found so appealing? If he wasn’t careful, he could make a serious mistake and see their marriage made permanent.