Free Her Reluctant Viscount (Rakes and Rogues) by Aliyah Burke

turned to find the driver behind her. “Yes?” The sun had moved behind dark clouds and the wind blew relentlessly about them.
     
    “We will be leaving in thirty minutes. You may wish to grab a bit of food.”
     
    Tugging on the cuff of her glove, she nodded. “Thank you.” Most stops had merely been the time it took to change out the horses. A longer stop would be nice. Reticule in her hand, she walked inside the inn.
     
    “G’day, miss,” the man she assumed to be the proprietor said. “Is it food yer after?”
     
    “Yes, please.”
     
    “We have no private rooms, but there is a nice table over here.” The man gestured with his hand.
     
    She followed him through the other patrons who were there. Their gazes bore into her and she stared straight ahead, refusing to be scared.
     
    “I will have the missus bring something right away.”
     
    “Thank you.” She watched him walk away before removing her gloves. Not much later, two women, one older and one younger, appeared carrying plates and bowls.
     
    “Here you go, miss.”
     
    The scent made her stomach rumble in anticipation. “It smells delicious, thank you.” Soup, bread, cheese, and a drink had been set before her.
     
    “You need anything and you holler. Come, Della.”
     
    The younger one gave her a shy smile before following her mother off. Jo picked up her spoon and dug in. Thick and hearty potato soup with the warm bread and sharp cheese made her groan in pleasure.
     
    The driver approached and stared at her.
     
    “Have you eaten, Mr. Pillster?” She gestured at the table. “Would you care to join me?”
     
    “I have some bread—”
     
    “Nonsense. Sit. We still have time and you have been so kind to take me to my destination.”
     
    He sat and soon finished off a bowl of soup as well. Jo paid and got some extra bread and cheese for the remainder of the trip. They shared the evening meal as well when they stopped next.
     
    She waited by the fire for Mr. Pillster to retrieve her. They were travelling through the night. A tall man approached where she stood, his black cloak wet with rain. He peered at her from beneath the brim of his hat and gave her a smile.
     
    Rake. Rogue.
     
    He had dark hazel eyes that twinkled in the firelight. Dark blond hair covered his head and it was—she noticed when he removed his hat—in a nice close cut. He reached out his hands to the fire and she gave a short nod before drawing on her own gloves.
     
    “Got cold quick.” The man spoke as he removed his sodden cloak.
     
    She gave a practiced smile. “Happens this time of year.” Lord, he was a good-looking man.
     
    He nodded. “How true.” His eyes moved over her and she could not help but want her cloak to keep her concealed. It was like he searched for something.
     
    Mr. Pillster caught her gaze and she sighed with relief. With a bob of her head to the man, she said, “Good eve.”
     
    “Leaving already?”
     
    “Yes. We have to reach our destination as soon as possible.”
     
    His gaze moved over again before he smiled slightly. Although he returned his stare to the flickering flames, she felt as though someone watched her. My imagination is a bit overworked.
     
    She walked beside her driver out to the waiting coach. In the distance flashes of lightning sliced through the dark. Foreboding. Telling. The man had ridden from behind her, since there was not any rain yet. The storm was swiftly approaching though.
     
    She settled in and with a lurch, they were off again. Here and there, she caught snatches of slumber only to be then jarred awake by booming thunder or a rut in the road. The rain had caught up to them.
     
    Next time she woke, it was because of Mr. Pillster’s voice. Even so, her pulse kicked up a bit before she realized who it belonged to. They no longer moved. Rain pounded the sides and she opened the door to peer out in the dark.
     
    “Mr. Pillster?” she called out.
     
    “Get up now!” his words drifted