Free The Prospect: The Malloy Family, Book 10 by Beth Williamson

something he wasn’t to Parker. The self-proclaimed man of the law enjoyed lording over people. Declan certainly knew the type, had wanted to break away from their power all his life. Yet he couldn’t. Not now, with Jo counting on him.
    No. Declan had to swallow his pride and keep his hands at his sides. One day he could let loose the beast inside him that prowled and snarled. Now he kept a leash on that animal, but it got harder each time he saw Parker or Drummond.
    “The two of them keep us trapped in his cabin, milking us dry, pushing me every goddamn time they show their faces.” He was almost growling.
    “Then we need to leave as soon as possible.” She rose to her feet as though she was prepared to pack up and sashay out the door.
    “Lass, we can’t leave until Drummond clears the quarantine.” He needed her to understand they were trapped.
    “Why does he have that power?” She frowned.
    “He’s the local doc even if he’s only a medic. People listen to him. The folks walk around the building as if we were a leper colony. They don’t come by. There are no ladies welcoming us with pies or bread. We’re at Drummond’s mercy.”
    She finally seemed to understand, as her face fell and she sat down heavily. “Oh my.”
    “Now we can pretend to be a happily married couple, get you all cleaned up and keep telling Drummond and Parker what they want to hear. We’ll be lucky to leave with the clothes on our backs. I think these two are milking people as they come through. We’re in the middle of nowhere. They can do whatever they like.” He had to swallow back the anger that threatened again.
    “I can pretend.” She nodded. “I am fairly certain I do need to bathe.”
    “And eat. You need to eat first.” He went to the stove and checked on the soup. “You’re nothing but skin and bones, lass. You couldn’t walk to the door and back right now.”
    She looked annoyed by his statement, but she didn’t argue with him because he was right. “Very well. I will eat and bathe and get stronger so we can leave this prison.” She paused and glanced down at her hands. “I apologize for my mother’s actions and for putting you in this position. If I had not gotten sick, you would have your job with Mr. Avery and not be trapped.”
    He poured the soup into the tin dish and told himself not to react too strongly to her apology. “You don’t need to apologize to me, lass. Ever. I am a man grown, with my own mind. I make my own decisions and I chose this.” He took the steaming concoction to her and held it when she reached for it.
    “I believe I can feed myself.” Her voice had flipped to prim and proper, and he knew she was annoyed.
    “Then feed yourself. Let me hold the hot dish. Don’t forget how weak you are. You don’t need a burn too. Not if you plan on busting out of here.” He managed a small grin.
    She nodded after a brief hesitation. “I accept your logic and I appreciate your concern, although I believe it is misplaced.”
    He was surprised to see she didn’t stick her nose in the air, but she did sniff. After three weeks of seeing her at her very worst, he was entirely too happy to see her well enough to be annoyed with him. That meant she was feeling better and that did more to calm his beast than anything else. If they were lucky, they might leave the fort in one piece and together. Getting her strong and clean was the first step.
    Then he could sort out his feelings and find a way to release her from this ridiculous false marriage she didn’t even consent to. Declan wouldn’t allow her to stay at his side. Jo deserved much better than an Irishman with a dark past and an even darker heart.
     
    After eating far less than he wanted her to, Jo was exhausted. But now that she was aware of just how filthy she was, she had to get clean. If she kept scratching her head, she might not have any hair or scalp left. Declan requested she nap, but Jo could not possibly sleep yet.
    “Please use