Free The Raven's Moon by Susan King Page B

you?"
    "Jennet. How did you know Davy?"
    "I rode out wi' my kin when I was as young as Christie. I was sixteen when Davy's son was born." He frowned. "Reivers rode on his sister's home last night?"
    "Heckie Elliot and his lot. We've seen them several times of late. And thanks to them, we will not have the proper number of beasts to offer for our Martinmas rent."
    "They were Elliots?"
    "Some, and a few English. Heckie said next time they come, they will burn the place down—"
    "Unless you pay their blackmail price."
    "Aye. But we will not."
    "Highlanders would not pay," he said, nodding.
    "Have you blackmailed many Highlanders?" she snapped.
    "In my experience, Highlanders are stubborn as stones." He strolled toward her. "Where's your own weapon? You wield the butt piece of the gun well enough to a man's head, but I do not know your skill with the shot. How will you guard me today?"
    Her cheeks grew rosier, and she stepped back. "I heard you tell Christie that this is an honorable confinement. So you will not harm me. I will have your word."
    "As a Borderman and a Scott, my word on it." He felt a slight wave of dizziness, and stopped to lean against the wall, a casual pose that provided an essential buttress. And an advantage, for the girl was but an arm's length away, and near the door.
    He paused, enjoying the pleasant view—she was a beauty, with that skin and shiny dark hair, those soft gray eyes. And somehow it took his breath away in this dismal place.
    Briefly he wondered how her skin would feel under his hands, and what the thick plaid and plain gown hid—he could see the strong, slim curves of her. Beneath the low, square bodice of her gown peeked a white shift of fine lawn, and the delicate shadowings of her collarbones and tops of her breasts.
    A quick stirring ran through his body. He cleared his throat. "You do not wear your black doublet and breeks today?"
    Her eyes flashed like silver. "Only when I ride at night."
    "So you do not plan to take down any other messengers this day?" He spoke lightly, but frowned.
    "Other—messengers?"
    "The council had word that their messengers were being attacked in this area." He watched her keenly. "Why did you do it? And why, more to the point, did you come after me?"
    "For your papers."
    "Why would you want my council orders?"
    "I need a warrant of execution," she said.
    Her honesty surprised him. "What use do you have of such an order?"
    "Blackdrummond," she said, "you are a Scott and a notorious scoundrel."
    "Thank you." He tipped his head graciously.
    The girl shot him a wry look. "But I will be honest with you. I cannot keep a March deputy here much longer—"
    "If at all," he drawled, "now that I'm awake."
    "—and I know that Simon Kerr wants you to capture the highway riders."
    "How do you know that?"
    "Simon told me. He rode by after the raid on our house last night. He said you would be searching for the Lincraig riders when you arrived." She shrugged. "I am the rider you seek."
    He tilted a skeptical brow. "So easy as that?"
    "I propose a bargain."
    "Why should I bargain with a highway thief?"
    "I hear you were a thief yourself."
    "I was a reiver," he said sharply. "Thieves rob purses. Reivers trade cattle."
    "Stealing is stealing. But I will give myself over to you—if you agree to what I want."
    "Give yourself to me?" he asked softly, stepping closer. He slid his gaze over her graceful form and lingered on the luscious curves of her bodice.
    Her cheeks brightened considerably. Rowan liked that bonny splash of color—and liked how telling it was in her.
    "I mean, I will give myself into your custody," she amended. "And I will set you free from this dungeon."
    "What is to stop me from taking you here and now?" he asked in a low growl.
    Those cheeks looked hot enough to melt ice. "You gave me your word. A Border promise is sound, when sincerely made."
    "True. But why should I take you into custody? Have you had some fit of righteous thinking? Fearing the Lord and