Page 23 of A Highlander's Vow

Chapter Ten

She didn’t reactto the story, but it was good to hear about Robert from someone else’s experience. He was always protective of her, but she had seen it as a way to control her without giving her the softer attention that a woman craved.

Gregory had certainly given her something to think about. He placed her on her feet and stood. “I think ’tis time to continue. There is another village we should reach by the late afternoon. We can get a meal there, also and even get room to sleep in.”

“That sounds wonderful!” She grasped his hand and attempted to pull him up. “Let us leave.”

The village was smaller than the one they had stopped at before. The alehouse was not as large either, but Megan was still grateful to be out of the woods, off the mountain pass, and with any luck have a hot meal. And maybe even a bed!

She noticed that Gregory took his time entering the village area, looking around carefully. Most likely he was concerned that whoever had been asking for them in the other village was here waiting for them.

“We will have a meal and see if we can get a room for the night,” he said as he handed the horse over to the stable lad.

“Stay close to me,” he continued. “I’m no’ sure how safe it is for us.” He reached out and took her hand in his. His large, warm hand.Again she felt the tingling from their contact. She had never noticed that with her husband. It was both frightening and exciting.

She glanced at him out of the corner of her eye. Yes, he was definitely handsome, and possessed a strong warrior’s body. There was no doubt he presented himself to anyone interested that he was someone who could protect her.

Her thoughts wandered as they made their way to the alehouse. Thoughts about the words that Gregory had said before. Did she think, as he’d mentioned, that they could have more if they gave it a chance?

No. If she allowed him into her heart she would be disappointed when he grew tired of her and began to look elsewhere for a “real” woman to warm his bed, not some barren woman who held no appeal.

She was almost certain Robert had been dissatisfied enough with her to do the same. She didn’t need to put herself through that again. Although she would always be grateful for Gregory rescuing her from Anthony’s plans, it would still be better for her to remember she was his “duty” and not look for more than what she had with Robert.

The alehouse was smaller, but not as smoky as the last one. Again, Gregory led them to the table at the back of the room, right next to a door most likely leading to the outside of the building.

A young lass approached them, swinging her hips and smiling at Gregory, ignoring her. “Good evening. What can I get for ye?” She pursed her lips, most likely thinking she looked available. Which she did.

And probably was.

“An ale for me.” He looked over at Megan. “What do ye want, wife?”

Annoyed, Megan snapped. “I will have an ale, also.”

The lass wandered off, after giving Gregory a smile and more swinging of her hips.

Megan frowned. “Why did ye call me ‘wife’?”

He shrugged. “Because I doona trust anyone here and dinna want to give the lass any encouragement.”

Although she was pleased with his comments, she couldn’t help but think like Robert, Gregory would most likely look elsewhere when he grew tired of her being barren. Megan huffed. “As if having a wife would stop most men from accepting her obvious invitation.”

Gregory’s brows rose and he stared at her. “No’ me. I would ne’er do that. Marriage is no’ something to have when ye want it but ignore when ye doona want it.”

Megan studied him as they waited for the lass to return. Was this truly a man who honored his marriage vows? Could she feel comfortable with him, confident that he was not searching for other women so he could warm their beds?

The lass returned to their table with the two mugs of ale. If she bent over Gregory any farther her lady parts would fall out of her dress, right into his face.

He merely nodded at her and once the lass had left, he turned to Megan. “I also called ye ‘wife’ because I intend for us to stay in the same room.”

“Why?”

“Protection. I cannot keep ye safe if ye’er in another room. And no’ just from those who might be looking for us. These small alehouses are often filled with less than savory men belonging to no clan and causing trouble wherever they go.”

Megan grinned. “Ye do ken that saying I was yer wife in front of a witness automatically married us? And sharing a room just makes it a consummated marriage?”

Gregory offered her a smile that she was sure got many a young lass into his bed. It warmed up her insides, especially in certain places. “Then we don’t need to worry about Gunn coming after ye if we’re already married.”

Before she could think on that, the lass returned and leaned up against Gregory, laying her hand on his arm. “Will ye be eating tonight?” She licked her lips.