Binding Vows(18)

If there are no virgins, there is no threat. It was that simple.

Duncan watched the makeshift village come into view. His arm circled Tara’s tiny waist. Her sweet scent permeated his senses.

His mission wasn’t as simple, however, when the virgin in question was Tara McAllister.



****

The people of the village watched them ride past. Duncan led Durk to the doorway of her tent. The man standing guard watched in astonishment, eyes darting between Tara and Duncan.

Tara untied Duncan’s cape with a shaking hand and gave it back. Ignoring the stares of those who passed by. “Thank you so much for today.”

Grainna’s man took a step closer to them.

Duncan tilted Tara’s chin and placed his lips to hers. He left them there long enough to feel her relax, then broke away. “Thank you, lass,” he said against her parted lips. “I’ll see you at supper tonight.”

“Okay,” she whispered.

Duncan laughed when her body swayed toward him instead of away. He turned her around and gave a gentle nudge.

She glided passed the guard. “Nice night, don’t you think, Bruno?”



****

“She did what?” Grainna’s voice could be heard well beyond her tent. Fury sparked from her eyes. She stormed past her guard, barely giving him the time to move out of the way.

50



Binding Vows



Grainna stormed into their tent and found Tara sitting on her bed, wearing nothing but her underclothes, and talking to her friend.

She pushed her way into their minds.

Tara resisted her intrusion with a coveted power.

Don’t you look cozy gossiping about your adventure with a stranger? Grainna could hardly contain herself at the sight of the laughing women.

They didn’t appear to have a care in the world.

Cassy’s thoughts however, were wide open. They sizzled with excitement and sparks of love generated by Tara’s romantic interlude.

Bile backed up in Grainna’s throat as she read the thought.

Tara looked up. They locked gazes. The woman was attempting to look inside Grainna’s mind. Tara didn’t know she was doing it, but Grainna did.

She glared back in the face of Tara’s defiance.

Tara addressed her. “Hello, Madame Gwen. We were just getting ready for dinner.”

Grainna placed her practiced fake smile on her lips. “I understand you had a guest today, Miss McAllister. I trust you had a good time evading the men placed here for your safety?”

“My safety? From whom?” Tara moved behind the curtain, using the small amount of privacy to dress for the evening meal.

“From those men whose intentions aren’t honorable of course, a virgin would be quite a prize to many.” Grainna looked to Cassy. “I’m sure your friend would agree.”

“I think Tara can handle herself.”

Grainna snapped her eyes to Cassy’s, capturing them. She fingered the amulet worn around her neck. Instantly, Cassy’s eyes glossed over.

“But you never know,” Cassy said, airily under the spell’s influence.

51



Catherine Bybee



“I wouldn’t put it past a man to force himself on someone who held your beauty, Tara. It’s your safety which concerns me.”

Cassy’s eyes lost focus when she watched the stone shifting in Grainna’s fingers.

“Convince her,” Grainna whispered in her ear.

Cassy’s lips curved on demand. “There are a lot of men who have been watching you since we arrived. I would hate it if something happened to you.”

“Come on, Cassy, we live in the valley. Gang capital of California. I think I can handle myself by now.” Tara came around the corner. “Listen, if it’s my virtue you’re worried about for your precious show, rest assured I didn’t give it up. But the last time I looked, we live in a free country. I do what I want, when I want. If this doesn’t work for you then we can just go back to our old tent and peasant status,” Tara challenged.

Grainna forced an agreeable look on her face and pushed into Tara’s mind. But the door was closed, which infuriated her even more. “We simply want all our guests to live a fantasy for a few days, in a better time,” she lied. “You help with the image of royalty. If you want to visit with your new companion just say so. We’ll have Samson go with you for the image of propriety. For the people.”

“Please,” Cassy pleaded. “It’s only for two more days. What could it hurt?”

“Fine!” Tara relented. “I want two more places set for dinner at our table. Duncan and his brother will be joining us. I’m sure you won’t have a problem with that?”

“Of course not, dear.” Grainna’s voice was syrup, laced with arsenic. I’ll look forward to snapping your neck like a twig. “Of course not.”