Total pages in book: 108
Estimated words: 98745 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 494(@200wpm)___ 395(@250wpm)___ 329(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 98745 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 494(@200wpm)___ 395(@250wpm)___ 329(@300wpm)
That his expression did not change surprised her. She thought he would at least turn a scowl on her, or she would see anger in his deep blue eyes. His expression did not change, which told her that he was secure in his command. Also being this close to him, she could not help but be struck by his handsome features. They could distract, if one let them, but she had no intention of being distracted even if she felt a strange tug to her stomach when looking at him which, of course, she blamed on her irritating husband.
“It is not a request, wife,” Noble said and turned to the man beside him. “You know what to do.” The man rode off, and Noble turned to speak to his wife. “While I need not offer you an explanation, I feel it is only fair I give you one for not paying mind to you since leaving your home. I am presently more concerned with your safety than introducing myself properly to you. Our marriage was conceived for your safety, and with Cavell having informed me that someone searches for a woman with your description and that one woman has already been killed because she bore your striking reddish blonde hair color, I am making plans to see that you are kept safe. Cavell may have minimized part of the threat by killing the man hired to see you dead, but there are others who will gladly take his place. So, wife, you can be reasonable and do as I command, or I can force you to do as I command.”
The man who had ridden beside Noble approached with two warriors and Leora had no doubt they were meant to flank her sides, forcing her to obey her husband’s orders and remain behind him.
“Do you always command with every word?” Leora asked, annoyed at seeing reason in his explanation.
“Aye, I do, and you would be wise to grow used to it.”
“I doubt that will happen, just as I doubt this marriage will be permanent, but I understand your reasoning and will do as you say… this time.”
Leora went to turn her horse around to resume following behind her husband when he grabbed the reins, halting her.
“Only death will end this marriage,” Noble warned and released the reins.
CHAPTER 2
Noble glanced at his wife where she sat by the campfire. He had had little time for her today, his orders from Slayer having been urgent.
Get to Clan Skirling posthaste and settle the mess there.
He did not know what mess he would face but he was prepared for it. He had not been prepared for the kick to his senses when he met his wife for the first time. He had heard she was beautiful, but she was beyond beautiful, if that was possible. Her face was flawless, not a blemish on it, and while she wore her reddish blonde hair piled on the top of her head, more stands fell in waves around her face and neck than looked to be secured. But it was her bold green eyes and her infectious smile that captured a man’s attention and refused to let go. Her body held its own appeal, full and luscious with curves that ached to be stroked. One look and a man would believe her a perfect wife… until she opened her mouth.
She was stubborn to a fault, and worse, she thought to command. He had thought that he would be forced to carry out his threat about physically removing her from her home. He still wondered what or who had turned her agreeable. He wondered if it was something her sister Elsie had said to her. Cavell had a good and wise wife, holding her tongue when necessary and speaking when necessary. She had plain features, but her eyes lit with love every time she looked upon her husband, and you could see the same bold love in his eyes when he glanced at her. It was rare to see such a strong love as theirs, and Noble could not help but envy it.
Love or not, Leora was his wife, and they would make the most of their marriage. This was not a temporary arrangement. It was a commitment, and he would honor it… no matter how difficult. That meant protecting his wife and keeping her safe, and he had a feeling that she was not going to make it easy for him to do.
“I do not envy you, Noble.”
“And why is that, Finley?” he asked, turning to face the man that had been his second in command since the Gallowglass troop was formed several years ago and knowing what the man would say.
“Having a wife can be difficult enough, but having a beautiful woman for a wife is far too hard of a task to bear.” Finley shook his head. “Look at the way the men stare at her, though they try not to, but it cannot be helped. Her smile, which is more constant than not, is like a ray of sunshine from heaven and her bold green eyes glow with—” He stopped abruptly and shook his head again.