Druid Surrender (A Druid Quest Novel Book 1) Read Online Free PDF Page B

injuries.
    “How quaint, a kind kidnapper.” She tugged, but the rope remained firm. The more she struggled, the harder the strands bit into her skin. Any attraction she might have felt for him vanished, replaced by cold dread. “You’re making a mistake.”
    “You won’t budge me on this. You’ll accompany me home where I can keep you safe.” He said it with an easy grin and a carefree attitude that belied the determination burning in his eyes. One finger traced a raw spot on her wrist, and she flinched. His face darkened with emotion, and she couldn’t resist taunting him.
    “Remembering last night? Or perhaps realizing you’re no different?” He went rigid at her accusation. Those eyes of his frosted over, leaving them gray and cold and impenetrable. She swallowed hard but refused to look away.
    When he turned on his heel and left, the rope firmly in one hand, she’d never felt so small and insignificant.
    Like a dog on a leash, she had to follow him out the door or risk being dragged off her feet.
    A second later, a cheerful whistle broke the silence of the misty air. His good mood plucked at her last nerve. Squinting against the early morning light, Brighid watched Wyatt prepare the horses. His movements were swift. Competent. Though his hands were strong, he was gentle when he touched the mare. She found herself fascinated by his movements.
    Shaking off her distracted thoughts, she worried the ropes, reluctantly admitting defeat when they refused to give way.
    His footsteps were light as he walked toward her. His lips compressed when he saw the chafing on her wrists, and she glared up at him in defiance. Without a word of reprimand, he lifted her onto the waiting saddle with an ease that left her breathless. When her fingers lingered a little too long against his powerful shoulders, she jerked back, and adverted her eyes, both to conceal her reaction and so he couldn’t anticipate her next move.
    She willed herself to wait for the perfect moment.
    He dashed it by taking the reins of her horse.
    “Where are these things you want to collect?” He winked at her over his shoulder, his eyes more green than gray, as if she were on a romantic outing with him instead of his prisoner.
    Relieved that he would do as she asked nearly melted her anger, but she couldn’t afford to trust so easily. He was working an angle. If he took her to his house, he would essentially be placing a target on her back. He drew too much attention to himself, and she would be exposed just by being in proximity to him.
    “What about your friend?” She glanced suspiciously over her shoulder at the lodge.
    All amusement faded, and his face hardened. “He’s going to investigate the incident last night. Tell me where your things are hidden or we leave them behind.”
    The thought of him pawing through her possessions dismayed her, but she couldn’t refuse his offer. If she left them behind, they would be lost to her forever. “They’re in the large oak by the stream.”
    “In the glen?”
    She swung around and frowned at him, disturbed that he guessed the location so easily. “Yes.”
    The horses set off at an easy pace. Against her will, Brighid enjoyed the freedom of the ride. It had been months since she could afford such luxury. The wind caressed her face, and she tipped back her head, inhaling the dewy morning air, wishing she could rid herself of his scent. It teased at her senses, distracting her from plotting her escape. Different scenarios flickered through her mind, each one dismissed as soon as they formed.
    When the animals stopped, she dismounted with an agile jump before he could order her to remain seated. She stepped on the base of the trunk. With her hands still tied, she snatched her staff and bag from the hidden nook and leapt to the ground. The strap of the bag swung precariously as she turned.
    Only to come face to face with her jailor.
    “I’ll take those.” He relieved her of the bag. When he made to