The McKinnon Read Online Free PDF

take it, knowing all deeds come with a price and wondered what the price would be for accepting this knight’s offer of help.
    “
Opportunity knocks, Morgan. Answer it.
” The voice of her mother advised her. So placing her trust in fate, she placed her hand in his.
    Morgan walked through the door opportunity just opened and her life would never be the same.

Chapter 7
     
    Dusting off his hands, Nic was ever alert to any danger lurking. It was not unheard of for highwaymen to set traps using just such tactics and attack while the unsuspecting Good Samaritan had his back turned, distracted by the decoy.
    However, if the boy is a decoy, he is a damn good one, Nic thought.
    “Will family be looking for you?” Nic asked after helping her to her feet.
    She shook her head, never meeting his eyes.
    He inclined his head to the stallion grazing just up the ridge. “Did you steal him?”
    He doubted the boy would be honest, but it would give him opportunity to judge his reaction to the question. Body language always told Nic more than words alone.
    Now, she looked him square in the eye.
    Whoa, he thought, this boy's angry. He found it slightly amusing considering the company the young man was in at the moment.
    Morgan could feel the anger jump into her face. How dare he? He was accusing her of stealing what was her birthright?
    Nic held up his hands in a gesture of concession, amused at the fight he saw in his new charge. “Now, my young friend, just cool your heals. It is a fair question. It’s not often I come across someone where ownership does not hinges on possession being nine tenths of the law,” he said then smiled.
    Nic turned away from her looking toward Demon with his hands planted on his hips, long muscular legs spread wide. He was thinking Demon was one fine piece of horseflesh. Turning back, Nic looked at his new traveling companion and knew instinctively this urchin was in need, no matter how rich the horse.
    He was also in need. Maybe fate was feeling generous today.
    “I am finding my choice of traveling light and without a squire is proving to be not one of my better decisions. If you want, you can act as my squire until we get to my home in the north.”
    He assured her after they arrived, if she wanted to stay, he could find something for her to do. There was always plenty of work for an honest set of hands. He agreed to pay her a modest allowance and offered protection. In return, his expectation was to take care of his horse, attend his needs, and obey his directions always and without question.
    “Do we have an agreement?” Nic asked all banter aside. A deal was a deal, and he would hold up his end as long as the young man held to his.
    She nodded. He said they were heading north. It was the opposite direction from London. Nevertheless, Morgan had faith. She would get to London eventually, and Brentwood would never think to look for her in the northern country. It would give her time to regroup.
    “Excellent, we agree then." Nic gathered his horse and brought Demon back with surprising ease. "However, first, I have a stop to make. I have to tie up some business, and then we are on to my lands just south of the border of Scotland. Unfortunately, this business cannot wait,” Nic said then pursed his lips. “Nasty business, too,” he said under his breath having no idea Morgan heard him.
    King Henry wanted him to marry. That was the nasty business, but necessary when a King decrees it, Nic supposed. He had no real desire to take a wife and never had wanted a wife as far back as he could remember. However, one does not disobey a King and live comfortably to tell of it. Consequently, he would marry.
    Living with his bride had not been one of Henry’s stipulations.
    He knew it was a technicality and one that Henry would eventually see through. However, until that time came, he was still a free man.
    “I need to stop at Seabridge,” Nic said as he turned to mount his horse.

Chapter 8
     
    Oh, no, she