by Donna Grant
Grayson removed his saddle and put the horse in with the other livestock. He would rub the horse down on the morrow but, for now, he needed to get out of the storm.
He raced to Adrianna’s cart and jumped inside. With a jerk, he shook the water from his head. He smoothed back his hair and looked up to find Adrianna standing with nothing but a blanket against her chest, leaving her arms and one leg exposed.
Grayson let his eyes roam over her shapely leg upward to her slim arm to her eyes that never left his. “My apologies,” he forced himself to mumble. “I shall wait outside.”
“Wait,” she said as he turned to leave.
Slowly, Grayson turned back to her.
“I am no maiden. You forget, as a healer, I’ve seen a man’s body.”
“It’s not my body I worry over you seeing.”
Adrianna licked her lips and held the blanket tighter against her, her hands shaking and her heart in her throat. There was no mistaking the desire that flared in Grayson’s silver depths. It had been there since she’d fallen against him as she dismounted.
“Good night, Adrianna.”
She took a step toward him. “Where will you go? It’s storming outside.”
He shrugged. “I’ll find a place.”
“Grayson, we’re going to be traveling together soon. This is ridiculous. Just turn around until I can get dressed.”
She waited, her breath locked in her chest until he gave a small nod of his head and put his back to her. She should have let him leave, she knew that, but she didn’t want him to go. Storm or not, she liked having him near.
Adrianna threw off the blanket and reached for dry clothes as she turned, but not before she saw him tug off his tunic giving her a glimpse of his muscular back. When she finished, she turned around while unbraiding her hair to find Grayson staring out the back of the cart, his feet braced apart and his arms crossed over his chest.
“What are you thinking?”
He glanced over his shoulder before he faced her. “I’m thinking I’m very glad you knew of the storm. I wouldn’t want to be caught traveling in this.”
“I see you found a sword,” she said and nodded to the weapon strapped to his hip.
He grinned. “I’ve my ways. I owe you many thanks for acquiring my horse and saddle.”
“I’ve my ways as well,” she replied with a smile. “We work well together, aye?”
“Aye,” he agreed softly, something in his eyes that made her stomach flutter.
* * * * *
Adrianna opened her eyes to find Grayson gone from the cart. She jumped up and glanced outside to see the sun shining, the trees and ground glistening from the storm.
She put on her shoes and began to comb her hair when Grayson climbed into the cart.
“Did you sleep well?”
She shrugged. “As well as I could with such a storm. Did your horse fare all right?”
“He did fine.”
It was the way he stood staring at her, as if waiting to impart some great news that made her pause. “What is it?”
“We need to leave. Today.”
Adrianna had known it was coming, but she hadn’t expected it to be so soon. “All right. Let me finish with my hair, and I’ll say my farewells.”
Still he didn’t leave.
“There’s more?”
He nodded. “We won’t be taking your cart, so you’ll need to pack whatever you can bring.”
“What?”
“We’ll travel faster on horseback, Adrianna.”
She looked around the cart that had been her home for the last several years. It had never occurred to her that they wouldn’t be bringing it.
“You can still change your mind.”
She shook her head and faced him. “Nay. I’ll start gathering my things.”
Grayson left her and walked to the horses. He hadn’t missed the surprise and remorse in her eyes about leaving her cart. He needed to travel quickly, and the wagon was anything but.
“I gather you’re parting?” Milosh said as he walked up.
“It’s time.”
Milosh glanced at Adrianna’s cart. “Does she know?”
“I just told her. She’s gathering her things now.”
The gypsy leader crossed his arms over his chest. “You’ve given me your word you’ll keep her safe.”
“I have, and I will. But remember she has a mind of her own and makes some foolhardy decisions regardless of the danger.”
“Aye,” Milosh said with a small, knowing grin. “That she does.”
Grayson looked around the camp. “Don’t continue on your present course.”
“Why?”
“I won’t tell you which way we’re heading in case the men find you, but I think you’ll find it safer if you find another course.”
Milosh thought over that a moment before he nodded. “Agreed.”
“Good.”
Milosh’s gaze moved to a spot over Grayson’s shoulder, and he knew Adrianna was there. He faced her and watched her closely as she looked from him to the horses that stood on either side of him.
“Where did the black come from?” she asked.
“I figured you’d be happier on your own horse.”
She bit her lip and reached out a hand to let the mare sniff her before Adrianna ran a hand down the horse’s sleek neck. “When did you get her?”
“Last night when the rain let up. I couldn’t sleep.”
“She’s beautiful,” Adrianna said.
Grayson looked to Milosh to find the Romanian watching Adrianna. The right thing to do would be to give them a moment alone, but Grayson didn’t feel so inclined. Maybe it was the need and sadness in the leader’s gaze that prompted Grayson to stay by Adrianna’s side.
“Drina,” Milosh said.
She looked at him. “You know?”
“Aye,” he said and moved closer to her. “Give me your word you’ll not do anything foolish.”
Adrianna smiled and lifted one shoulder in a shrug. “I’ll do my best.”
“That’s all I can ask for.”
Grayson turned his back to them, though he wanted to watch. He checked the grey’s saddle once more as he continued to listen to their conversation.
“Will you return?” Milosh asked.
“I don’t know what the future holds. If I’m able, I will.” There was a pause before she said, “Milosh, you’re a good man. Don’t spend your days pining for me. Find you a woman who’ll love you and give you many children.”
“That could be you, Drina.”
“Nay,” she replied softly. “It cannot.”
Out of the corner of his eye Grayson saw Adrianna cup the leader’s face before Milosh walked away.
Grayson looked at her over his shoulder. “Time to say your farewells.”
She gave a nod and walked toward the gypsies.
The entire camp was lined up waiting to say their good‐byes. By the time Adrianna returned to Grayson, her eyes glistened with unshed tears.
He helped her mount the black and secured her bag to the saddle before he touched her leg. “Maybe you should stay. This is your home.”
Pale blue eyes met his. “My path has veered from them. I knew it would one day, and I’ve accepted this.”
Grayson mounted the grey. With a wave to the gypsies, he and Adrianna set out.
They hadn’t gotten far when she said, “I’ve never ridden a horse before yesterday.”
He looked at her and smiled. “I thought as much, which is why I chose that mare. She’s quick in case we need to make a run for it, but she’s docile and not easily spooked. You should be all right.”
“I hope so,” she mumbled.
“I won’t let anything happen to you, Adrianna. I give you my word.”
As her gaze met his, he prayed he could keep his vow to her.
Chapter Thirteen
Adrianna had always loved horses. They were such beautiful, graceful creatures. Many times as a chi
ld she had wished to ride one of the magnificent animals. Now, all she wanted to do was get off and never see a horse again. Her body ached in places she hadn’t even known could hurt.
And they had only been riding for a few hours. It hadn’t escaped her notice that Grayson changed directions many times. She tried to hide her irritability, but it was becoming increasingly harder to do.
“Do you know where we’re going?” She was rather proud of herself that she hadn’t snapped at him.
He glanced at her over his shoulder and grinned. “Of course I do. Don’t you trust me?”
“Trust isn’t the issue.”
With a small pull on the reins, he stopped his mount until her horse was even with him. His gaze narrowed on her. “What’s amiss?”
Adrianna hated to complain. It was no one’s fault she hurt, and it would do no good to say something now when they had days of riding ahead of them.
“Drina.”
Her gaze jerked to his at the use of her pet name.
He sighed. “I cannot help if I don’t know what’s wrong.”
“I’m hurting,” she finally confessed.
His brows rose as he chuckled. “Why didn’t you say something sooner?”
“What good would it have done?”
“We could have stopped to rest.”
The thought of getting off the horse sounded heavenly, but it would be even more painful to climb back on the beast. Nay, it was better if she stayed right where she was.
“Thank you, but no. Once I get off the mare for the day, I don’t plan getting back on.”
“Let me know if you change your mind,” he said and nudged his horse into a walk.
By the time Grayson stopped for lunch, Adrianna knew her legs were useless.
“Aren’t you hungry?” he asked as he opened the cloth of food the gypsies had provided.
“Famished.”
“Then dismount and come eat.”
“I don’t think I can.”
The food forgotten, Grayson walked to her. “Come. I’ll help you.”
Adrianna gratefully reached for Grayson’s shoulders as his large hands wrapped around her waist and gently lifted her from the mare. He didn’t release her once her feet were on the ground. She wasn’t too proud to cling to him as he helped her to a tree so she could sit against it.
Once she was settled, he brought her some bread and cheese. “Eat while I see to the horses.”
When she had begged him to come along, she had never imagined she would be riding across England on a horse. As if the mare knew Adrianna’s thoughts, the horse nickered at her before taking a drink from the stream.
“Do we need to camp here for the night?” Grayson asked as he let the horses graze.
She knew she could say yes, and he would readily stay, but Adrianna also knew how important it was for them to travel quickly.
“Nay,” she said and bit into the bread. “If you’ll give me some time to rest and boil some herbs, I’ll be ready to ride again.”
He lowered himself to the ground and leaned his weight on one arm. “More magic?”
“More magic,” she answered with a smile.
“I do know where I’m going, by the way,” he said after a brief pause. “I’m heading in different directions to try and throw anyone off who might follow our trail.”
She chewed and swallowed her food. “How long do you think before someone finds us?”
“Depends. If the men who attacked me happen upon the village where we retrieved my horse, it could be a matter of days.”
“Can you fight them?”
One side of his mouth lifted in a grin. “I can certainly fight them. Winning is another matter. Those men didn’t act like simple knights.”
“What’s your plan?”
He blew out a breath, shifted to lean on his elbow, and stretched out his legs. He looked right sitting in the sun, as carefree as the wind that blew around them. “We need to reach Hawksbridge. I want to be there when the men attack.”
“That could very well be their stronghold.”
“True.”
Adrianna tucked her legs to the side. “You’re one man against how many?”
“There were six.”
“Against six? Even if you were the best knight in England you’d have a difficult time winning that battle. And if these men are a part of the evil, you won’t stand a chance.”
He winked at her. “You’ve no faith in me.”
“Not true. I have complete faith in you. All I’m asking is not to do something foolish as rush into Hawksbridge looking for a fight.”
“What do you propose then?”
She grinned. “Strategy. They have no idea we’re headed to Hawksbridge, so let’s use that to our advantage. We’ll arrive as a lord and lady for a visit. No one would dare stop nobility, especially if we just want to rest there for a bit.”
He sat up and scratched his chin. “That’s a fairly good idea. It could work.”
“Of course it’ll work.”
“Usually, I stay off the main roads, but it might be to our advantage to make sure we’re seen. And often.”
She smiled. “Perfect.”
“There’s a road about an hour’s ride from here. We’ll take that into Dirkshire.”
“What’s Dirkshire?”
“It’s a village I’ve visited once before. There’s an inn we can stay at and gather more food. It’ll also allow us to be seen. While there I intend to find out what I can about Hawksbridge.”
She finished her cheese and dusted her hands. “We might want to purchase some new clothes as well.”
“Why?” he asked, his brow furrowed.
“If we go into Hawksbridge looking like this, no one will pay us a bit of attention. We need to dress the part.”
“Leave it to a woman to think of clothes. Aye, you’re right. We’ll get new garments.”
A hawk flew above them, its cries echoing in the stillness of the area. Adrianna watched the bird of prey until it flew out of sight. When she lowered her gaze, Grayson was watching her.
“You convinced me you could help, and I foolishly agreed. The more I think on it, the more I realize I should have left you with Milosh.”
Adrianna slowly climbed to her feet and walked to where her herbs were stored in the bag. She gathered what she needed and returned to the tree. It didn’t surprise her to find Grayson gathering wood for a fire.
She waited until he returned and began to stack the wood before she answered. “I told you before, the evil needs to be stopped. There is a good chance you can impede him before he can do more damage.”
“Why couldn’t you just tell me how to defeat him?”
“It isn’t that easy. I wish it were, but it isn’t.”
The small blaze began to burn brighter as it devoured the wood. Grayson ran a hand down his face and sat back. “I won’t lie and say I want to die, but bringing you into what could be the pit of evil is the wrong decision.”
She crushed the herbs into the small bowl and poured water over them before she put the bowl over the fire. “The man you seek isn’t at Hawksbridge. Not yet anyway.”
“What?”
She dared a glance to see Grayson’s jaw clenched. “He’s coming. Whether for you or Hawksbridge, I know not.”
“How do you know this?”
“I smell him.” She stood and turned to the southeast. “He’s coming from this direction.”
Grayson was by her side in an instant. “Are you sure?”
“Definitely.” She turned her head to see the agony in his profile.
He closed his eyes and shook his head. “I don’t know if this can work. I’m prepared to die,” he said and opened his eyes to her. “But you have your life ahead of you.”
“What life? I’m alone, Grayson, and I’ll forever be alone. I use my magic to help people, so let me use it to help you. If I die, then so be it. Death isn’t something we can escape. It comes for us all.”
Grayson knew that all too well. He studied Adrianna, ever amazed at the bravery within her. “We’ll try. But if it appears there’s no chance for me to win, I want your word you’ll leave and not look back.”
“Grayson,” she began.
“Nay. There’s no compromise with this. Please, Adrianna. I need your word.”
Reluctantly, she nodded her head.
“Thank you.”
He continued to look toward the southeast, wondering just where this man who hunted him was. He had been wounded at Drogan’s, but he could have healed quickly enough if his soul had been sold to the devil as Serena had suggested.
Adrianna moved behind him to the fire. He glanced at her to see her pour the contents of the bowl into a cup and begin to drink it. He was grateful she was with him, for she gave him an advantage he wouldn’t otherwise have. Yet, as a knight, a warrior sworn to protect those weaker than he, he knew he shouldn’t take her to Hawksbridge. He’d never forgive himself if she were harmed, yet for the life of him he couldn’t send her away.
Even if she hadn’t given him her vow, he would have kept her with him. He wasn’t sure what it was about her that pulled at him, but he was powerless to ignore it.
No woman had ever affected him so. He had thought it might be her magic but soon realized that had nothing to do with it. It was Adrianna herself. Her pale blue eyes, her golden hair, her creamy skin, and her lithe body he couldn’t keep his hands off of.
Even now, he wanted to pull her against him and taste her sweet lips. He wanted her arms to wrap around him and to feel her breasts pressed against his chest. He wanted to hear her moan at his touch and beg for more.
He wanted her to want him.
If it wasn’t for the curse, he might have a chance at seducing her. But he wouldn’t force her. He would hold back his passion and keep his desire hidden. He wasn’t sure if he believed the curse or not, but Adrianna most certainly did. A year ago, he hadn’t believed in magic. Could he be wrong about the curse as well?
While at Wolfglynn, he’d heard Drogan and Serena speak of a curse. It was possible it was the same curse, and he wished Drogan were there to talk to.
Grayson turned to Adrianna. She held the cup between her hands, her eyes closed with her head back against the tree. Several locks of her golden hair had pulled free of the plait and framed her beautiful face.