"Bella. 'Tis a name I've always liked."
"Very well then, Bella Grant."
The sound of the faux name did strange things to her—gave her a small thrill and made her wonder what her life would be like if she truly was Bella, Darack's wife. "Have you had a pretend wife before?"
"Nay. I rarely travel with women. My cousin once, but we didn't have to lie on that one."
"Aye, why couldn't you have told the man I'm your cousin? I didn't need to sit on your lap. I would've survived the jolting wagon just as you did."
"Why are you so concerned about it?" he asked.
She shrugged. "No one has ever pretended I was their wife before. It just surprised me." She'd always thought Alec would be the one introducing her as his wife soon. But now that would never happen.
Darack glanced down at the lass walking beside him through the predawn moonlight. Her firm hold on his arm told him she trusted him, as did her conversation. He liked her forthright questions. She was a privileged lady without the artifice and manipulation many such ladies practiced. He saw this with every mile they traveled together and that was his favorite thing about her. Of course, she was a stunning beauty, which he appreciated, too. But her honesty and warmth burrowed into the depths of his soul… as did her trust in him.
When he thought back about her sitting on his lap… that had been the most appealing and enjoyable thing he had experienced in months. He almost grinned, but clenched his jaw instead. Aye, 'twas true he had a most carnal attraction to her, but beyond that, he simply enjoyed being in her presence. Something about her made him want to smile, whether he was touching her or not. He didn't remember ever experiencing that before, nor did he understand it. What he did understand was that he had to protect her at all costs and make sure she got home safely.
He withdrew his foot-long Highland dirk and held it by his leg as they quietly walked past the run-down cottages on the outskirts of Dundee. He hoped all the thieves and other disreputable men were passed out from the drink or otherwise asleep at this wee hour of the morn.
He sensed Mairiana's increased tension and trepidation as she glanced about for hidden dangers. Her wariness did not sit well with him.
***
Just after dawn, Mairiana hid beside the buildings at the harbor while Darack went to inquire when the ferry would leave. She kept the cowl of thearisaidsecurely over her head and prayed that neither Alec nor any of his clan or servants were yet aware that she'd left Lenor Castle.
"Come," Darack said, startling her. "The ferry will leave soon."
She took his hand, and he set a brisk pace across the wharf. Pausing, he dropped two coins into the captain's hand. She dared not even look the man in the eye lest he tell someone—Alec or his clansmen—of her whereabouts.
Once on board the vessel, Darack led her through the passengers to the far back rail where it was less crowded. She pushed the stinky cowl back from her face and inhaled a deep breath of the salty sea breeze. Though it smelled slightly fishy, 'twas far better than the urine scent.
As she watched all the strangers boarding, she relaxed marginally. Soon, she would be away from Alec, never to see him again. While they waited, her stomach growled loudly.
"You're hungry." Darack observed her with a frown of concern.
"Not much. I'll be fine." She didn't want him to worry about her. Besides, nerves had made her stomach queasy. Only getting away from here would make her feel better.
"Wait here." Darack turned away.
"Nay. Where are you going?" She grabbed onto his sleeve.
"To buy you a scone afore you starve."
"I told you, I will be fine."
"'Twill only take a moment. Wait here." He strode away.
Anxiety flooded her and she hoped he would hurry. She watched him head back through the crowd boarding, then he spoke to the captain. The man nodded and Darack proceeded along the docks to where a woman was selling fresh baked scones from a small push cart. Mairiana was starting to think Darack was too kind to be any sort of outlaw. In fact, he was kinder than most non-outlaws she knew. She hadn't asked him for food. He'd simply heard her stomach growl.
"Lady Mairiana!" someone called from the docks.
Shocked, she glanced aside to see Alec and his men running along the quay.
