Page 5 of Anice’s Bargain

“Because I feel as though everyone deserves the opportunity to disprove rumors spread about them.”

He barked out a harsh laugh and his dark eyes bore down on her like a beast about to devour its prey. “And what have ye heard?”

A shiver slithered down her spine. She was grateful for Piquette and his strength. She gently ran her fingers over the thick reddish-brown fur of Piquette’s neck for comfort. The dog did not move, but kept his stare fixed with lethal intensity on the laird of the Grahams.

Her gaze slid unintentionally to the man who brought her to the tent, the one who had acted with chivalry. His glare was fixed on the laird she spoke with, his body tensed as though he intended a fight, as though he was not her jailor, but her protector.

* * *

James could kill his father.The old man leered at the young countess, letting his gaze slide over her breasts and the sensual flare of her hips beneath the fitted dress. James’s stomach roiled in disgust. How had he gone so many years without ever questioning his father’s judgments, his tactics?

Lady Werrick regarded his father with scrutiny. “I’ve heard more of you than you’ve heard of me, I assure you,” she replied levelly. “The Grahams have quite the reputation.”

“What part of that reputation is it ye’re here for?” The laird stepped closer and stared pointedly at the swell of her bosom rising above the fine silk gown. The massive brown dog in front of her issued a low, rumbling growl from deep within its chest and readjusted its stance.

James’s own body tensed at his father’s obvious attempts at intimidation. True, he had never seen his father strike a woman, or take one by force, but with the countess’s slender arms and the narrowness of her waist, it was obvious she was a slight woman, as delicate as she was beautiful. And she was beautiful.

The room swam with her delicate jasmine scent, and the glow from the various tallow dips played over her curls. While she seemed fragile, her strength lay in her appearance. And a woman like her knew how best to wield her only weapon. In fact, she most likely had spent considerable time preparing herself for this meeting with his father in the hopes to disarm him with her loveliness.

The thought allowed him to pull his gaze from where she stared up at his father with wide blue eyes, her full mouth carefully parted in a way meant to be becoming.

“I want to plan a meeting, a negotiation.” She licked her lips. “For peace.”

Aye, she played her game well.

“What do ye have that I want?” Implication was ripe in Laird Graham’s tone and gleamed in his eyes.

James stepped forward and glowered at his father. The old man was going too far.

The countess narrowed her eyes. “I think you’d be surprised what can be offered.”

“Oh, I doubt that.” Laird Graham smirked. “And why is it yer husband sent his wife to do his speaking for him?”

“Will you meet with us or not?” Her fast reply gave way to what James was beginning to suspect. She had come alone, and without her husband’s blessing.

“And how do we know ye willna kill us if we agree?” the laird demanded.

“You would have to trust me.”

“What do ye think, lad?” James’s father cast a pointed look in his direction.

“The Earl of Werrick has great wealth,” James replied slowly. What was the old man playing at? He knew James’s position. “It would be worth the attempt.”

“I dinna trust well, especially regarding the English.” The laird nodded to the massive brown beast. “Leave yer dog with us.”

The countess put a hand to the dog’s shoulders. “Nay.”

James’s father shrugged. “Then we willna meet with ye.”

She glanced back at James, as though she expected he might intervene on her behalf. For the first time, the defiant strength in her eyes dimmed. Indecision warred on her face. Surely, they were nearly out of food in the castle at this point. Her people would be starving. Most likely that had forced the countess beyond the protective curtain wall of Werrick Castle.

For his part, James could not help the rise of pity in his chest for the woman. Mayhap it was that concern for her that made him step forward. “If ye leave the dog here, I’ll mind him myself.”

She knelt and curled her arm around the dog’s chest, hugging him closer. A ruby ring glinted on her right hand.

“I’ll guard him with my life.” James held out his hand to the dog. When it did not growl at him, he moved his hand closer and gently scratched the underside of the brown chin. While it did not crane into his hand with affection, nor did it bite him. Instead, the dog fixed large amber eyes on him, as though conveying its lack of trust.

“I’d rather you keep me instead,” the countess said with finality.