Page 50 of An Outlaw’s Desire

A curious note tinged his voice. Was he trying to hold back a chuckle?

She huffed. “Are you making fun of me?”

“I am. Only a little, though—and in the kindest way possible.”

“I do not understand.”

“I know.” Regret touched his eyes. “You will.” His gaze traveled over her before he secured the key ring to his belt then picked up the blanket on the table. “You’re going to need this.”

She frowned. “Why?”

An indulgent sigh broke from him as he stood in front of her, gently but firmly pried the book from her arms, and then draped the blanket around her shoulders. “’Twill keep away some of the chill.”

“Chill?” Oh. “You mean—?”

“Aye, Blythe. You are coming with me.”

Chapter Thirteen

As understanding dawned in Blythe’s gaze, so did anguish. “I will be your hostage.”

It pained him to see her torment, but he knew of no other way to ensure he’d get out of the castle alive. Also, by taking her captive, he could get her out of the fortress and somewhere safe before the siege.

Her eyes glistened in the torchlight. “I will not go with you.”

Pitt retrieved the sword he’d used earlier. “Aye, Blythe, you—”

“Clarine needs me.”

“I need you.” The words slipped out before he could stop them. But, they were the truth.

She stepped back and snatched up the tome again, as though she raised a shield for battle. “I will not—”

“We must leave. Now.”

Her mouth gaped. “Did you not hear me? I am not going—”

Pitt grabbed her elbow and pulled her toward the stairwell.

As she hurried along, a frantic laugh broke from her. “We are going up the stairs? Well, I will not have to worry about being your hostage for long.”

He abruptly halted. “Explain.”

Her gaze sparked with defiance. “Why should I? You were a squire at this castle. You know the layout as well as I.”

He growled with enough menace that most ladies would have immediately lowered their gazes and yielded. Unruffled, she blinked and stared back.

“Blythe….”

“If I am going with you,” she said firmly, “’tis as your equal.”

Equal? ’Twas not how things were done.

“You seem upset,” she murmured.

He ground his teeth. “Hostages do not make demands.”

“Clearly, I have made a demand. Therefore, I am not a hostage. I am an….”