“My sister.” She’d returned to scanning the room.
“She seems to be handling the crowd well.”
“So long as the crowd doesn’t start ‘handling’ her,” she grumbled.
That was oddly specific. Given Alannah’s state of alert, Conan wondered if this was a regular occurrence, like Oran’s visits, apparently. “Has that happened before?” he asked.
Alannah turned to him again. “Often enough that it’s my job to keep men’s hands off her. Between her warm disposition, kind heart, and stunning appearance, my sister is something of a catch. Throw in her talent at cooking—” Alannah shrugged.
Conan nodded, narrowing his eyes at her. “And what of yourself?”
She jerked her chin in surprise. “What of me?”
“Seeing as you have an equally stunning appearance, I imagine you would have much the same trouble.”
She blinked at him. “Are you…” Inhaling sharply, she tried again. “What are you even doing over here?”
Conan’s confidence came dangerously close to faltering. “Isn’t it obvious?”
Alannah’s eyes fell from his face, instead landing just behind him. The change in her was instant, her look murderous.
Turning to see what had caught her attention, Conan felt his own blood boil. In place of amusement, he felt rage sweep through his bones. In the darkest alcove of the room, a very large man stood with his back to them.
Pinned between him and the wattle partition, was a wide-eyed Emer, pleading with them for help.
Chapter Six
Eoghan. He didn’tcome by every night, or even every sennight. But about once a fortnight, he made his way from his farm a few miles outside Ath Luain to try to harass Emer into becoming his wife.
Hissecondwife.
Of course, it was in keeping with the law codes, and not entirely unheard-of. But Emer was too good for any of the men Alannah had met—marrying only to become the second wife of a man old enough to be their father was out of the question. And that wasn’t even taking into consideration that as a hospitaller with her own homestead, Emer thoroughly outranked Eoghan and would be marrying down in every conceivable way. Preparing for her second fight of the day, Alannah stormed toward Eoghan and her sister.
But Conan got there first.
The charming rogue of moments earlier was gone. Before her raged a man who once more made her question what manner of bards looked and behaved as they did. He towered over Eoghan, staring him down with a look that made her mouth go dry. Being handsome and friendly was one thing. Defending her sister without question was another entirely.
And he wasn’t only defending Emer. Nay, Conan looked as furious as Alannah felt, watching Eoghan’s grubby hands reach for her sister’s waist. Watching him lay into Eoghan, Alannah decided that perhaps she’d have that ale with him after all.Though it was beyond her why he’d want her instead of Emer. The men always wanted Emer, and Alannah could hardly blame them. Her sister was the definition of feminine charm.
“I believe the lady would like to move.” A threatening timbre threaded Conan’s voice.
Alannah’s fingers itched to reach for him. Instead, she wedged herself between Eoghan and Emer. “Eoghan, get out,” she ordered, fighting whatever odd reaction she was having to their newest guest.
Eoghan rounded on her, his face ruddy from too much ale. He must’ve been drinking before he arrived, for Emer would never overserve him, knowing his poor manners.
“I’ve acquired more cattle,” he slurred. “And I wish to take her to wife.”
“My sister will never marry you,” Alannah told him for the hundredth time.
Eoghan grabbed Alannah’s arm, yanking her out of his way. “Let her speak for herself.”
Conan moved so quickly she didn’t have time to react. In one swift motion, he pinned both Eoghan’s arms behind his back, spinning him away from Alannah and Emer. He leaned forward, his jaw taut as he whispered in Eoghan’s ear. “You do not touch her.”
A thread of desire tightened through her. Alannah hadn’t been interested in a man in years, andthatwas what did it? Lord, perhaps she’d waited too long. She never imagined herself in need of a defender, not like her sister, but she had to admit that she greatly enjoyed watching Conan take on the role. To her increasing pleasure, he kept going.
“You do not touch either of them.” He looked to Alannah, his slate eyes hard as stones. “What shall I do with him?”
“Toss him out. And remind him he’s no longer welcome here.”
