The three Scots turned toward Peter.
His anger was still simmering. He moved around the men now kneeling before him. “Have you any defense for attacking us?”
“Taking back my property,” Ivan scowled at Brighit.
Peter tensed. He would enjoy breaking the man’s nose with his fist. He glanced toward Brighit not doubting she felt the same.
“What say you, Lady Brighit? What will we do with them?”
She gritted her teeth and walked up to the man. With an open hand, she slapped the little man so hard he tipped over. Unable to right himself, they all watched Ivan struggle and sputter incoherent threats.
Her determination gave her a fierce forced-to-be-reckoned-with look and a great sense of satisfaction swelled inside Peter. He crossed his arms about his chest. Brighit had stood up for herself and her anger did not seem assuaged yet.
“Who do you think you are to speak of me as your property?”
Ivan had managed to sit upright. He glared at her but refused to answer.
“Have you received satisfaction?” Peter addressed Brighit. The small group waited on her command. It was that revelation, no doubt, that put a huge smile on her face and a twinkle in her eye.
“I have. If he is imprisoned, I will have even greater satisfaction.”
Peter fought to keep a straight face. “Unfortunately, there is a definite lack of laws as well as prisons in the area.” He took Brighit’s place in front of Ivan. It was time to see this matter dealt with. “I’m still waiting to hear an answer.”
“So you’ll beat an unarmed man?” Ivan sneered.
“Man?” Peter spit on the ground.
Cole finally spoke up. “I have no grievance with you, my lord.”
“Oh, my lord, now?”
Cole had the grace to look embarrassed. “My lord, my friend and I are simple men for hire. We have no grievance with you and will be happy to allow you to pass without further incident, with or without the young lady.”
“Allow him?” Niall’s voice cracked. “Ha! You are in no position to be allowing anyone to do anything.”
Andrew looked away tight lipped.
“So you wish us to let you go? And you’ll just go about your life as if this never happened?” Lachlann asked.
“Yes!” Andrew’s quick answer was accompanied by an ever-so-hopeful expression.
Cole rolled his eyes, shaking his head as if to say his friend was an idiot.
“No, that’s not going to happen,” Peter said. “Niall, can we speak?”
“Keep your eyes on these three,” Niall directed Lachlann and Aldred then followed Peter a short distance away.
“What are you thinking?” Niall asked, speaking in conspiratorial tones.
Peter smiled. “I am in no position to enforce anything. It will be up to you to see these men get what they deserve.”
“Do you know of any reason they would be attacking you? Is it really because of the girl?” Niall let his gaze wander over Brighit.
Peter clenched his hand into a fist at his side. “She may be part of some bigger plan.”
“She is well worth the trouble.” Niall stroked his bottom lip with his thumb.
Peter grasped him by the tunic and jerked his face in close. “Do not speak so of the lady. I have a very long memory and you do not want me as your enemy. Do you understand?”
