She had really hoped he would not bring up the subject of marriage in front of Harlan. ‘I’ve been a bit preoccupied.’
He leaned in, voice low. ‘Marriage is the best way to help your family right now.’
Harlan was staring directly at her now.
‘I’m headstrong, opinionated, and a terrible cook. You can do much better than me.’
‘My mother’s a superb cook. She’ll teach you.’
Odo was an honest and dependable businessman, but that was as far as her feelings for him went. Something in her gut told her it was not enough to sustain a marriage. Perhaps it was because her parents had set an impossible standard.
‘Time to go,’ Harlan said beside her. ‘That everything?’
‘It’s all there,’ Odo said, making himself taller.
‘Will you hold the prices for next month?’ Blake asked. ‘We’ll take the same again.’
Odo tilted his head. ‘Depends. Are you going to come back to Ireland with me? Leave this kingdom of walls?’
‘Let’s go,’ Harlan said, taking Blake’s arm and leading her away. ‘He’ll hold the prices.’
Odo followed. ‘You have no jurisdiction over my business, defender.’
‘It’s “Commander”, and I have jurisdiction over the dock you’re standing on and the people you’re selling to, so tread carefully, merchant.’
Blake pulled her arm free. ‘I can manage my own negotiations.’
Harlan took hold of her arm again. ‘This isn’t a negotiation, it’s extortion. Any offer of marriage should be external to your business arrangements.’
She searched his eyes and found genuine concern in them. ‘He’s right,’ she said, looking back at Odo. ‘That’s no way to a lady’s heart. I suggest you honour our business arrangement and try flowers next time.’
Finally, Harlan stepped back.
‘So that’s a maybe, then?’ Odo said with a lopsided grin.
Blake shook her head as she turned away. ‘See you next month.’
Chapter 10
Marriage?
The sea merchant was kidding himself if he thought a smart girl like Blake was going to settle for a conniving sack of shit like him. Irritation came off Harlan in waves as he stepped off the dock. Seeing the girls struggling under the weight of the fabric did nothing to improve his mood.
‘Stop,’ he said, tone abrupt. ‘Give me those. Both of you.’ He took the rolls and tucked all six under one arm.
Eda appeared irritated as she marched off ahead.
Blake sighed. ‘We’re quite capable of—’
‘For the love of Belenus, walk.’ He was not entirely sure why he was angry. Perhaps because she let Odo think he stood a chance. Not that it was any of his business who she married.
‘Let me at least take one,’ Blake said, slowing to walk beside him.
He swung them out of her reach. ‘They weigh twice as much as you.’
She was quiet a moment. ‘I have no other business contacts besides him. I don’t have the luxury of injuring his feelings.’
‘You don’t owe me any explanations.’
