‘The Wrights’ house.’
He gave her a doubtful look. ‘Cloak off.’
‘What?Why?’
‘You’d be surprised what I find hidden beneath them. Now,cloak off.’
She blinked slowly but did as she was told. ‘I didn’t steal anything if that’s what you’re checking.’
‘Ah, an honest thief.’ He began patting her down. ‘How did you get in here?’
Blake rolled her eyes. ‘I travelled here with Commander Wright.’
‘And now you travel alone?’ He rose.
The sound of a horse approaching made Blake look over her shoulder. It was Harlan coming at a gallop. Her hands were still raised when he pulled his horse to a skidding halt ten feet away and dismounted.
‘Put your cloak on,’ he told her, striding over. ‘It’s freezing.’
The defender’s eyebrows rose in surprise. ‘You know this woman, Commander?’
Harlan nodded before turning his attention to Blake. He looked far from pleased with her. She had left without so much as a note for him.
‘That will be all, defender,’ Harlan said, dismissing the man.
The guard turned and wandered back to the gate. Blake followed him. He would surely raise the portcullis for her now.
‘Blake,’ Harlan said behind her.
She kept walking. A few more steps and she would be in the merchant borough.
‘Blake!’
The defender stepped into her path as she reached the archway, and her frustration bubbled over.
‘What now? He’s already confirmed he knows me. What else do you want? Should I take off my boots? My dress?’ Those words should never have left her mouth, and certainly not spoken in that tone. The defender drew his weapon, and she took a step back from it—straight into Harlan’s chest.
‘Stand down, defender,’ Harlan said, stepping around Blake, placing himself between her and the red-faced defender. ‘I’ll handle this.’
The defender glared at Blake a final time before turning and leaving. Harlan began dragging her off towards his horse.
‘I just want to go home,’ she said, trying to anchor her feet.
‘I can see that.’ He gave up and released her once they were out of earshot. ‘Want to tell me what the hell is going on?’
She forced her gaze up to meet his. ‘Your father came to the house while you were out.’
Harlan let out a breath. ‘I see. He said something that upset you.’
Tears prickled Blake’s eyes. She had no idea how to say the things she needed to without losing it completely. ‘Youupset me.’
‘What did he tell you?’
She could not do it. Turning away, she began walking towards the gate.
He caught her in a few strides, holding her arm so tightly she knew she stood no chance of pulling free.
‘If you walk away from me again before we’re done, I’ll tie you to the closest tree.’
