Boyd then addressed the mercenaries.He stared directly at their leader who looked terrified."Ye ken who I am.Ye ken what I'm capable of.Ye have one hour and then I'm coming for ye.Go!"
To everyone's shock, the men immediately panicked and practically fell over themselves as they raced out of the tavern and sprinted for their horses.
"Boyd," Bella whispered, "Who are they?"
"Dead men."
But he wasn't finished.
"I love my wife!I enjoy coupling with my wife.She pleases me in and out of bed," Boyd announced to the entire tavern."I plan to make love to her every night and every morning for the rest of our lives.So, I dinnae appreciate any man touching what is mine!"
Bella gasped and blushed bright red.
Several women sighed.Men chuckled.Una, drunk and emotional, had tears glistening in her eyes.
"He loves ye, he really loves ye, Bella!"she said.
Before Bella could respond, before she could even process what was happening, Boyd released her waist only to bend slightly and heft her over his shoulder like a sack of grain.
"Boyd!"Bella shrieked, her world suddenly upside down.She grabbed at his back, her face level with his waist."Put me down!"
"No," Boyd replied calmly, as if carrying his wife out of a tavern over his shoulder was perfectly normal behavior.He dug coins from his purse and tossed them to the barkeep."For yer troubles."
He turned toward the door, Bella still slung over his shoulder, one of his hands resting possessively on the back of her thigh to keep her secure.
"Boyd, people are watching!"Bella hissed, mortified beyond words.
"Let them watch," Boyd replied, striding toward the exit.
The tavern erupted in catcalls and whistles.
Boyd carried Bella out into the afternoon sunshine without breaking stride.Behind them, Una and Gilroy filed out and Darach brought up the rear carrying the bag full of Bella's purchases.
Once outside, Boyd finally set Bella on her feet.She immediately rounded on him, her face scarlet.
"Ye had no right to—"
But before she could continue her tirade, Boyd's lips crashed into hers as he kissed her in front of all the onlookers without a care in the world.
Bella did not even resist.She flung her arms around his shoulders and deepened the kiss.
When they finally came up for air, Boyd growled, "Do ye ken how aroused I am after seeing ye fell those men.I hope ye saved some of those moves for our bed."
Bella chuckled and whispered, "Anything for my husband."
Boyd took her lips again and they became lost in a passionate kiss once more.
They were interrupted by Darach clearing his throat loudly.
Boyd whipped his head up and scowled at Darach and Gilroy.He moved Bella to his side and placed his arm around her waist."Now, ye two have some explaining to do.Why the hell was my wife brawling in a public tavern with mercenaries!"
"Ah, that would be my fault," Una replied, nudging the guards out of the way."I talked Bella into being there and well, we probably had a wee bit too much to drink."She hiccupped then.
Boyd gave her an amused grin."Una Murray.I should've kenned ye'd be involved ye wee troublemaker."
Una looked aghast."Me?I'm no trouble at all!"She hiccupped again and swayed slightly.
Bella tried to move toward Una to defend her friend, but Boyd's arm was like steel, keeping her plastered to his side."'Twas not Una's fault, Boyd.Those men harassed us, but we were not in any real danger."
