Cormac returned his gaze to the woman in question.His eyes lingered on the Stewart arisaidh, his family colors wrapped around her shoulders, and something in his chest filled with pride.He wanted to claim her for his own and see her wearing his colors every day.With her he did not have to hide that he was also the Shadow.He knew, deep down to his bones, that when he eventually introduced her to his family they would love her.Nessa especially.
He sighed at the thought.Then the reality of it settled over him.If he turned up on the thane's doorstep requesting the lass's hand, he would be refused.All the thane would see was a raider, an outlaw, a thief.No, Cormac would need to approach her father as Cormac Stewart, son of a wealthy laird.That would improve his chances considerably.But then what of Fenella?Would she be content married to a man who was equal parts nobleman and raider?Content for him to be away from home for weeks at a time?Things were looking very complicated indeed.
Something caught his eye.A man, not one of his, was making his way toward her across the common room.A patron of the inn by the look of him, and one who ought to know better.When the man sat beside her and started conversing, Cormac stiffened and immediately strode across the room.
***
UNA HAD BEEN ENJOYINGherself.She had lost herself contentedly in the sewing, even thinking idly about embroidering Cormac a handkerchief.Until a shadow fell across the table.
She looked up.A patron of the inn, no one she recognized.The look in his eyes warned her immediately.
"Well, hello there, lass.I've never seen such a fine miss in these parts.No wonder ye have all these men gawking at ye.Mayhap like me, they'd like a quick tup above stairs.What do ye say?"
"I'd say ye should hold yer tongue when speaking to a lady," Una snapped.
"Och, c'mon now.Ye ain't no lady, not when ye're hanging about with this rough lot."
"How dare ye insult these men.They are decent and brave, unlike ye, ye guttersnipe!"
"How dare ye," the man replied, and stretched his arm toward her.
Una felt Tam and Donal step closer on either side.She knew they would intervene if he tried anything.
But before anyone could move, Cormac appeared.One hand gripped the man's collar in a tight fist and the other held a very sharp dagger across his neck.
"Touch her and ye die."
The man went pale and made a frightened sound.He retracted his arm at once."I...I was just talking to the lass."
Cormac pressed the blade closer to the skin, drawing a slight nick.The man whimpered."I heard ye imply she was not a lady.I heard ye think ye could take liberties."
"No, no, I thought she was a whor—"
Cormac gripped him tighter and growled, "Finish that word and I'll gut ye right here in front of everyone."
"I'm sorry, I...I didnae ken she was yer lady."
Pure rage coursed through his veins.Cormac wanted to end the man's measly life on the spot.Then he felt a hand on his arm.
He looked down.Una had leaned across the table and was touching him.The red haze left immediately.
"Dinnae harm him," she said."He is not worth it."
Her eyes were steady on his.He looked at his men, standing around waiting on his word.Slowly he released the man and stepped back with a nod.
The stranger looked relieved and started rubbing his neck.
"Apologize to the lady before I beat ye to a pulp," Cormac said.
The patron apologized with feeling.Una simply nodded.
Cormac signalled and immediately Seumas and Ros dragged the man out of the common room."See to it he leaves and does not return while we are under this roof."
Maisie appeared then, asking why one of her patrons was being marched off the premises.Cormac tossed her coin for her trouble.That settled it.
Then he picked Una up, she half-yelped, and sat back down with her on his lap.
"What the devil are ye doing, Cormac?"
