Druid Surrender (A Druid Quest Novel Book 1) by Stacey Brutger Read Free Book Online

their travel just so he could spend more time with her. “Come, let’s get you settled.”
    They only covered a few lengths when a carriage rolled to a stop in front of the manor.
    One he easily recognized.
    “Hell and damnation.”
    Brighid heard him swear under his breath as he drew them to a stop, and found herself curious what had rattled his normal unflappable disposition despite knowing she should mind her own business. “Who are they?”
    Only when the couple disappeared inside did he speak, his voice devoid of emotion. “The neighbors.”
    With a click of his tongue, he urged the mounts forward. The nearer they came to the house, the more he became the lord of the manor, and every bit of his devil-may-care warmth drained away.
    Curiosity drew her closer until she rode alongside him. “And that is bad?”
    “It is when the marriageable daughter has set her sights on you.” His voice dropped to a low rumble, and she didn’t think she was supposed to hear what he said next. “Maybe if we’re really quiet, we can sneak past them.”
    He appeared hunted.
    Trapped.
    She took wicked pleasure in seeing the boot on the other foot.

    * * *
    W yatt was well aware of Brighid’s amusement at his predicament, but at least she was no longer plotting to escape. Deciding to take advantage of her compliance, he kicked the horses into a canter and headed up the drive. When they reached the entrance, he tossed the reins to the grooms and dismounted.
    He strode toward Brighid, looping the rope around his hands. Her eyes widened at whatever she saw on his face. Before she could react, Wyatt grabbed her waist and lifted her down, delighted to feel those luscious curves brush against his body. Only after her feet touched the ground did he reluctantly release her. Long after she pulled away, the feel of her in his arms persisted.
    Like she belonged there.
    Brighid twitched under Wyatt’s much-too-intense regard, uncertain if he wanted to kiss her or set her back on the horse and out of his life. She was trouble, and they both knew it. She ignored his silent invitation to move closer, and, even more difficult, the way her own body tingled from his all-too-brief touch. The heavy door to his ancestral home opened on silent hinges, dragging her back to reality before she did something stupid…like touch him back.
    Cold stone burned the soles of her feet as she walked into a vast gray and white marble hallway. Beautifully carved wainscoting decorated the lower portions of the walls, while a wooden staircase rose majestically at the far end of the hall. A beautiful chandelier dangled from the vaulted ceiling, where it caught the sunlight, and sent shards of color splashing across the foyer.
    The butler, an imposing older man dressed in black, stepped forward and stood at attention.
    “This is Miss Legend, an honored guest of mine.” Brighid bit back her protest when Wyatt handed over her possessions, and she watched them disappear into the cavernous house. The playfulness of the last few minutes vanished as the harsh truth struck home.
    She was a prisoner.
    Well…until she could slip her captor’s leash.
    The door to their right opened, and a slender woman shot out of the parlor, quickly closing the door behind her as if chased by the hounds of hell. She crushed her skirts in her fists, perhaps imagining her fingers wrapped around someone’s throat. When she spied them, she straightened abruptly from her slouch and cleared her throat, brushing the wrinkles from her skirts. Though the burgundy dress suited her smooth, ivory skin, the large bustle popular with current fashion left Brighid with the impression of a dressed-up doll she once saw in a shop window. It looked not only uncomfortable, but impractical. If she needed to move, she would be trapped by yards of material and easy prey. Brighid shuddered.
    The woman glided forward to greet them, an amused tilt to her lips, which was so much like Wyatt’s own that they had to be