Read The Highlander's Bargain for Free Online Page B

strength. Making short work of it, he divested his opponent of his weapon and bowed to the calls of “huzzah” from the spectators as they began to wander off.
    Mark sheathed his sword and bent over, placing his hands on his knees for several moments to catch his breath. He straightened and approached. “Man, you have some moves. Where’d you learn to fight like that?”
    “My da placed a wooden sword in my hands when I was but three or four winters, and I’ve been training ever since.” He clasped his defeated opponent’s proffered forearm briefly. “I fostered under the earl of Seakirk and earned my spurs by the time I turned ten and six.”
    Mark swiped a sleeve across his brow and turned to Erin, embarrassment at having been soundly thrashed, and longing for her, plain to see.
    Jealousy, swift and hot, churned through Robley, until he too looked at the lady. Her eyes met his and fairly glowed with appreciation. Lucky for Mark, or he’d have been forced to continue their mock battle, just to pummel the man into the ground. “I’m from the—”
    “He’s from Scotland.” She came to his side and slipped her arm through his. “Robley is staying for a month. He’s on vacation.”
    “A month? Great. Maybe we can work out together, and you can teach me some of your moves.”
    “Mayhap we can arrange to meet again for that purpose. ’Tis up to Erin. She’s my—”
    “Host. I’m hosting him while he’s visiting.” Erin nodded. “We’re distant cousins.”
    Cousins? Vacation? Robley arched a brow at her, eliciting a blush and a stern look on her part.
    “Yeah? Cool.” Mark muttered and glanced around. “Did you see where Jerry went?”
    “Is he the other knight, the first I disarmed?” Smirking, he slid his claymore back into its scabbard. “He’s on yon hill nursing his wounded pride with an ale. I’ve worked up a powerful thirst as well. Shall we find refreshment, my lady?” He glanced at her and offered his arm. “Would you care for a glass of wine?”
    “Wow, you really do stay in character.” Mark laughed. “I’ll catch you later. Should I call you, Erin?” He shot her a hopeful look. “To get hold of Robley, I mean.”
    “Sure. I’m in the club directory.”
    “OK.” Mark nodded. “Later then.”
    As his rival took his leave, Robley wondered what a club directory might be. The only clubs he knew of were those used in battle to bash in a man’s skull.
    Erin steered him toward a booth with grapes, barley and hops painted on the front. “Don’t tell anyone else you’re a time traveler. They’ll think you’re certifiable.”
    “Humph. I meant only to say I’m from the Scottish Highlands.” Did she think him so foolish as to blurt to all and sundry that he’d recently arrived from the distant past? He’d only told her so freely due to the circumstances, and because he wished to gain her trust. How else to explain his sudden appearance?
    “Oh.” She shrugged as they queued up for refreshments. “Let me order, and give me a ten-dollar bill.”
    “Are you always so managing a female?”
    Her cheeks grew a darker shade of pink. “The word you’re looking for is controlling , and no. I’m not. I was only trying to help. You said you wanted a guide, someone to help you navigate.” She stepped away and gestured toward the counter. “Go for it. I can’t drink anything with alcohol anyway. I’m still on duty.”
    He’d offended her, and the look of hurt he’d glimpsed in her eyes cleaved him in two. He’d have to take more care with her tender feelings in future. Robley studied the placard on the wall behind the serving wench. He told her what he wanted and peeled off the requisite bills from the currency True had given him.
    The lass placed two flimsy cups on the counter and handed him a few coins, which he dropped into his sporran. Some of the ale sloshed over the sides when he made the mistake of gripping the cup too firmly. Taking a few gulps, he moved out of the