Cuckoo in the Coven

Sunny could do no more than nod in response.

“We must pass,” Cullen stated in a commanding tone. “I have business in the harbor.” He put his arm around her and bypassed the nosy man.

From under her lashes she could see the trader continued to watch them with suspicion, making no pretence to do otherwise. His gaze flickered over them, as if he was trying to figure out the nature of their relationship. Especially when he saw Cullen guiding her away to the other side of the street, casting warning looks back over his shoulder as he went.

Why am I concerned? There was nothing the man could say about her she hadn’t heard before. Normally she’d deal with it swiftly and deliver a snarky wake up call. But this felt different, as if she were an animal to be prodded and poked.

“A questionable man if ever there was one.” Cullen scowled.

But now others were looking at them both with curiosity, turning away from the stalls and carts, crowding closer as they passed through the marketplace.

Cullen leaned closer, ducking his head to whisper to her. “They have seen no other as beautiful or as unusual as you, my precious. Their curiosity gets the better of them. Do not fear, for I will defend your honor.”

She was startled by the vehemence with which Cullen spoke, and the way he defended her—as if it was his duty. Old-fashioned chivalry, she supposed. He also seemed to have sensed her concern, as if their intimacy brought about a deep and close bond, despite the minimal time they’d spent together. “You don’t need to defend me,” she assured him. “I can look after myself.”

He peered at her with curiosity. “You jest, surely?”

Lord, this was infuriating.

“Cullen, for a mixed-race woman, comments and scrutiny isn’t so unusual. I’ve been bullied before and, believe me, I can stand up for myself.”

He shook his head, as if amused. “They fear what they do not understand, ‘tis no fault of yours.”

His words touched her, and Sunny squeezed his arm tighter still, but there was no time to respond, because the noise behind them grew louder and a scuffle broke out as the crowd shifted closer still.

“What manner of wench is that you’re hiding under your cloak?” a voice shouted.

“Hell and damnation,” Cullen muttered. “It’s the bailiff. The man is a rogue, he lives a wild life.”

The man Cullen called the bailiff inclined his head at Cullen, then at Sunny. His attention lingered on Sunny, and his leering gaze made her blood boil. It was fast turning into the Wild West in quiet old Raven’s Landing.

By the bailiff’s side was the merchant from their earlier encounter. He’d obviously brought the bailiff over. Meanwhile, half a dozen goats had escaped their keeper and were bleating loudly. Sunny watched in dismay. So much for getting down to the harbor quietly and quickly.

Cullen raised an eyebrow, making a connection with her. It felt as if he were warning her. His hand rested briefly on her waist, as if to reassure her. “Careful,” he whisper

ed close to her ear. “I don’t want you to be injured in the squabble. The bailiff will use his position to taunt me about my situation.”

Sunny stared at him, her emotions reeling. She blinked, forcing herself to believe the situation. It was difficult because she could feel his will to protect her. Never before had she wanted this, or even thought of it. But by god it felt good.

The moment was broken by the crashing sound of the bailiff kicking a basket full of chickens and a stray goat out of his way. “Cullen Thaine, what trouble do you bring upon us?”

“Good morning, Sire. I bring no trouble, I assure you. I’m on my way to the harbor, a servant with me.”

The bailiff stepped closer and grasped Sunny by the face, and turned it from side to side.

Sunny gasped in shock and pulled free of his grasp.

“Desist, Sire!” Cullen commanded.

The man’s eyes rounded and he laughed heartily.

A whisper went around the crowd, who looked on, agog.

“Desist? You have the temerity to order me about? Something to hide, Thaine? What manner of crime is going on here?”

“None.” Cullen made a sound like a growl in his throat.

Sunny felt light headed. Dangerously handsome and so willful, he whisked her into his cloak to shield her from the eager eyes of the onlookers.