Part 2 (1/2)
”A boar?” Wesley's expression brightened and he turned, hand on sword hilt. ”It's been years since I've seen a boar.”
”Not now, Wesley!” Ridley barked.
Resentment clouded Wesley's face, but he complied, falling into step beside Fayth, who was being dragged along roughly. Wesley was only a year older than Fayth's two and twenty years, though at times he seemed much younger. He should be his own man now, not Ridley's reluctant servant. But Papa had left him nothing and Ridley promised rich rewards.
Wesley elbowed her sharply.
Fayth frowned at him.
He shook his head meaningfully, his mouth a thin, hard line, the scar on his cheek standing out darkly.
Fayth knew this was his way of begging her to behave, but she would have none of it. ”What's the matter, Wesley? You want to chase the boar? Then just do it. Why do you need Ridley's permission?”
Ridley came to an abrupt halt and looked between the two of them. He was not ignorant of Fayth's games and so he eyed her accusingly. He squeezed Fayth's arm so hard she gritted her teeth to hold back a groan.
Wesley stared incredulously at Ridley's gloved hand. ”Christ, Ridley, are you trying to break her arm? Let her go!”
Ridley's hand tightened so Fayth gasped, rising on her tiptoes to somehow contain the pain. Just as Wesley's eyes narrowed and he stepped forward, Ridley released her. Fayth stumbled against Wesley, who caught her, cradling her abused arm in his hand.
They both stared at Ridley's retreating back. ”Move!” he shouted, not even turning.
Wesley led Fayth forward, muttering under his breath.
”Help me, Wesley.”
Wesley shook his head, avoiding her gaze. He'd left his helm with his horse and the ma.s.s of brown curls shone in the sunlight. Fayth wanted to touch him, to shake him until he was her Wesley again.
”What would Jack think of you now?”
Wesley looked at her then, his face closed in anger. ”Much has changed since Papa and Jack died. You're the only one who doesn't understand that.”
”I don't understand why it has to change,” Fayth persisted, praying she was getting through to him. ”You promised me I wouldn't end up like Caroline-you promised!”
”You knew what was at risk when you botched the Maxwell raid. Ridley advised you of the consequences. There's no one to blame but yourself.” Seeing her mutinous expression, he said in a softer tone, ”I just don't understand. What else is there for you? You must wed. Why not Carlisle? At least you'll be rid of him soon. Why must you fight us?”
Fayth shook her head sadly. ”You're no different than Ridley. Don't forget how Papa shunned his methods-said he was without honor. You had honor once.”
”Ridley makes things happen.”
”Ridley speaks naught but falsehoods. How do you know all he promises you is truth?”
His hand that had been cradling her arm steadily tightened until he squeezed her as tightly as Ridley had.
”I know,” he ground out through clenched teeth, as if trying to convince himself.
Fayth tried to yank her arm away. ”Let go! You're hurting me!
Wesley released her abruptly, his face paling as he looked from her arm to his own gloved hands.
They reached the dirt where Ridley awaited them. He sent Wesley away with a look and shoved Fayth into the litter so she fell facefirst into the mound of pillows. She lay still, contemplating what she would do next. Should she tell them Red Alex was in the forest? There was a time when Wesley had wanted to avenge Jack's death as much as she did. He might still want to hunt Red Alex down. Though she'd happily dance on Red Alex's grave, it was unlikely they'd find him. Half the men on the borders were after Red Alex's hide and none had come close to snagging him. She toyed with the idea of setting Ridley on the outlaw as the cavalcade began its slow snaking journey through the forest. She sighed. Ridley probably wouldn't believe her anyway. He'd accuse her of creating yet another diversion to aid her in more escape attempts. And he'd be right.