Angus still didn't believe her, but he resumed combing. Several moments passed in silence. He couldn't keep quiet any longer. "You got a husband?"
"That's very bold!"
"It's a simple question."
She didn't answer right away. Finally she said, "I'm not in a relationship. No."
Angus set the comb down. He couldn't ignore the part of him that was glad. Not that she'd ever have anything to do with him either. That, he was sure of.
"What if I bought out your indenturement?"
"I'm not--" She pulled the quilt higher on her neck and turned to face him. "Why would you do that?"
"Why not?"
"Because. I'm a complete stranger."
"No, you're Cat Sterling, a peck of trouble shown up on my doorstep. Ever think that maybe I feel some responsibility toward you?"
"Well, don't." She frowned. "I can take care of myself."
"Uh-huh, looks like it." He tried to hide his smile, but he was beginning to enjoy himself. "Ever consider that I might be a gentleman?"
"Not sitting in my bed, you're not. Where are my clothes?"
"Last I knew this was my bed, sweetheart. So that would make you in my bed." He pointed to the trunk. "Your clothes are in there. Do you want me to help you dress?"
Color was growing up her neck and into her cheeks. "You are an incorrigible bloke."
And you are a cock tease, he wanted to say but held his tongue. He couldn't remember a time when he'd felt more alive. There was something about her. He never acted like this with women. Cat brought something out in him; something he didn't even know existed. And he liked it. He liked it a whole lot.
Reluctantly, he got up from the bed.
"I'm not indentured." She leaned back against the headboard.
"Whatever you say, sweetheart."
"Where are my weapons?"
"Your weapons?"
"You don't believe a woman's capable?"
Frankly, he didn't know what to believe. Except that Miss Piss and Vinegar was the most arousing, disturbingly complex woman he'd ever met.
He left the room without telling her the whereabouts of her artillery. He had enough problems as it was without arming her.
)
A spy for the British, Cat Sterling is used to living dangerously. Despite having a bounty on her head, she never expects to be shot in the line of duty and left for dead. Angus French had enough problems without finding a near-dead woman on his property. A Revolution was coming, and British sympathizers have just burned down his tavern. The last thing he needs is to be caught housing a woman who's working for them. The price on Cat's head will more than pay for the damage done to his business. He never expects Cat to see him as security and kindness, two things she's never had in life. And he never expects to learn that Cat has a few secrets of her own which threaten to rip them apart.
