Kyler observed the woman before his eyes. Her voice was thick and unsteady despite her attempts to sound confident.
She had long black hair, beautiful bottle green eyes that were now darkened with worry, her fancy off-shoulder dress allowed him a glimpse of her full and firm breasts. His lustful gaze traveled further down noting a narrow waist that opened to a seductively curved waist. He enjoyed her moments of unrest.
Gianna felt sweat cling to the back of her neck, dampening her hair as the man before her eyed her breasts and clicked his tongue in satisfaction. She threw a warning glance at him but she knew it wasn't going to change whatever plans he had for her.
"If I may grant you a compliment, you're beautiful!"He said taking a step back.
Gianna heaved a sigh of relief as he stepped back. She took a long slow breath. But her relief only lasted one short moment as the dark-eyed man's gaze traveled further down to her hips.
"My betrothed won't spare your life for even thinking of laying your dirty hands on me!"
Gianna lied in an attempt to scare the moron. Gianna could swear to to have seen a hint of surprise in the man's black eyes which now glistened with a dangerous aura.
In truth, Gianna didn't know her betrothed at all. She had never even seen him, but she hoped to make a deal with the dark-eyed man to release them in exchange for some gold coins from her husband to be since he was a nobleman too.
"Allow my brother and I to leave and you'll all live unscathed for the rest of your lives."
"And who's your highly esteemed betrothed supposed to be?" The man asked, his voice void of the intial surprise.
"He is the son of the Earl of Xentael, who's to become the earl in the coming days?"
"Is that really so?"
"Yes, Gianna speaks the truth." Denzel confirmed and immediately regretted it . He had just told them his sister's name without second thought.
Gianna glared hard at him;he grinned sheepishly at her reaction; something he often did whenever he wronged her.
The dark-eyed man ordered his men who were holding Denzel to release him at once. Clearing his throat;
"I apologize for holding you captive then ." His inscrutable expression didn't show the slightest hint of remorse.
"Is that all you have to say?" Gianna asked knowing her little plan was working.
"Yes." Was his short reply; before he continued.
"I am not good with words , why don't you join us for supper in the inn to clean the bad blood between us?"
He suggested. Gianna was about to politely decline his offer before he walked away. Rude! He didn't just expect them to accept his offer to treat them to a sumptuous supper.
He opened the door to his carriage for them. His men pushed Denzel inside. Gianna stared mindlessly paralyzed and glued to her spot. His men were about to drag Gianna into the carriage before he stopped them with a wave of his hand.
"Don't force my hand Miss Gianna." He spoke calmy yet his words were delivered in an authoritative tone.
Gianna forced her wobbly legs into the carriage. What had she gotten themselves into?
The man had apologized and Gianna had nearly given herself credit for crafting a flawless plan; but she was undoubtedly wrong.
It was a long trip to the city. The man said not a single word to them. He actually acted as if they didn't even exist. Gianna turned to look at her brother and he smiled reassuringly though she could see fear in those oceanic blue eyes.
The carriage came to a sudden halt. The coachman opened the door for them. Their host led them into an expensive Inn; probably one where the richest of nobility spent their time and money.
"Please order whatever you'd like to have. I'll clear the bill."
"We're not hungry." Gianna blurted. She didn't what his hospitality, she just wanted to be away from him, even if it meant going back home to her treacherous family.
Gianna had just completed her sentence when Denzel's stomach growled loudly making the dark eyed man chuckle.
"You were saying?" His remark was directed at Gianna.
In no time, Gianna had cleared her plate and ready to leave. He wouldn't dare stop them, would he?
This was just but the worst time place to do so with so many people watching.
"I'll escort you two home."
" We can find our way back. Just give us our horses and we will find our way back."
" I am afraid that's not an option Denzel. I've already sent your horses home."
Wait, how did he know her brother's name? Gianna looked at her brother but he didn't seem to have an answer to her question either.
Once again Gianna found herself sharing the carriage with the man she so much despised.
"What's your name?" She asked.
"Kyler."
Kyler. She had never known anyone having that name. Not in their city. As a young healer, Gianna knew many people from her city where she worked before she was recruited as a castle healer.
"You're a traveller here, aren't you?" She continued her small talk.
"Yes, I come from Xentael region."
So he came from the same region her betrothed hailed from. Was her betrothed also annoying like this stranger?
As the carriage doors slid open, Gianna could see her worried father standing just outside their gate.
Alvilda came running and inspected her son for possible injuries.
" Where were you? You made me worry so much." Turning to the stranger;
"Thank you for bringing my son home."
He just nodded.
" I wish to leave you now Mrs Kent. Take care Gianna; till we meet again next time." He winked.
Tsk, there won't be a next time, Gianna sweared.
" My Lord?" It was Hilton, now standing beside his wife.
"Mr Kent."
" I am forever in your debt My Lord. Thank you for bringing my children home. Though u've gone against our tradition by meeting your bride a day prior to your wedding."
"It was purely unintentional Mr Kent."
My Lord? Bride? Marriage?
That meant he was her betrothed, was she going to marry that annoying man?