Chapter 7

“Why are you walking?” Tristan rode up beside Avery who was trailing behind the wagon. She was nearly jogging to keep up with it, and her cheeks were red and flushed looking.

“It’s too crowded in the wagon,” she panted without looking at him.

He glanced at the wagon. The wagon was full, although he supposed she could have squeezed in if she was determined enough. He couldn’t blame her for not wanting to. Even from here he could feel the tension and distrust radiating from Mrs. Lanning.

“You cannot keep up this pace all day,” he said. “It’s only been an hour, and we’ll be travelling until dusk.”

“I have excellent stamina.” She winced as she stepped on a rock and he studied her bare feet.

“You’ll rip your feet to shreds.”

“I’m fine,” she said.

He grunted irritably and then moved his horse in front of her, forcing her to stop. He reached down, wrapped one powerful arm around her waist, and hauled her upward as she squeaked in alarm. He position