Page 21 of The Champion

So, this would be her life. Either she ran and kept running, never to see her home or uncle again, or she stayed and married some ruffian who would most likely beat her into submission.

She only hoped Stryder didn’t rip her arm off and beat her with it, as he had threatened to do with Cyril.

Why did she even care if these ruffians lived or died?

There was no hope to be found here. She’d been a fool to even think for one minute she could talk sense or threaten a man like Stryder.

So be it. She would go pack and leave behind all she knew. Better to run than be made a fool of any longer.

Tears stung her eyes as hopeless pain overwhelmed her.

“I’m sorry I disturbed you,” she said before turning to leave.

She wouldn’t give Stryder the satisfaction of seeing her cry. No doubt that would give him a great deal of pleasure.

With no real destination in mind, she left his tent and let her tears finally fall.

Stryder stood there for several heartbeats staring at the emptiness.

Had he seen tears in her eyes?

It seemed unlikely. Lady Rowena possessed a strong, powerful presence that, even now, left him feeling drained after having been around her.

Surely such a woman never wept.

And yet...

Before he could stop himself, he went after her.

She was already at the end of the line of tents. Quickening his steps, he caught up to her.

“Rowena…” Gently, he took her by the arm. “Wait.”

She turned to face him, and he felt his heart shrivel. Her cheeks were streaked with tears that she hastily wiped away.

“What is it now?” she snapped, her voice unsteady.

Stryder crumpled. He only had one weakness in life– tears. He’d never been able to see any woman in pain. Let alone one who looked as vulnerable as Rowena did right now, with the rushlights shining in her bright eyes.

“Here now.” He gently brushed his hand over her icy cheek. “There’s no need for this.”

Rowena swallowed at the warmth of his hand on her flesh. Who would have thought that a barbarian such as this one could touch her so carefully? “No need? Why, sir, if not this, then what else would warrant them?”

“Am I really so horrid that I have reduced you to tears?”

He was teasing her and that surprised her even more than his presence here.

“Yea, you are.”

To her surprise, he laughed. “I have to admit that you are the first woman I’ve ever met who cannot abide me.”

“Perhaps you should get out more.”

He arched a brow at her. “Why is it you cannot utter anything other than insults for me and yet you would have my help?”

He was right about that.

“I’m sorry,” she breathed. “I am so used to insulting those of your breed that it is most reflexive at this point.” She looked up at him imploringly. “But if you would help me, milord, I swear I will not insult you again.”