Page 49 of An Outlaw’s Desire

Pitt hissed a breath.

“I want to try and avoid bloodshed.”

“’Tis unlikely.”

Judging by his expression, the peril didn’t just include escaping from the castle. What hadn’t he told her? “What do you mean?”

Sadness etched his features. “I had planned to tell you tonight. I had hoped….” He shook his head. “No chance of that now.”

The fear inside her drove deeper. “Pitt?”

“I have to get away.”

“Without bloodshed.”

“If possible. All right? Now—”

“I am not finished.” As he growled like an angry wolf, she added: “You will also meet with Lord Montgomery, Ash, and any others who should hear. You will tell them and me what you had planned to say tonight.”

“Blythe—”

“Whatever ’tis, they can help! I know you are an honorable man. I know you are in trouble.”

Pitt heaved a breath. He looked about to contradict her, but then nodded and held out his fettered wrists.

“Thank you.”

After several tries, she found the correct key. With a heavy clink, the manacles dropped onto the flagstones.

Blythe crossed to the unconscious guard sprawled by the shelves. Putting the book and keys down, she crouched beside him and found his strong heartbeat. Thankfully, she couldn’t see any blood on his head or the floor, although he’d likely have some bruises.

Pitt approached her.

She rose. “This guard is all right.”

“As I suspected.” Setting aside the sword, Pitt grabbed hold of the man’s legs.

“What are you doing?”

“Giving us as much time to flee as possible.” Hurrying backward, he dragged the guard and then Harlow into the nearest cell and shut the door.

Flexing his shoulders, Pitt strode to the trestle table. Torchlight washed over his torso and defined the sculpted muscles of his bare chest and taut stomach. Magnificent.

He swiftly donned his garments. She’d never helped a prisoner get away before. If Pitt was to succeed, she must keep the guards who’d gone to find the imaginary treasure from returning to the dungeon too soon. “I still want to help you. What should I do now?”

“Do now? What do you mean?”

Was he teasing her? Pretending he didn’t understand her question? Difficult to tell. “You haven’t escaped yet. You must get out of the castle.”

“Indeed, I must.”

“That means you need some kind of distraction.”

A faint smile touched his mouth. “Or, if necessary, a means to barter for my freedom.”

“Exactly.” She dropped her chin to rest it on the raised edge of the book. “Hmm. What could you use for such bargaining?”

He buckled his weapons belt holding his dagger. “I wonder.”