As he was deciding between smelling like summer or leather, Duncan jumped and let out a yelp.
Rubbing his backside, he turned, looking for what beast had stung him.
'Twas a woman. She leered at him. "Hello handsome."
"Mistress." He inclined his head, desperately looking around for Violet.
The woman moved closer, a predator scenting prey.
"I haven't seen you around." She had lips as red as blood and skin dark as old leather. Her assets were on display and if Duncan hadn't already been told this was how some women dressed, he would have thought her a prostitute.
"Aye. I needs go."
"Oooh, you're from Scotland." She pouted at him. "Too bad you don't have a kilt on, I'd love to find out what's underneath."
She ran her fingers up his arm, the bright red nails leaving faint marks on his skin. The scent she wore went up his nose and he sneezed three times.
The woman pressed herself against him. "Why don't we get out of here?"
"Duncan?"
As Violet came around the corner, Duncan wanted to hide behind her like a small lad.
She glared at the woman. "Back off. My friend isn't interested."
The woman tossed her hair and sniffed. "Whatever. Though why he'd want you when he could have all this is beyond me."
She flounced off, leaving Duncan with his mouth wide open. When he dared a glance at Violet, she had her arms crossed over her chest, muttering under her breath.
"Is she gone?" Duncan let out a breath. "Was that one of the 'mean girls' you told me about?"
She nodded. "That woman would eat you for breakfast."
He shuddered.
"Come. Let us leave before she comes back." He leaned down and whispered in Violet's ear. "She pinched my arse."
Violet clapped a hand over her mouth, shoulders shaking.
"'Tisn't funny."
A laugh escaped as she wiped her eyes. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't laugh but the look on your face when I came around the corner." She doubled over laughing.
"I think you were more afraid of her than the alligator."
"I was not afeared." Duncan stiffened. Then he grinned. "Aye, you're right. She terrified me. Ye should have heard the scandalous things she whispered in my ear."
