'The baron isn't related to you?'
'No, he isn't. Are you almost finished questioning me? I would like to get Alec settled for the night. It's late.'
'I'm almost finished,' he replied. 'Give me the name of this Highlander who made the pact with the baron.'
'I cannot give you the name, for I never heard it.'
'Are you telling me the truth? Surely the baron or one of his friends said the man's name,' he said, his frustration palpable in the sudden stillness.
'Why would I lie? To protect a traitor?'
'But you did see him, didn't you?' Brodick pressed. 'Alec told me you saw the Highlander from the hill.'
'Yes.'
'And you would recognize him if you saw him again?' Dylan asked.
'Yes,' she answered. 'Alec and I were well hidden on a knoll with a path just below. I saw him clearly as he rode toward me. He isn't the only traitor involved, though,' she added. 'Alec said there were two… maybe three… who took him from the festival.' So weary now she could barely hold her head up, she whispered, 'You do know why the Highlander was returning to Dunhanshire, don't you?'
'To inform the baron he'd taken the wrong boy,' Dylan answered. 'And then Alec would have been killed. Isn't that right?'
'Yes.'
'Milady, why were you beaten? Did the bastard give you a reason?' Dylan asked.
'A man who strikes a woman is a coward, Dylan, and cowards don't need reasons to justify their actions.' Brodick's voice radiated anger.
Gillian pulled the plaid close. 'Our first attempt to escape failed, and the baron wanted to punish Alec and me.'
'The boy said you threw yourself on top of him to protect him,' Dylan said. 'It was a brave act, milady.'
She disagreed. 'I wasn't brave; I was terrified they would kill him. I don't think I've ever been so scared. I had just heard the Highlander was on his way, and I knew why, and I was in such a panic to get Alec away before-' She stopped suddenly and took a deep breath. 'So many things could have gone wrong. They could have separated us or hidden Alec away from me, and every time I think what could have happened, I become terrified all over again. Brave? I think not.'
Brodick and Dylan shared a look before Brodick continued. 'Who specifically inflicted the punishment? Was it the baron or one of his soldiers?'
'Why do you want to know?'
'Answer me.'
'The baron.'
'Alec said that another man struck you. Is that true?' Brodick's voice was low and frightfully menacing.
'I don't remember.'
'Yes, you do,' he snapped. 'Tell me.'
Startled by his curt tone, she stiffened her spine. 'As a matter of fact, one of his friends struck me. I don't understand why you need to know about it, though. It's over and done with.'
'Nay, lass,' he said softly. 'It's only just begun.'
Chapter Nine
Beneath the steely exterior of a warrior beat the heart of a true gentleman. The revelation was both surprising and amusing, for though Brodick obviously wanted to be solicitous, it quickly became apparent he didn't have the faintest idea how. When he finally called a halt to the questioning, she hastily stood up before he could change his mind. She turned to leave, but her feet got tangled up in the plaid, and she stumbled forward into his arms instead. He grabbed her by her shoulders to steady her, which was a very thoughtful thing to do, of course, but he didn't stop there. Once he had her, he decided to keep her. As though he had every right to do so, he threw his arm around her shoulders, his staggering weight all but knocking her to the ground, and hauled her up against him. She tried to delicately shrug him away, but that didn't work, and so she looked up at him to tell him to let go. He was waiting for her, and, Lord, the impact of those dark penetrating eyes, filled with such compassion and tenderness, made her heart quicken and her knees tremble.
Did he have any idea of the effect he had on her? The warmth of his skin made her wish she could snuggle closer to him. His heat felt better than ten blankets piled on top of her. And his voice, too, so rich and gruff, was wonderfully sensual. Why, even the way he walked, with such unbridled arrogance, as though he believed he owned the world, his hips moving with easy grace, and those muscular thighs of his…
She blocked the unseemly thought. She shouldn't be noticing such things. 'Twas the truth she'd never known any man like him, though, or felt this kind of reaction. All she wanted to do was put her head down on his shoulder for a few minutes and close her eyes. When she was with him, she didn't feel so vulnerable and unsure of herself. Brodick seemed to be the kind of man who wasn't afraid of anything. Did he think he was invincible? And did thinking it make it true? Where had his arrogance and confidence come from, she wondered, and, oh, how she wished she could borrow a little of both.
Exhaustion was surely taking its toll. She glanced up at him and smiled. Odd that she'd known him for less than a full day, yet she felt as though she'd been with him for years. They walked to the lake leaning into one another like old friends, comfortable with the closeness and the silence, but also like lovers, she imagined, who were breathless in anticipation for what might come.
Aye, his effect on her was quite strange. He made her believe she wasn't alone. Would he help her slay the monsters? No, she immediately decided. She couldn't, and wouldn't, involve him in her battles. She understood her responsibility. She would fight the dragon alone, and if she failed…
'Are you cold, Gillian?'
'No.'
'You're shivering.'
'I was thinking about my uncle. I worry about him.'
'Is he worth your worry?'
'Oh, yes, he is.'
He leaned close to her ear. 'Can you do anything about your uncle tonight?'
'No,' she answered, trying to ignore the caress of his warm sweet breath against her sensitive skin.
'Then let it go for now. Worrying won't help him.'
'That's easier said than accomplished.'
'Perhaps,' he allowed.
Alec ran past them, dragging a stick behind him. The child was barefoot and bare-chested and obviously having a fine time. His laughter echoed through the trees.
'He's too excited to sleep.'
'He'll sleep soundly,' he predicted.
He didn't let go of her until they reached the water's edge. Then he asked, 'Can you manage on your own or do you need help?'
'I can manage, thank you.'
'Don't get your arm wet,' he reminded her as he started back to camp.
'Wait.'
He turned back to her. 'Yes?'
'You…'
She suddenly stopped. Wondering why she hesitated, he took a step toward her. She bowed her head and folded her hands together as though in prayer. She looked terribly vulnerable now… and sweet… he thought.
'Yes?' he repeated.
'You make me feel safe. I thank you for that.'
