“My stepbrother is demanding that I marry Niles Comming,” she offered quietly.
“And this was his way of forcing you?” Alex asked. “Niles Comming is well known for treating women poorly. While you should not normally refuse your laird, you were wise to say nay in this case.” When he finished pulling the chemise free, he said, “Hand me the bit of soap, lass, and I will wash your back.”
Madeline handed him the soap and waited for the pain. But his touch was so gentle, his ministrations only burned a bit. He washed her entire back and she melted at his touch. A soft moan escaped her lips.
His gruff voice pulled her back to reality. “I think ‘tis done, lass, I will leave you to finish now.”
“Thank you, Laird,” Maddie said as he turned away.
She finished her bathing quickly and moved onto the bank. Holding the torn gown in her hand, she sighed. Another gown ruined, but it was the best she had for now. She managed to tie the back so she would be decent.
Maddie returned to the clearing with her wet, ripped gown. She tugged on the sides in an attempt to prevent it from clinging to her, but failed. She caught most of the men staring at her, including Alex and Brodie. Alex made a barking noise and his guardsmen all turned away. She blushed and turned her head, realizing what they must think of her threadbare clothing. When she returned her gaze to him, Alex’s face had turned dark, his lips a grim line. He abruptly turned away from her, busying himself with his horse. What had she done to make him angry? She noticed Brodie busied himself roasting a rabbit over the fire. What was wrong with them?
“Come have something to eat, lass.” Brodie waved her to the log next to him.
Madeline balanced herself on the far end of the log and reached for some of the meat Brodie tore off for her. She didn’t wish to offend him, but she could not sit next to him. Her stomach growled at the sight of the roasted meat. She bit into it, blushing as she turned her head away, juice trickling down her chin. The tasty morsel was better than anything she had eaten in a sennight. The heat of the fire washed over her, warming the dampness of her wet gown. She shivered as she thought of her circumstance.
Alex dropped down on the log next to her. Instant sweat beaded on her forehead as his scent reached her nostrils. Butterflies fluttered in her belly as she fought to maintain control with a man so near. Why did he have to sit right next to her? How could she remove herself without being rude? She didn’t want him so close. If he reached his hand out, he could grab her or hit her. She swallowed a lump in her throat, forcing her eyes away from him.
She recognized it wasn’t just Alex, it was any man. But he seemed to bring out even stronger feelings in her. She was familiar with the anxiety that overcame her when men were near, but she had never felt the extra pounding in her veins, or the strange feeling in her stomach. Why was he different? Abruptly she stood. She grabbed another piece of meat to cover her awkwardness, but was compelled to sit on the other side of the fire. Her brow furrowed as Brodie glanced at his brother, a teasing grin curving his lips.
“I do not bite, lass,” Alex said as he tore into a piece of rabbit meat.
“At least not you anyways, lass,” Brodie added with a chuckle as Alex continued to rip through his food.
“Forgive me, Laird, but the smoke bothered me,” Madeline said, lowering her eyes. She needed to change the subject quickly.
“When do we move on?”
“Right now,” Alex stated as he jumped up. “Brodie, take care of the fire and get ready to move. We cannot wait around in case MacDonald has sent men after us.”
“Mayhap I should ride with Brodie this time, Laird. I do not wish to be a burden to you.” Maddie glanced from one brother to the other, sweat breaking out on her face again as she thought of having to be so close to one of them. At least Brodie did not appear to be angry with her. He always had a smile on his face. Alex seemed to have such a harsh appearance all the time. Truth was he frightened her, especially the feelings he brought out. Perhaps Brodie would be safer.
“Whatever you wish, my lady.” They cleared the site and retrieved their belongings. Maddie waited patiently by Brodie’s horse. She hated being a bother to them. She found it hard to believe they had made this trip just to rescue her. When Alex was in a better mood, she would ask why he was in the area. Alex finally strode over, lifted her as if she was a feather and placed her in front of Brodie .
“Be careful, Brodie!” Alex ground out before he turned.
“What did he mean by that, Brodie? I won’t break,” Maddie whispered.
Alex barked loud enough to startle her. “It means I am watching my brother, not you, my lady.”