Reading Online Novel

To Dream of a Highlander(66)



“I told ye, ye shall be my bride. Ye may no’ be yer sister but ye have a sizeable dowry and ye are a fine woman indeed.”

Catriona tried to swallow but her throat was dry. She squeezed her eyes shut briefly to clear the fog from her mind. Almost as soon as she had awoken, Gillean had dragged her to her feet and had a hand wrapped around her throat. Prior to that she had vague memories of Lorna being struck down and dragged away. She only prayed Lorna was well.

She glanced at the gallery and back at Gillean. His grin lengthened. “They’ll no’ help ye, Catriona. Why do ye no’ behave yerself? Ye will have to act the docile wife soon enough. Once the priest is here, we shall be wed.”

Hand curled around the banister, she retreated another step. She longed to argue back, but had no argument for him. Once he married and bedded her, she would be his and there would be little to be done about it.

However, she refused to be cowed.

She edged onto the first step, sliding her feet back. Her hand nearly slipped on the railing as her palms grew clammy. Her gaze locked with Gillean’s and a tremor rumbled through her. He dove for her, swift as a hawk, and she screamed.

Turning, she snatched her gown and sprinted up the stairs, Gillean close on her heels. He snagged her skirts but she tore away and ran onto the gallery. Intent on the staircase, she did not hear him until he was upon her and she screamed again when he wrapped an arm around her waist. Hauled against his chest, breath knocked from her, a menacing chuckle washed over her. Catriona fought the groping hands as they tugged at her bodice. Her heart beat impossibly fast and when he spun her around and thrust her against the gallery railings, almost snapping her spine on them, his face merged with that of the Norseman in her mind.

And then she recalled warm blue eyes and hot skin. Remembered feeling loved and wanted. The Viking vanished, leaving the aged, red-faced, snarling Gillean.

“Get off me,” she cried when he fumbled at her breast.

“I had hoped for our wedding night,” he declared, gripping her wrist and thrusting her hand away, “but I might as well ruin ye now. Then ye’ll have little choice.”

“Nay.” She twisted out of his grip and shoved against his chest. It only gave her the tiniest moment of freedom but it was enough to wriggle out from her confined position.

Gillean grabbed her again and she swung for him, fist connecting with his cheek. He put a hand to it, eyes blazing. “Whore!” he spat.

Chest heaving, Catriona steadied herself at the top of the stairs. She needed to get past him and get to Finn and Lorna. She hunched her shoulders over, ready to barrel through but he lunged for her before she was ready. Dodging to one side, she shoved him and he stumbled, flailed and tumbled down the stairs.

Hand to her mouth, Catriona could only gape as he crashed down the staircase, limbs flapping and connecting heavily with the wood. When he finally came to a stop at the bottom, Catriona peered at him, waiting for him to rise up and come after her again.

Gillean remained motionless.

A shaking hand to her hammering chest, Catriona turned to be confronted by the two men who had taken Finn and Logan prisoner. Chin up, she affected her coolest look. “Yer master has had a heavy fall and could be injured.” They stared at her and she motioned with her hand. “Well, are ye going to help him or not?”

Exchanging looks, they eyed her and one nodded. “Aye, milady.”

They hurried past and Catriona wasted no time in running along the gallery and up the stairs. Cool air touched her skin and she realised Gillean had torn her bodice. Thankfully her chemise covered her well enough. She nearly slipped on her skirts as she navigated the narrow staircase and she fought for air once she reached the top. Slamming against the door, she fumbled with the lock and flung the door open.

Finn turned his head and scowled. “Catriona!” With a shake of his head, he dashed over and lifted his bound hands over her head so she was flat against his chest.

“Are ye well?” he asked. “Has he hurt ye?”

“Nay, I am well,” she said against his chest, drawing in his warmth and strength. She lifted her head. “But we must make haste. I rendered him senseless, I think, but he may awaken and his men saw what happened.”

Awe haunted Finn’s expression before he released her. Lorna got to her feet and embraced her while Logan hung back.

“I am glad ye are well,” Lorna said softly.

“Aye, I am sorry he hurt ye. I thank ye for trying to help.”

Lorna waved a hand. “I couldnae stand by and watch him harm ye.”

Logan peered out the door and motioned for them to follow. “We must hurry. If Gillean awakens there will be hell to pay.”