True to the Highlander(6)
CHAPTER TWO
The sun had set, and even though the woman shivered from the chill night air, she continued to lean as far from him in the saddle as possible. Malcolm removed the wool from his shoulder and draped it over her small frame. She flung it back in his face.
Several times she slipped into sleep, jerking upright when her body began to slide off his horse. Her stubborn refusal to take the succor he offered frustrated him. He left her to struggle—until he could no longer bear her discomfort.
Malcolm waited for her to fall asleep again, and then he drew her back. Holding her steady, he wrapped her in the wool of his plaid. The fullness of her breasts resting on his forearm sent his pulse racing. Her hair smelled like sunshine and wildflowers. Pulling her snug against his body, he cradled her head against one shoulder and inhaled her sweet feminine scent, taking it deep into his lungs. Sighing, she settled herself without waking. He reveled in the feel of her in his arms and let his horse plod along at a snail’s pace.
The scent of roasting meat and the warm glow of the campfire throwing shadows against the pines led Malcolm to the campsite. He gave a soft whistle, and the youngest of their party hastened to him. “Galen, take her.” Malcolm eased the woman into the other man’s arms before dismounting. He prepared a place for her to sleep, and Galen laid her down on the thick sheepskin, covering her in wool. Malcolm gestured toward the others, and they walked away, careful not to disturb her.
Taking a seat by the fire, Malcolm was relieved to see Hugh already wrapped in his plaid for the night some distance away. His men sent curious glances his way as he rubbed the dried blood from his injury.
“What happened to your lip?” Robley handed him a large piece of roasted venison.
“She bit me.” Recalling their absurd battle, he laughed. His men looked at him in shock, causing him to laugh all the more. “Aye, ’tis truth.” Malcolm saw no need to elaborate and settled into his meal.
“How did your lip happen to be between her teeth?” Robley asked, his smile full of mischief.
“I kissed her.”
“You kissed her?” Liam glanced toward the sleeping form of their mysterious guest. “As she fled?”
Malcolm leaned forward and signaled for them to do likewise. He chuckled again, and in quiet tones he told them the story in full, embellishing nothing. Finally, he explained, “I hoped the kiss would startle her into loosening her hold.” He rubbed his injured lower lip. “I underestimated my opponent. Let that be a lesson for us all.” He grinned as they mulled it over.
“She’s no’ even as big around as one of your thighs,” Angus murmured. “’Tis hardly credible.”
“She had you on your knees?” Robley snorted. “I’d have paid a small fortune to have witnessed the feat.”
“’Twould be worth a small fortune to know who she is and how she happened to be alone on our road,” Liam added. The others nodded.
Malcolm sent Angus and Galen off to their rest and asked his cousins to stay. Staring into the fire, he picked up a stick and idly drew circles in the dirt while reflecting upon all that had occurred.
“What are your thoughts, Malcolm?” Liam asked.
“Until we know who the lass is and where she belongs, ’twould be wise to keep an eye on her.” Malcolm looked from Liam to Robley. “Spread the word amongst those we trust that she’s under my protection. You know my concerns regarding Hugh, and ’tis likely she has trouble following close upon her heels.”
Malcolm shook his head. “She speaks the words of the Sassenach, but not in a way we’ve ever heard them spoken. Her accent is unfamiliar. The gown she wears is rich. She’s a gently bred lady for certes. Her hands are soft and without callus.” He frowned. “Except for the tips of her fingers on one hand. ’Tis curious.”
“Curious indeed,” Liam teased. “You examined the tips of her fingers?”
“Aye,” Malcolm grinned sheepishly, “while I bound her wrists to keep her from injuring me further. Robley, you and I will guard her tonight.” Malcolm threw the stick onto the dying fire and stood to stretch his weary muscles. “Liam, you have first watch. Wake Galen for the second. We’ve a hard ride ahead of us if we wish to make Moigh Hall by Sext. Let us get some rest.”
Alethia woke at dawn to find herself wedged between the massive backs of two men. They were like walls radiating heat and smelling of horse, wood smoke and sweat. One of them belonged to Malcolm, the Alpha-Jerk.
Her wrists were still bound. Not a good sign. Her throat closed up, making it hard to breathe. Who were these men, and what did they intend to do with her? What the hell am I supposed to do, and how the hell am I going to get back home? Stuffing her panic back into the jack-in-the-box from which it sprang, she forced herself to calm down. She needed a plan.