Highland Barbarian (Highlander Series) by Ruth Ryan Langan Read Free Book Online Page B

what it is to live on the Border? To be raided constantly by hordes of English hoping to steal your flocks, your cattle, even your women?”
    “More meat, my lady?” Cara stood beside her with a tray. In her eyes Meredith could read a warning.
    Meredith bit down on the words that she had been about to hurl. What good would it do to goad these savages?
    Without a word she filled her plate. Beside her, Brice bit back a smile. The lady was not above speaking her mind.
    He marveled also at the amount of food the lady was capable of eating. Just moments ago her plate had been piled high with bread and meat. Where did such a tiny little lass put all that?
    “You were blessed with a healthy appetite, my lady.”
    “Mayhaps all the Borderers are taught to eat quickly, before the English can steal it,” Angus said.
    She heard the thread of laughter in his tone and bristled.
    “If I must remain a prisoner in your castle, my lord Campbell, then at least I shall indulge my palate.”
    “By all means. Would you like some pudding?”
    She shook her head a little too quickly. The thought of sticky pudding running down her gown nearly caused her to choke. “I thank you but I have had sufficient.”
    Out of the corner of her eye she saw Jamie watching her. She rolled the excess material of her gown around the food and prayed that she could escape the room without being caught.
    When they were finished Brice pushed back his chair. “Angus, you will be responsible for the woman until I return.”
    Meredith was careful to grasp the folds of her gown, hugging the food to her bosom. The ends of the shawl were the perfect cover. “I implore you one last time,” she said softly. “Take me with you.”
    “You will remain here.” His eyes were cold, his manner implacable.
    As he turned away she muttered, “You will regret that decision.”
    He turned back and caught her by the arm. In that instant he felt the jolt and cursed himself for his foolishness. To touch this woman was to invite feelings that had no place in his life. Abruptly he dropped his hand to his side.
    “I already regret having brought you here. But here you will stay until I decide to return you to your people.”
    Meredith wondered if the trembling deep inside her was caused by his touch or by the fear of having her plot discovered.
    They all looked up at the sound of horses. While Brice and Meredith stared out the window, his men took up their weapons and prepared to defend the castle.
    Peering through the opening, Meredith saw a company of riders led by a dainty, auburn-tressed young woman. On her wrist perched a falcon. Behind the woman there were at least a dozen men and women in elegant dress.
    Meredith glanced at Brice in time to see his grim look melt into a warm smile. What a truly handsome man he was when he was not glaring at her. She was startled by the wave of alien emotion that washed over her. Jealousy? What nonsense. How could she possibly be jealous of the effect this stranger had on Brice Campbell?
    He seemed not to notice Meredith. With a laugh he motioned for his men to put away their weapons. And then, as the woman was being helped from her mount, he was rushing out the door with Jamie and the dogs at his heels. His men followed and came to attention, forming two columns on either side of Brice and the woman.
    Meredith lingered only a moment longer. This was the perfect opportunity to make good her escape. While the others were occupied with their visitors, they would never notice that she had slipped away from the castle. Perhaps, if the Fates were smiling upon her, she would be miles from here before she was missed.
    She hurried along the dim hallway and pushed open the door to the library. Opening the armoire she pulled out the heavy woolen cloak and filled the pockets with the bread and meat she had secreted among the folds of her gown. She slipped her arms into the sleeves of the cloak. Because it had been made to fit Brice, it engulfed her,