Highland Hellion (Blades of Honor #1) by B.J. Scott Read Free Book Online Page B

never know,” she hissed. “Get your hands off me, you filthy bastard. I would rather die than have a disgusting swine like you touch me.”
    Niall dragged his sleeve across his cheek, scowling at her. “That could also be arranged. I care not if you are alive or dead when I fuck you. Or better yet, I could take you here and now, then once I’ve had my fill, slit your throat. Tell the Lord you grabbed for my dirk and tried to escape. No one would fault me for defending myself. There would be no witness to say otherwise.”
    “Are you so hard pressed for a lady’s favor that you would resort to rape and murder?” she challenged. “Do you not care if your reputation as a warrior, not to mention as a man, is sullied when you admit a woman bested you?”
    “You’ll not be so high and mighty when the Campbell has you stripped naked and publically flogged before he tosses you into the pit to drown.” Niall pinched her chin between his thumb and fingers, forcing her to look at him. “And if I choose to touch you or do anything else that suits my fancy, who is going to stop me?” He grabbed the crotch of his trews, pumped his hips in a lurid manner, then ran his hand up her inner thigh. “Of course, there is always the pear,” he said, an evil smirk tugging at his lips.
    “You are a deplorable, disgusting—”
    “Niall!” The second guard returned. “The Lord of Argyll wishes to speak to us. Best you not keep him waiting.”
    “I’m coming,” he said, then glowered at Arya. “This is not yet finished. I will be back, and next time, you willna be spared. After you’ve spent a little time in here, you may even accept me willingly.” He released his grip on her, then sauntered toward the door.
    “When there is frost in hell,” Arya shouted at his retreating form. But he did not turn around. Once the guards left, she sank to the floor and released a heavy sigh, her mind racing with questions.
    What happened to my captured kinsmen? Were they executed? Is Garrett alive or dead? Mother, who will care for her if I dinna get out of here?
    Her mind riddled with questions for which she had no answers, she lowered head, her heart heavy with despair. Her mam was right, she should not have accompanied the men on this raid. She had been a fool to take such a risk. But it was too late to worry about that now. She did what she felt she had to do and was now at the mercy of the Campbell, awaiting her fate.
    She squeezed her eyes shut. “Please, Lord, let Garrett be alive and let him come for me. Dinna end my life this way. My mother needs me,” she said aloud, tears now tracking down her cheeks. “And while I give Garrett a difficult time, I truly care deeply for him, despite what I claim. Grant me the chance to tell—” But her plea ended when she heard the sound of footfall coming down the hallway, toward her cell.

Chapter 6
    Arya’s heart pounded as if it were trying to claw its way out of her chest. The echo of approaching footfall grew louder and her gut twisted with fear. Had the guards who’d tried to accost her returned to finish what they’d started?
    “Unlock the cell, Niall, and wait for me out here,” a man ordered.
    “Are you sure you dinna need me to accompany you, m'lord? She’s a feisty one. A real hellion,” Niall said.
    “I’m counting on it,” the man replied, then laughed with an evil cackle that made sent a shiver clamoring up her spine.
    “Stay here. I do not wish to be disturbed, and will call if I need you. Is that clear, Niall?”
    “Aye, m’lord.”
    Arya didn’t recognize the gravelly voice. Niall called him m’lord, so he must be someone of importance. But there was no point in speculating, she’d find out soon enough.
    The metal keys clinked against the bars of her cell, the lock clicked, then the rusty hinges creaked loudly as the door opened. Arya stiffened. Regardless of who he was, she’d not cower before him. But she couldn’t help wishing that Garrett would rescue