Kill or Be Kilt by Victoria Roberts Read Free Book Online Page A

family who are…er, were spies for the Crown.”
    Ruairi took a swig from Ian’s flask. “Howbeit Elizabeth is part of the English aristocracy. ’Tis her birthright to experience such madness for herself. More to the point, nay one would dare come near her with ye standing by her side, Munro.”
    Ian wagged his finger at Ruairi. “Wait a moment. I heard ye with my own ears. I donna have to do a damn thing, and I’m holding ye to that.” He grabbed the flask back and then pointed it at Ruairi. “And I hope ye brought more uisge beatha with ye because we’re going to need it. I will nae drink that watery piss at court that these English let pass for ale. I require a man’s drink.”
    Ruairi chuckled. “We had to journey from the Highlands to London with four English women and a wee lassie. I brought more than enough. And Elizabeth will nae be any trouble. We’ll only need to keep the wolves at bay.”
    â€œSo says the man who let an English spy into his home.”
    â€œYe know Ravenna has retired from service,” said Fagan.
    â€œSo says the man whose wife brought mercenaries onto our lands.”
    Ruairi held up his hands in defense. “Need I remind ye that Mildmay and my wife, being in favor with the king, are the reason ye did nae have to attend court for years?”
    â€œAye, but I’m here now.”
    Fagan scowled. “Ye’re in a foul mood, Ian. How long has it been since ye’ve tupped a woman, eh? Mayhap a courtly harlot is what ye need to improve your miserable demeanor.”
    â€œBastard.”
    â€œAye.”
    Needing to find air that his friends did not breathe, Ian made his way out into the garden with his flask in hand. He sat on a bench and was brooding beside a rosebush when Elizabeth stumbled upon him from the garden path.
    â€œLaird Munro, I didn’t see you there. Where are Ruairi and Fagan?” When she noticed the displeased expression on his face, she added, “Oh, I’m afraid I’ve seen that look before. Are my sisters driving you mad, or Ruairi and Fagan?”
    He chuckled and took a swig. “How verra observant of ye, lass.”
    She approached him and gestured to the bench. “May I?”
    â€œAye.”
    â€œDo you want to tell me what’s troubling you?” When he took too long to respond, she spoke again, changing the subject. “What do you think of our Scadbury Manor? I know our home is much smaller than your own.”
    â€œYe have a fine home and should be proud, Lady Elizabeth. And donna mind my foul mood. I find myself brooding every time I cross the English border.” He also could have added “Sutherland border,” but knew it was best to keep that thought silent.
    She returned a smile. “Come now, Laird Munro. Do you truly find our company so dreadful?” When he didn’t respond to another one of her questions, she stood. “I’d like to show you something.”
    All he wanted to do was stay on the bench with his drink to accompany him, but at the last moment, he reluctantly agreed to follow Elizabeth through the garden. They continued over the drawbridge and turned right onto a dirt path in the woods. “Where are we going, lass?”
    â€œDo ye always question everything?” When she spoke the words in a Scottish accent, he laughed.
    â€œYe best keep to your King’s English, Lady Elizabeth.”
    â€œWas I that terrible?” she asked over her shoulder.
    â€œAye.”
    As they followed the trail through the trees, the forest closed in around them. Ian rested his hand on the hilt of his sword, knowing better than to lower his guard. His eyes darted back and forth through the thicket as Elizabeth slowed her pace beside him. He couldn’t stay the nagging feeling that someone or something was watching them from the shadows of the trees. His instincts were usually right, especially when the little hairs