Seduction of a Highland Lass by Maya Banks Read Free Book Online Page B

civilized, as if they’d hired her services. Snatching her from the warmth of her blankets at dawn could hardly be construed as an invitation.
    “Will you work through the winter, Laird?” she asked as they rode down the incline toward the bridge that led over the loch and into the courtyard of the keep.
    Ewan didn’t respond. His attention was focused ahead, his sharp eyes taking in every detail. It was as though he was looking for someone.
    As they neared the bridge, Keeley could see inside the stone wall. Warriors gathered, concern etched on their faces. Behind them, women and children also gathered, silent and waiting.
    When they rode into the courtyard, Ewan frowned, and he let out a great sigh. Keeley followed his gaze to where a visibly pregnant woman hurried past the warriors standing at attention. Another man followed closely on her heels, his expression haggard.
    “Ewan!” the woman cried. “What has happened to Alaric?”
    Ewan dismounted just as the woman reached the litter. “Mairin, you were instructed to remain inside the keep. Not only is it cold out here, it isn’t safe.”
    Mairin raised her gaze to Ewan and frowned just as ferociously as he was scowling at her. “You must bring him inside so we can tend to him. He doesn’t look well!”
    “I’ve brought along someone who will care for him,” Ewan soothed.
    Mairin turned sharply to survey the riders who were slowly dismounting around Keeley. Then Mairin’s gaze rested on Keeley and her eyebrows went up in surprise. Her eyes narrowed and a thoughtful frown spread across her face.
    “Is she qualified to tend to Alaric’s injuries?”
    At that, Keeley’s back went up and she struggled to free herself from Gannon’s hold. He lifted her down and as soon as her feet were planted on the ground, she faced Mairin with an indignant huff.
    “I’ll have you know I’m sought out regularly for my healing abilities. Furthermore, I had no desire to come with Laird McCabe. I wasn’t given a choice! Am I qualified? Certainly. But the question that should be posed is whether I’m willing to tend to Alaric’s wounds.”
    Mairin blinked and her mouth fell open. Her brows drew together in confusion just before she rounded on her husband who was glaring holes through Keeley.
    “Ewan? Is this true? You abducted this woman?”
    Ewan’s lips twisted in a snarl. He pointed at Keeley and advanced. Keeley clamped her legs together to keep her knees from knocking. She wouldn’t show fear even if she was terrified to her toes.
    “You will address Lady McCabe with respect. You have two choices. You can accept your fate or you can die. And if you ever show my wife such blatant disrespect again, you’ll regret it. I have no time for petulance. My brother’s life is hanging in the balance. You will tend to him and you’ll not begrudge your duty. Are we clear?”
    Keeley’s lips tightened into a line and she bit her tongue to prevent herself from saying what she really wanted. Instead she issued a short nod.
    Mairin glanced between Keeley and her husband, clearly befuddled. “Ewan, you can’t just abduct this woman. What of her home? Her family? Surely there’s another way.”
    Ewan placed his hand on his wife’s shoulder, but Keeley didn’t miss the gentleness in his gesture. Why, his face even softened. He truly did love her.
    Keeley wanted to sigh but held it in.
    “While we stand here arguing, Alaric worsens. Go and hurry. Have his chamber prepared so my men might carry him in. Keeley will have need of supplies. Make sure the women give her what she needs for Alaric’s care. She’ll also have need of a chamber. Give her the one next to Alaric so that she will be close at all times.”
    There was clear exasperation in his voice, but his expression completely belied it.
    Mairin tossed one last look Keeley’s way, and her eyes darkened with regret. Keeley could swear there was an unspoken apology in her gaze. Then Mairin turned and hurried into the