The Highlander's Reward by Eliza Knight Read Free Book Online Page A

he’d made the right decision. Now, he would just have to make her accept it.
    He led his future wife into the brush so she might find relief.

Chapter Five

    As embarrassing as it was lifting her skirts and urinating on the ground, at least the Highlander had turned his back. Arbella’s legs burned from the effort of squatting in the awkward position it took for her not to wet her skirts. At least when they reached the abbey she might make use of a privy with a door and a seat before they continue on their way.
    When she smoothed her skirts back into decency, she came to stand beside him, her face as hot as flames.
    “I’m finished,” she murmured.
    “Then let us be on our way. We have a couple hours’ ride until we reach the abbey.”
    “The abbey? Will you leave me there then?” Relief filled her.
    He’d scared the breath out of her earlier when he’d thundered toward her on his massive horse, but nothing had prepared her for the physical attack carried out by his man, Keith. Her life truly flashed before her eyes. Not that much had happened to her yet. In actuality, the last twenty-four hours had proven to be the most dramatic of her life. Being rid of these wild warriors would give her immeasurable comfort. They would be no more than a days’ ride from Stirling. Her father would be looking for her. One of the monks could ride to Stirling to tell him where she was. She’d be back in her father’s protection within the week.
    Laird Sutherland’s face grew tense, and the muscle of his jaw clenched in a hypnotic rhythm. She couldn’t read his moods no matter how hard she tried. Staring hard at him, she attempted to interpret the thoughts behind his startling green eyes, but all she saw was the color, their magnificence and she drowned inside their depths.
    “Nay, my lady. I will not leave ye there.”
    It took her a moment to realize of wh at he spoke. “Do we go to seek shelter?” She scanned the woods. Was it really so unsafe here that they could not make camp? Most likely, aye, since she’d been attacked by one of the laird’s own men, there was no telling how abusive a true outlaw would be. She shivered. Her maid had been right.
    “Nay.”
    She looked back at him, furrowing her brow. His stare was hard, cold. She rubbed her arms feeling very uneasy.
    “Then what is the reason? Do you seek absolution for taking lives today?” That had to be it. Made sense. Many warriors sought forgiveness after battle. She didn’t know what she’d do if she ever killed anyone. Indeed she would probably run to the nearest priest and fall to her knees in supplication. In fact, she wanted to do just that from the harm she’d caused today.
    “Nay.”
    His answer surprised her. He took her by the elbow and steered her back toward camp. This wouldn’t do. Arbella needed answers. She couldn’t allow him to manhandle her like she was his property.
    “Am I to be your prisoner?”
    “Nay.”
    She yanked free of his grasp, planted her feet firmly on the ground and kept herself from placing her hands on her hips. From experience, hands on her hips automatically set those of the male gender on edge.
    “Your one word answers are not very informative, my laird. I wish to know what your plans are.”
    Magnus frowned. “’Tis not your place to know my plans.”
    Her mouth fell open. “Aye, but what of me? What am I to you? Where are you taking me? I want to return to England. I don’t even know if…” She trailed off unable to voice her concerns about her father.
    He grabbed her elbow again and pulled her along. “Know what?” he demanded.
    She swallowed, once again caught in his intense gaze. She didn’t know why, but for that moment, she felt she could trust him with her concerns. “My father,” Arbella said quietly.
    “Was he there with ye?” His voice held an ominous tone and she wasn’t sure she wanted to continue the conversation. Knew for certain she wasn’t ready to hear any bad news regarding her