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

sire.
    “Before.”
    “Before ye were attacked?”
    She nodded. “He left me by the gate to see what was happening. I was on my way to Stirling.”
    Magnus’ frown deepened, then cleared. “Why were ye going to Stirling?”
    Arbella tried to gage his reaction, but it was impossible. His face showed no emotion, his voice was hard. If he was going to be unreadable and hide his thoughts from her, she was not going to share any more information.
    “’Tis none of your concern.”
    He grunted. “I will leave ye your reasons now, but soon ye will tell me.”
    “I don’t have to tell you anything.”
    “We shall see.” He turned from her then, seeming to brush aside their conversation as he headed back to the camp—without holding her elbow.
    He assumed she would follow. Taking a look around the forest, Arbella noted plenty of places to hide. She considered escaping. But he’d easily found her when Keith attempted to abduct her. Using that same skill he seemed to possess, he’d probably find her within minutes. Frowning, she hurried after him.
    What did he mean, we shall see ? Would Magnus force the words from her? She pictured him tying her to a narrow wooden tabletop and performing all manners of torture that she’d heard the barbarians would inflict on innocent victims. Gooseflesh rose on her arms, and she desperately rubbed at them.
    “Where are you taking me?”
    “I told ye, to the abbey.”
    “Aye, but why? What is at the abbey?”
    “A priest.”
    “But you said you did not seek absolution.” She pursed her lips a moment, thinking. “If you do not seek absolution, that can only mean two things.”
    “What is that?”
    “Either you like killing, or one of your men is a priest. But if we seek a priest then one of your men could not be one, so you must in fact like killing.” She gasped, her heart racing. She had more to fear from this man than the one who’d attacked her.
    He chuckled , a deep and sensual sound that stirred something dormant inside her. “Ye talk too much. And nay, I dinna like the killing, and nay, none of my men are priests. I only seek confession from my priest at Sutherland.”
    They reached the horses and Magnus lifted her on top before settling warmly behind her. His body was hard, the muscles of his thighs pressing to hers—her skirts did not provide enough of a barrier, and her face flamed from his indecent touch, and because she secretly liked it. Her bottom was settled much too close to him, and his arm once more snaked around her middle. She sighed heavily then had to stifle a shriek as her breasts rested on his arm with her exhale. She took a few moments to settle her breathing, her rapid heartbeat and the odd tingles racing along her flesh. Magnus urged his horse forward and his men formed a line behind him.
    When she felt she would be able to speak without fainting, Arbella asked on ce more, “Then what are we going to do at the abbey?”
    “I dinna think ye should know until we get there.”
    “What does that mean?” Was the man completely daft?
    “Exactly what I said. Now hush.”
    “ I will not hush as you say. I do not like secrets.”
    “Neither do I.”
    “Then why should you keep a secret from me?”
    Magnus paused a moment as if considering her question. It was in that moment she felt his breath on top of her head as he sighed. It was warm and made her feel hot all over. With each of his exhales, her hair parted creating a tickling sensation along her scalp. It was torture—decadent torture.
    Arbella pulled her cloak up over head, deciding she did not like the sensations coursing through her. What was happening? Why did she feel this way, and with this man? He was supposed to be her enemy. And somehow he’d become her savior. His touch, his glances, his very breath had her melting.
    Everything was so out of control. Not knowing what the future had in store for her had her panicking slightly. Her situation was unnerving enough as it was, and now she had