The Wrong Bride by Gayle Callen Read Free Book Online

forested land covered the hillside. Not a barn or cottage was in sight—perfectly remote for two fugitive Highlanders to take her, perfect for highwaymen to avoid exposure. She imagined that they weren’t used to their victims fighting back, but McCallum had obviously been more of a challenge.
    One of those highwaymen was already struggling to mount his horse, his leg covered in blood and difficult to maneuver. Had the gunshot come from McCallum’s pistol? The clan chief was grappling with another man, and Samuel was charging at a third, sword and pistol drawn, as the retreating man ran for his horse. She was startled when Samuel let loose a bloodthirsty shout.
    The last man fighting saw his men in retreat, and it was obvious that McCallum was toying with him at sword point. The man dodged a thrust, then ran for his own horse. Not bothering with a chase, McCallum stood triumphant, sword point resting in the ground, barely breathing hard.
    â€œCowards!” he shouted as the horses galloped away.
    Riona’s plan had failed, and she wondered what her punishment would be. But for the moment, McCallum and Samuel seemed to have forgotten herscream and simply grinned at each other like boys who’d just won a horse race. She hadn’t seen McCallum smile before, and she was surprised at how it lightened the cragginess of his features, made him actually appear . . . handsome, in a rugged way.
    But that smile died when he turned and focused his narrowed gray eyes on her. His hair had come loose from its queue, and the dark waves settled to his shoulders. He looked like a wild Highlander, and she’d just gone against him. She tensed in the doorway, knowing it was too late to flee.
    â€œWhat did ye think of my plan?” Samuel called, as he slid his sword back into its sheath. “Lady Riona’s screaming, I mean.”
    She stiffened and tried to mask her shock.
    â€œThat was a plan?” asked McCallum skeptically.
    â€œI was certain they’d want the chance to ransom a highborn lady,” Samuel continued. “Their hesitation was all ye needed to attack. Ye got two of them with one jump. Impressive.”
    She swallowed heavily, attempting to appear confident, while inside she was stunned that Samuel would defend her. She wasn’t certain why he’d do such a thing, and it made her feel both indebted and worried about his motives.
    â€œYou have my thanks, because it worked,” McCallum said. “That piercing scream distracted them like nothing else.” He glanced at Riona, then spoke with a trace of reluctance. “Well done.”
    She nodded, surprised to feel vaguely guilty. Why should she feel that way when she was but their prisoner? “I don’t suppose you’ll be better prepared next time.”
    One dark brow arched, but he seemed in too good a mood to respond in kind. “We’ll not have to fash about that in Scotland. The pickings are too poor for highwaymen.”
    Samuel laughed but she didn’t see what was funny.
    â€œI’ll drive until midday,” McCallum said. “Let’s put some distance between us and these brigands before they get their courage up again.”
    Silently, Riona climbed into the coach and felt it dip behind her as Samuel followed. He seated himself across from her, and she simply stared at him in confusion. The coach jerked into motion, even as Samuel closed his eyes.
    â€œWhy did you lie for me?” she asked hesitantly.
    He opened his eyes and regarded her with a sympathy that felt foreign to her.
    â€œYe’re a frightened, desperate lass. And I understand ye, so I helped ye this time. But he’s my chief—my friend. I won’t help ye again, so don’t make a foolish mistake.”
    She swallowed but her words still sounded hoarse and full of pain, even to her own ears. “Is it foolish to want to go home?”
    â€œâ€™Tis foolish to wish to change what cannot