Highland Deception (Highland Pride) by Lori Ann Bailey Page B

could trace the dark curls reaching to her waist.
    “And if she isnae so important? Would ye want her then?”
    Maggie slowly spun toward them and met Lachlan’s gaze with sad blue eyes that turned heated within an instant. A fire sparked, and her defiance blazed. She glanced away, her rebellious curls swinging around her shoulders in subordination. He took it as a challenge.
    Lachlan had been with others since his betrothal had been dissolved, but he couldn’t deny the desire coursing through him. It was only a matter of time until he gave in to the growing need. “Aye, Alan. I want her.”
    He had just become the predator and she the prey.
    …
    Frustration beat at Lachlan’s chest because she wouldn’t look at him. They had been riding for hours, but she sat stiff on the back of one of their newly acquired horses, not sparing a glance at him. Alan’s warning had scared her. When he’d met her, she had seemed fearless to the point of putting herself in danger. Could it be true she was afraid of nothing but a broken heart? Or was there something more?
    “Where’s Freedom?” she had asked as he’d put his hands out to help her mount.
    “I sent Dougal ahead with him. Wanted to make sure there were no more surprises.” Now you are the one lying. He had justified it by thinking, It’s only half a lie and to protect the clan.
    She’d frowned. “Why Freedom? Does Dougal no’ have his own horse?”
    “Aye, he does, but I sent him with extra, so he could make better time.”
    She’d stepped up into his hand like she was a princess, mounted, and then turned her head to ignore him.
    She had a defiant streak in her. A lass who would goad him and ignite a fire in his blood. It was refreshing to see a woman who didn’t jump at his command. But her recklessness was unnerving—she had jumped into a battle to save a man she didn’t know and run into a river naked in an unknown area with unfamiliar men close at hand.
    Now she challenged him in front of his men. He slowed to ride beside her, and she sped up. When he sped up, she slowed down. The men snickered, and Alan was openly amused at his plight.
    Maggie was making herself unavailable to him, and strangely, her curt dismissal of him made him want her more. Aileen had always been the one to initiate their interludes. This lass was making him work for her affections.
    He dropped behind again and studied her regal bearing. She obviously had some tutoring, and she rode a horse well. Why would an intelligent, definitely innocent lass be going away from her home instead of toward it?
    She had not protested last evening when he had told her she would have to travel to Kentillie with them before they would be able to return her—he’d expected her to argue and insist they take her home immediately. Shocking that instead she’d looked relieved, even happy over the idea of not being reunited with her family.
    They stopped for a rest. Dismounting, Lachlan frowned at her. “Maggie, come,” he ordered.
    His voice was harsher than he’d intended, yet how was he supposed react to the defiant stance she’d taken with him? Her eyes pinned him with suspicion, but she slowly obeyed and walked a few steps behind.
    He took her hand and was surprised at how it molded into his, although she eyed him suspiciously. “Come. ’Tis good to stretch while we’re stopped.”
    “Aye,” she said as she smiled innocently up at him. “I am stiff. I dinnae ever remember riding so long.”
    “Do ye ride much?”
    “I used to, but no’ so much anymore. I miss it.” After a sigh, she continued, “There is something liberating about riding.”
    “Is that why ye named yer horse Freedom?”
    Instead of answering, she stared off into the distance. His temper flared as it dawned on him she was not going to answer such a simple question.
    He rounded on her. She stopped short to avoid colliding with his chest and jerked her hand from his as she backed a step. The whites of her eyes were large