Highland Flame (Highland Brides) by Lois Greiman Page B

sun had found its way from behind a bubbly cloud and cast its golden light on her. Surely this lass had always basked in sunshine, he thought, for she was the only daughter of the old laird. She must have been the very light of his life.
    "Unless ..." She tilted her head slightly, but did not drop her gaze before his. "Unless ye plan to break your word and attempt an escape even now."
    "I dunna break me word, lass. And if I ran I would lose this chance ta speak ta ye."
    She watched him with an unwavering stare and he found himself wondering about her thoughts.
    "Have ye sent word ta Leith already?" he asked.
    "No. I have not."
    " 'Tis tempted I am ta stay a wee bit longer then. Mayhap long enough to help dig a new well for Dun Ard."
    "I am indeed relieved," she said with no sincerity.
    "And I am flattered that ye are relieved."
    "But tell me," she said without pause. "Why do ye feel ye must leave before yer brother's arrival? Is he so blackhearted that even ye fear him?''
    "Leith?" Roderic didn't attempt to hide his surprise. "Mayhap that be a question ye should ask Fiona sometime, or young Roman. They could better tell ye of the state of his heart. But nay," he continued. " 'Tis na fear that forces me ta leave. 'Tis me regard for human life."
    "So long as yer brother agrees to our demands, we will harm none of ye."
    For a moment Roderic remained in stunned silence, and then he laughed. He couldn't help it, for it was a beautiful day, and he was spending time with a bonny lass with a sporting sense of humor.
    "Why are ye laughing?"
    "Yer pardon, lass," he chuckled. "I thought ye made a jest."
    She raised her brows, and he straightened slightly, watching her and clearing his throat.
    "I see that I was mistaken. But ye see, lass, 'twas na Forbeses' lives that I fear losing. 'Twas MacGowans'."
    Anger sparked in her eyes. "The Forbeses will return what they took from us," she said stiffly. "And ye shall remain here until they do."
    "Which will make me stay verra short indeed, since we took naught."
    She gripped her dirk harder in her slim fingers. "And ye say ye do not lie!"
    They stared at each other, both angry now. "I dunna, lass," he said softly, "and I say I willna wait for me brother's arrival."
    "I say ye will!"
    Her obvious anger made his own decline. He liked watching her face when she was riled. 'Twas almost a pity she didn't still have Troy's sword to stab into the earth. It made her look all the more dangerous, like a Viking maiden, flame-haired and fiery-willed.
    "And I say I can escape yon tower afore two more days pass."
    Despite her anger, her tone was smooth when next she spoke. "Do all ye Forbeses have such fantastic imaginations?"
    "Na.. Just me. Would ye care ta make a wager?"
    "I do not wager."
    "Ahh." He shrugged. "But I wager a good deal— with those who are na scairt ta do so."
    Her jaw tightened. "What is it ye would bet?"
    "What is it ye would give me?"
    "I begin to wonder if your brother could be foolish enough to want ye back."
    Roderic laughed. "I didna say I expect him ta hurry, lass. But we lose track of the important topic. What would ye wager?"
    "Nothing."
    Roderic shook his head with a frown. "I have heard the MacGowans were indeed tight-fisted. But I didna realize to what extent Let me sweeten the pot a bit. If I lose I will…” He paused. "I will give ye Mor."
    "Yer steed?" she asked in surprise.
    He nodded. "Aye. He is a hearty, well-trained mount and has sired fine bairns. What do ye say?''
    "Would ye think it a sign of doubt if I asked what I would owe if ye won?"
    "Nay. I would think it a sign of wisdom. And seeing yer hesitation, I will ask nothing of earthly value." He scowled, thinking. "If I win ..." He dropped his elbow from his knee and straightened from the waist before lowering his voice to make certain his words would reach no other ears but hers. "If I win ye must assist me in bathing."
    To his disappointment, she didn't blush. Instead, her cheeks seemed quite pale and her lips