The Witch and The Warrior by Karyn Monk Page B

“That was absolutely horrid. However could you expect me to fix such a thing?”
    MacDunn shrugged. “After all those grisly threats of yours, I would have thought you would have enjoyed plunging a needle in me.”
    â€œDon’t think about it anymore,” soothed Brodick, bringing her a cloth filled with food.
    Isabella wrinkled her nose. “This smells burned.”
    â€œI am sorry,” he apologized. “It is all there is.”
    On learning that, she greedily began to devour it. “You had best ride fast today,” she said between mouthfuls. “Robert is certain to come after you again. He will not rest until I am safely returned to my father.”
    â€œAt the moment, Robert is somewhat outnumbered,” said MacDunn. “Unless your father makes a decision to send out more men, I do not think we will enjoy the pleasure of Robert’s company today.”
    â€œThen tomorrow he will come,” Isabella predicted. “And when he does, he will tie your limbs to two fine horses and send them galloping in opposite directions, tearing you apart and dragging your ragged, bloody remains across the Highlands.”
    Cameron laughed. “By God, I’m actually going to miss her threats.”
    â€œI’m not,” Alex muttered, hoisting himself onto his horse. “It’s time to go. Ned, you will take the witch behind you today. You’re both light, so your mount should be able to keep a good speed.”
    It was a perfectly reasonable explanation, he assured himself, watching as Gwendolyn climbed up behind Ned. He thought she looked slightly surprised, but Ned gave no indication that he found this order peculiar. In truth, Alex could not bear another moment of feeling her soft, slim form pressing against him. He had lain awake the entire night, keeping her warm in the shelter of his body. He had thought the act would be nothing, that he would simply lie next to her and fall asleep. Instead he was acutely aware of every breath she drew, of every small turn and shift and sigh of her delicately feminine body, which was far too fine and fragile to withstand the harsh rigors of life in the Highlands. He had sensed her tension and so he had feigned sleep, knowing she did not trust him to keep his word not to ravish her. And long before light began to filter through the feathery spires of the pines above them, he had questioned his ability to honor his oath. Somehow, this pale wisp of a girl had managed to kindle a heat and need in him that he had never thought to experience again. His flesh had felt as if it were afire, and his loins had hardened until they ached.
    And he was appalled.
    â€œI’m not ready to leave yet,” announced Isabella, untroubled by the fact that everyone was mounted and ready to go. “I haven’t finished my breakfast, and after that I will need a few moments to wash in the stream.” She began to nibble at a second oatcake.
    Brodick urged his horse over to her. “Alas, sweet Bella, this is where I must bid you farewell.” He bent down, scooped up his plaid from her shoulders, and folded it behind his saddle.
    She regarded him in disbelief. “You’re leaving me?”
    â€œI gave your father my word that I would release you in the morning,” Alex reminded her. “Although your father did not heed my conditions, I intend to keep my part of the bargain. You have ample food and water, and you should keep the fire burning. Robert has been released from his bonds, so when he wakens shortly in these woods he will find you. You can either ride home with him or wait until more of your father’s men come to retrieve you.”
    â€œBut I must go with you,” she protested. “Since my father didn’t honor your conditions, you must take me with you.”
    Brodick glanced questioningly at Alex.
    â€œShe is of no use to us,” Alex said bluntly. “And I have done enough to incur the