He extended his hand,and after a moment’s hesitation, Gabriella placed hers in it. His palm was warm and callused, engulfing hers. Their eyes met and held, and for a blink, time stood still.
“The deal is sealed.”His voice was gruffer than a moment ago as he released her hand and stepped toward the door. “Rest now. Ye’ll meet Erica on the morrow.”
He paused at the threshold,looking back at her with an intensity that made her breath catch. “And Gabriella?”
She blinked,surprised he’d used her name. “Aye, Laird McCulloch?”
His eyes met hers,dark and unfathomable. “Ye’ve endured what would break most men. Ye’ve been hunted, caged, treated as less than human. But here, within these walls, ye’re nae prey anymore. Ye’re a free woman under me protection. Remember that.”
Then,he was gone.
Alone,Gabriella sat motionless on the bed. She had just made a bargain with a man whose very reputation evoked both fear and respect throughout the Highlands—and whose presence stirred something inside her she had never felt before.
A monthof watching over a laird’s sister in exchange for passage to France. She had expected a far worse fate today—indeed, had been prepared to die rather than face it.
Instead,she’d secured her freedom with what seemed to be a simple task.
Rising carefully,Gabriella made her way to the window. The view stole her breath. Below stretched the castle grounds, then rolling pastures dotted with sheep, and beyond that, dense forests climbing the slopes of distant mountains.
The world outsidewas vast and beautiful—and utterly unfamiliar. France suddenly seemed impossibly far.
Gabriella wonderedwhat the Laird’s sister would be like.
“A hellion with a sharp tongue,”she murmured to herself. “What sort of woman are ye, Erica? Why does yer braither think I’m the one who can handle ye?”
As she turned backto the room, something caught her eye. On the chest at the foot of the bed lay a dress of fine green wool, far finer than anything she’d ever worn. Beside it was a silver hairbrush with the McCulloch crest.
Her fingers brushedthe soft fabric. This wasn’t the garment of a servant or companion, but something a lady might wear. Why would he provide such a thing for a temporary guest?
She pickedup the silver brush, examining the intricate crest.
“Will she be as imposin’as her braither, I wonder? As unpredictable?” She shook her head slightly.
A monthof watching over a Highland laird’s sister…
Gabriella jumped to her feet,letting the brush clatter to the floor. That’s it! It was a trap. Had been one all along. The Laird knew his sister was untamable, and she’d never be able to keep her out of trouble. Then, she’d be forced to remain at the castle and end up being his bed slave.
It’d been a trick,and she’d fallen for it!
“Oh,God—ye’re such a fool, Gabriella. What have ye agreed to?”
A knockat the door startled her. A young maid entered, carrying a tray with more broth and bread.
“The Laird askedme to bring ye more food, Me Lady,” she said, setting it down carefully. She bobbed a quick curtsy. “Will ye be needin’ anythin’ else?”
Me Lady?
Gabriella shook her head,speechless.
Left alone once again,she sank back onto the bed, suddenly overwhelmed by the luxury surrounding her, the vastness beyond the window, and the unfathomable man who had saved her life only to entangle her in something she didn’t yet understand.
One month.She had one month to keep Erica out of trouble. Because despite Laird McCulloch’s true intentions, she was determined to succeed, and then she’d never have to hear the word ‘laird’ ever again.
5
Hector strode away from Gabriella’s chamber, his fists clenched, his knuckles white with barely contained fury. He had witnessed many atrocities in battle, but the state of the lass had ignited a rage within him that threatened to consume his reason.
“Bloody hell!”he growled, each injury burning into his mind—the cuts on her arms and feet, the bruises on her skin, the raw wounds where ropes had cut deep, and even the fresh ones she’d gotten running for her life during the hunt. “For six bloody months, they held innocent lasses to hunt on me lands. I’d tear out their throats with me bare hands if I could.”
