Adrina’s fingers curled around the precious bottle, and she held it close to her breast. “Thank ye, milady.”
Venora nodded her head graciously. “The servant will take you to the stables where your escort is waiting.”
***
As they neared the stable, Adrina scanned the surroundings to find Griogair. If there was anyone that she wanted to accompany her it was him. The man was pleasant, and despite his size, she didn’t find him intimidating. And if she didn’t feel like conversing throughout the journey, she sensed that Rory’s younger brother would be more than willing to accommodate her silence.
But her gait faltered when she saw a man who was definitely not Griogair. This man was in the shadows, and at the moment, his back was turned to her. He possessed dark hair that fell to his broad shoulders. And even in the dim light, she could see his tall, lean build. There was no mistaking this Highlander’s warrior status. He must have heard her approach because he pivoted.
Her hands flew to her mouth as a sharp gasp escaped from her. “What areyedoing here? Where’s Griogair?”
A dark brow quirked as he took in her shock. “There has been a change in plans,” Duncan said, flashing his white teeth, his deep brogue sweeping over her skin like a caress. “I’ll be the one tae take ye home.”
“Couldnae some other man provide me escort?” she said, folding her arms over her chest, refusing to allow herself to fall for his charms.
“Why?” he asked. “Dinnae ye like me?”
“Nay,” she said, adamantly shaking her head. She didn’t know what she liked, but one thing was certain, she didn’t want to spend any time with him. The day before he was rude and obnoxious. And from watching him, it was clear that he also had the ability to turn on his charisma whenever he wanted. A sudden wave of irritation surged to her breast. In all honesty, she preferred to forget that she had ever met him. She had fooled herself in thinking that her dream lover was Duncan. It was someone else that bore a strong resemblance to him. That was all.
“Aiya, lass, ye sorely wound me,” he said, making an exaggerated movement to place a large hand over his heart.
“I doubt that ye have a heart tae wound,” she said, screwing up her face. She could see that his easy appeal could easily woo a woman. But she wasn’t a typical lass who was so easily beguiled.
“Another arrow struck.” A mocking smile played on his mouth as he pretended to grasp an arrow at his chest.
“I refuse tae go with ye,” she said, pursing her lips.
The amusement in his eyes disappeared. “I’m afraid that ye have nay choice as the others are nae available tae take ye. Either ye accept my offer, or ye will remain at Tancraig Castle until further notice.”
“Ye cannae keep me here against my will,” she said, her fists clenching tightly at her side. “I’m nae a prisoner here.”
He shrugged, ignoring her anger. “Like I told ye, the choice is yours.”
Duncan moved over to adjust the saddle on the horse beside him. When he was finished, he turned his head. “Well, are ye coming?”
With a sinking feeling, she realized that she really had no choice. Instinctively, she knew that if she refused to go with him, he would follow through with his threat, and return her to the great hall. Then when she was in the confines of the keep, she was certain that Darra would prevent her from venturing out on her own. And until there was someone available to take her home, she would continue to be at the mercy of the MacGregons. She had already spent two days at Tancraig Castle. Could she risk losing more valuable time? A lot could have happened since she left Dunnvie. For all she knew, Fingal might have found new ways to torture her people.
“Give me a palfrey. Nay one has tae ken.” She placed a hand on Duncan’s forearm, making one last attempt to sway him. “’Twould be better off for the both of us if I left on my own…” Her voice trailed off as a surge of energy shot through her, causing her fingers to tingle. It was only a split second, but a surprised expression crossed his visage, as if he too felt the queer jolt that passed between them.
Duncan grabbed her by her slender waist, and quickly hoisted her on the horse, trying to ignore the electric current that rolled over him. What the hell was that? In his twenty-six years, he had never experienced anything like it. And even though he was mounted on his own steed, it puzzled him that her womanly scent still lingered around him.
He cast a glance in her direction. She was facing forward, unaware that he was studying her. While she was attractive, he had seen other lasses that were much more fair and definitely more receptive. It was apparent enough that she disliked him even though he tried to win her over. He usually preferred fair-haired lassies anyway, and this one possessed dark tresses and was tiny. And even though he towered over her, she displayed no hint of fear. In all regards, she was wrong for him. And everything logical indicated that he needed to keep his distance. Yet another part of him wanted to be near her, to know the taste of her lips, to feel her soft body underneath his…
He straightened his spine. Evidently, his judgment was becoming clouded. The warning signs were there, and they were becoming loud and clear. He needed to keep away from her despite the fact that she intrigued the hell out of him. If he was clever, then he needed to abandon these carnal thoughts before they led him further down the dangerous slope. No woman had ever affected him like this before, and no matter how alluring she was, he wasn’t going to allow this wee lass to distract him from his task.
***
By the time they rode for an hour, Adrina’s irritation had simmered down. There were several days of travel ahead, and the skyline stretched almost to infinity. She wasn’t certain how she had managed to travel for so many days without encountering any trouble. Although she would never admit it to Duncan, she was grateful for his presence.
As they continued on their way, he made no further attempts to engage her in conversation. She felt relieved by his inattention, since she was content with exploring her own dark counsel.
Adrina’s fingers automatically reached for her brooch, touching the familiar, smooth surface of the bloodstone. The gemstone was the color of dark moss and was shot with a spray of red speckles. It was an unpolished stone yet when it was held up to the light, it sparkled with breathtaking beauty. As far as she knew, no one else possessed an ornament such as hers. It had belonged to her great-grandmother, and since her mother didn’t care to have it, it was passed down to Adrina. As her thoughts touched on her mother, the rhythmic movement of the horse underneath her lulled her further into her past. But at the same time, her grip on the clasp tightened, as if somehow it gave her the strength to confront the memories.
The first time she had the vision, she had awoken with sweat pouring down her forehead and back. Her throat was dry as if she had been screaming. And maybe she had. The nightmare felt so real. As her parents were led to the executioner’s noose, she witnessed the stoic expression on her father’s visage, and the terror in her mother’s eyes. In the nineteen summers of her life, she had never known her father to fear anything. However today, even though he displayed little emotion, she sensed his fear.
“Halt!” she yelled at the executioner. “There has been a terrible mistake. Ye need tae release my parents. Ye need tae do it now.”
But the man neither heard nor saw her over the jeering of the crowd. She tried to run to her parents then, but it was as if she was stuck in thick mud, and she couldn’t get to them. But when she finally reached the platform, her dream ended, and she found herself back in her own bedchamber. The next morning, she discovered that her parents dined in the great hall as usual. And the rest of the day resumed as normal. Even so the nightmares continued to haunt her from one evening after another. And each time she witnessed the horrific scenes, she felt as frightened and as helpless as a babe.
