"We'll ride northwest." Rebbie needed to distract himself from her allure and focus on how best to keep her safe.
"Where will we go?" she asked. Despite the dangerous situation, he found himself liking the sound ofwecoming from her lips. Was he daft? There was nowe.
"I have a small castle deeper in the Highlands," he said. "Tummel Castle, about forty miles from here. I've only visited it three times. It has good curtain walls surrounding it and should be a safe place for you to stay until we can stop this Claybourne whoreson." If any guards were in residence, he would enlist their help, along with other men from the castle, to ride back toDraughonwith him to gain the help of Lachlan and his men, along with his father's men.
"Can we reach it today?" Calla glanced around at Rebbie, enjoying the heat of him at her back.
"Nay, but we should arrive by tomorrow. Devil, here, is not only a large warhorse, he also has incredible endurance and speed."
"I feel terrible about causing such a problem." Truly she did. If she'd known what Claybourne had been planning, she would've never tried to meet Hobbs at the stable. What if Rebbie was injured because of her? She couldn't live with herself. And what had happened to Hobbs? She prayed Claybourne hadn't killed the kind man.
"'Tisnay problem," Rebbie murmured, his deep, husky voice and his breath tickling her ear.
Chills chased down her neck toward her breasts. And she found herself missing the strong arm he'd had wrapped around her waist earlier to hold her as they were riding. "You're too kind."
"Nay, I think not.'Tiswhat any man should do to protect a woman in need, but as we know, not all men are honorable."
She nodded. "'Tistrue." She didn't know Rebbie well, but judging by his actions today, he had to be the most honorable of men. "Those atDraughonwill wonder where I've disappeared to."
"I'm certain. Maybe the coach driver or guard noticed the ruckus on the street. Once Lachlan hears of your disappearance from the village, he will no doubt send out search parties. If I had a garrison at my disposal, we'd fight them off, but that's not possible at the moment.'Tisbest that I hide you for your own protection."
"I thank you," Calla said.
What else could she say? She'd never imagined Rebbie would go to so much trouble to protect her from Claybourne. She'd known Claybourne was a knave, but she'd never truly believed he would try to rape or abduct her. He was evil to the core.
Rebbie leapt off the horse and helped her slide back onto his roll of blankets and clothing that was strapped behind his saddle so she could ride pillion. Then, he remounted in front of her. 'Twouldbe more comfortable for them both, he'd said.
He was right, of course, but she found she missed his strong and protective arms around her. She'd felt safer than she had in years.
As it was now, he took her gloved hands and pulled her arms around his waist. "Hold on, lass." He grinned around at her.
The way he'd saidlasstook her back more than six years into the past, to that inn where she'd experienced amazing, sensual things she'd never thought possible. "Aye." She didn't mind holding on at all. His waist was trim and firm, and his broad shoulders blocked her view of anything in front.
Every few minutes, she glanced behind them to make certain Claybourne hadn't caught up. Nay, for the most part, they were alone. A few times, she saw crofters in the distance, tending their crops and sheep.
Thankfully, the day grew clearer as the sun rose overhead and they rode deeper into the Highlands. The wild and forbidding mountains drew nearer with every moment that passed, and the scenery more majestic and picturesque, with the violet heather cloaking the hills. He'd said that he'd only visited this castle of his three times. How many castles did he own? Considering his horse and his title, he had to be wealthy. But, she well knew, a title alone did not guarantee wealth, especially when one had a gambling problem like her late husband.
She was thankful Rebbie hadn't questioned her further about the debt.'Twasmortifying for her to admit her own husband had gambled her away during the heat of his wagering frenzy. Given his actions, Claybourne was determined to have her, rather than the money, even if it came to violence. She couldn't believe his gall, snatching her up in bright daylight where anyone could see him. Was the man mad?
When he'd carried her, screaming, into the stable, he had grabbed her in shocking and disgusting ways, and 'twas clear he would rape her if given the opportunity. She had one ofStanbury'sold knives strapped to her calf, but she hadn't been able to get to it. And even if she had, she was unsure whether she could've used it effectively. She had never been forced to use a weapon before.
Thank God Rebbie had shown up when he did. Considering the skillful way he handled the sword and the horse at the same time, while also protecting her, he'd been a thrilling sight to behold. The belted plaid he wore only added to his air of untamed Highland warrior. And she found she didn't mind at all seeing his well-formed calves, strong knees, and when he sat in the saddle, part of his muscular thighs, too.
When she'd been sitting in front of him earlier, it had been all she could do to keep from dropping her hands to his thighs and feeling the dark hairs tickle her palms. A sensory memory came to her… his hair-roughened, hard thighs sliding between hers, spreading them. Her body quickened and excitement burned through her.
What in heaven's name was she doing, recalling such wicked memories? She was no wanton… well, at least normally she wasn't. But where Rebbie was concerned, she had a weakness for his touch.
She regretted drawing him into this danger, she would have to tell him.'Twasnever her intention to put anyone else's life in peril, certainly notRebbie's.
He turned his head aside and asked, "Are you hungry?"
"Nay. I had a large breakfast." Though 'twas midafternoon, she truly was not hungry.
He grinned. "You're such a wee lady, I can't imagine you eating a large breakfast."
She couldn't help but smile in return. "Well, mayhap it wouldn't have been a large breakfast to you, since you're a great warrior."
He chuckled. "Great warrior, aye?" he asked doubtfully.
