“Coward. He always flees.”
“Aye.”
“Next time. McMurdo got away, too. He took off when Dermott and I showed up.” Rebbie strode toward his horse, then hoisted himself into the saddle.
Keegan glanced down at Seona. “Why did fighting break out among Haldane’s men?”
“One of his new recruits decided he… wanted me and attacked Haldane.” Seona’s face reddened. “Haldane shot him, then his friends joined in the fray. I took advantage of the situation and ran, but Haldane caught me and tied my hands and feet.”
Keegan’s stomach knotted when he imagined her in such a precarious situation. “Are you certain he didn’t hurt you?”
“Aye. I thank you,” she said, darting a quick glance from his eyes to his lips and back.
He leaned down and placed a soft, sweet kiss on her mouth, grateful she wasn’t injured.
“Where ismy‘thank you’ kiss?” Fraser teased.
Seona pulled away, smiling and blushing.
“Shut your gob, Fraser,” Keegan muttered, trying to hide his grin.
A multitude of hoof beats approached from the south, drawing Keegan’s attention and darkening his mood. He knew who they were even before he saw them.
A moment later, four of Murray’s guards reined in their mounts and surveyed the scene. “We’ve come to escort Lady Seona back to her father,” their leader said.
Keegan stepped in front of her. “I’m taking her.”
Smirking, the head guard shrugged. “As long as she goes back to her father, I don’t care who takes her.”
Seona tugged at his clothing.
He turned to her. “Aye?”
“You stay here,” she whispered. “I’ll go back with them.”
“Why?” Keegan frowned.
“Is it not obvious? I don’t want my father and his men to kill you.”
“They won’t kill me. They may try, but chances are they’ll get a blade in the gut.”
“Stubborn,” she muttered.
“Indeed, I am.” Keegan lifted her to his horse and climbed on behind her. He wished he could’ve stolen her away, but he knew she would never leave her sister behind.
Even though he would enjoy holding her in his arms for a few minutes, he had to figure out how the devil they were going to retrieve Talia, then escape Murray and his men.
∞∞∞
Seona didn’t wish to return to the village or the castle, but she had no choice if she wanted to ensure her sister’s safety. And she didn’t want Keegan anywhere near her father now that his men had surely told him they’d found her and Keegan in bed together at the inn. Her father would be in a killing rage. She prayed he hadn’t already punished Talia for running away.
Riding in front of Keegan, his strong arm around her, Seona turned to him. “We must find Talia.”
“Aye, we will,” he whispered against her ear, then kissed it.Delicious shivers slid down her body. She would love naught more than to sink down into the pleasures Keegan knew how to indulge her with, but now was not the time. She had to focus on finding her sister.
Keegan guided his horse toward the back of the tavern, his friends following. But as soon as they rounded the corner, her father, a few of his men, and Wentworth came into view. Nausea rose within her.Saints!Exactly who shedidn’twant to see.
As they rode closer, her father’s face grew redder.
