Page 50 of My Notorious Highlander

"Aye."

But they also had to hurry or Haldane would discover them gone and start searching for them.

They both stood at the same time.

Again, she was thankful Torrin was with her for she would've been much more afraid had she been alone. She didn't want to tell him this now however. She didn't wish to distract him. They had to approach the castle with much caution even though they were still not on the main trail. The wind off the sea made it difficult to hear any movement in the bushes.

Closer and closer they drew to the castle, to safety.

"Stay behind me," Torrin whispered and got in front of her.

"Why? Do you sense something?"

"Aye." He crept forward one step at a time. "Watch my back."

She felt honored that he trusted her so much. Holding onto the plaid at his back, she turned her head and took a long careful look behind them. Seeing naught in the dusk, she faced forward again, then her gaze searched along the sides of the trail. Just in front of them, the bushes had near overgrown the trail. The deep gloaming only provided enough light to see indistinct outlines of the dark bushes and gray sky.

A shout sounded behind them. Her heart vaulted into her throat.

"Damnation, they've discovered our escape." Torrin grabbed her hand. "Come, let's run the rest of the way. We can't fight all of them."

Holding hands, they dashed through the bushes, the thorns tearing at their clothing. The bushes behind her shuddered and someone grabbed her left arm. She screamed and struck at the person with the sword in her left hand. Since she wasn't left-handed, her blows were weak.

Torrin leapt around her and struck out at the man. She was immediately released. She couldn't see what Torrin was doing in the dimness, but his opponent yelled out and fell into the bushes.

"Come, let's hurry." Taking his hand again, she ran as fast as she could. She tripped over her skirts and started falling, but Torrin caught her and lifted her into his arms. "Hold on around my neck, and I can still use my sword."

She did as he asked, unable to believe his strength, but he was a warrior through and through. They approached the curtain wall, then ran along it toward the portcullis and guard house.

Bushes shook behind them and she saw a few glimpses of pale-colored shirts. "They're getting closer. Hurry," she said.

Torrin increased his speed.

"Guards!" she yelled. "'Tis me, Jessie. Open the gate."

Upon reaching the portcullis, they did not find it open, but several guards lingered outside, along with Iain and his men.

"What the devil is happening?" Iain asked.

"Haldane and his band of outlaws are on our heels," Torrin said. "Get Lady Jessie inside!"

Just then the gates opened and Torrin pushed her through. She refused to let go, trying to drag him in after her, but he tore away from her. "Go inside the castle! They have arrows."

"Nay! Torrin!" she yelled, clutching her hands onto the closing bars, but he was off with Iain and the guards, charging to confront Haldane and his men.

She ran up the turnpike stairs into the guard house to gain a better vantage point. The guard stationed there eyed her sword.

"What is happening out there?" she asked him.

The clang of blades answered her question. By torchlight, the men fought. Two men fell and she couldn't tell who they were in such dim and wavering light.

Please protect Torrin. Against her will, she had grown to care deeply for him over the past couple of days.

A shout resounded and several men ran away—Haldane's men. The MacKays gave chase but moments later, they returned. Where was Torrin? Her eyes searched the dimness. She ran down the steps of the guard tower and into the barmkin. She met the men at the portcullis as it was opened. Torrin walked beside Erskine and Iain. Her eyes searched Torrin for injuries but found none, other than the one he'd sustained earlier on his arm. She stood still, forcing herself not to run to him. She didn't want him to know how much she cared.

"They fled like a pack of rabbits," Torrin told her.

"Was anyone injured?"