Page 382 of Wicked Highland Heroes

A look of speculation commingled with arrogance crossed Edwin’s face. “How does that philosophy extend to Victoria?”

“My wife,” Iain used the word he noticed Hockley had avoided, “does not concern you. What should concern you is your safe passage home.”

The postern door opened and Iain cursed at sight of his wife. “My lord—” Her gaze met Hockley’s and she halted. Her flushed face melted into cool civility.

“Edwin.”

The earl strode toward her. “Victoria.” He reached her side, then took her hand in his and lifted it to his lips. “It is good to see you. You are well?”

Iain’s interest sharpened when Victoria disengaged her hand. Blatantly ignoring her brother in-law’s greeting, she hurried to Iain’s side.

“My lord, I must speak with you at once.”

He motioned for everyone to vacate the room, but Victoria shook her head. “Nay, outside.” She inclined her head closer. “Do not allow Edwin to follow.”

Iain nodded to the nearby guards to remain in the hall with the earl, then accompanied Victoria to the postern door. He opened the door, stood aside for her to pass ahead of him, and caught sight of the half dozen MacPherson men, swords drawn, opposite the five men allowed in with Hockley, their swords also drawn.

Iain took two large steps and grabbed Victoria’s arm and yanked her to a halt. “Return to the castle, at once—my chambers—and lock the door.” He scanned the group, saw Thomas, his back toward he and Victoria, then shoved her toward the castle. “Go.” “Not until you make them release her.”

“Do as I say—” He jerked his gaze onto Victoria.

“Her?”

She pointed at the group and Iain blinked at sight of a woman at young Riley’s side. She was small and tucked close to the opposite side of the young warrior. Iain hadn’t seen her at first glance.

“Order Riley to release her.” Victoria tugged on his arm.

“Who is she?”

“My stepdaughter.”

His head gaze snapped onto her. “Step—” Victoria started forward.

Iain grabbed her arm. “Cease running into battle.” He yanked her to his side and approached the men. When they neared the band, he said, “It does not appear Riley is hurting her.”

“He thinks to keep her,” Victoria said.

“Keep—Sounds—” Iain choked, “—like a fine idea to me.” Through a badly managed fit of laughter, he added, “I have known such situations to come to a good end.” He released Victoria and stepped in front of Riley to study the girl closer. “She is a fine looking lass.” He stopped at the scowl on Victoria’s face. “For Riley, that is,” he added.

Tears spilled over the girl’s lashes.

Victoria patted her arm. “Courage, Katherine. All will be well.”

“Aye,” Iain said, recalling Victoria’s own reaction to those very same words. “All will be well.”

Murder appeared on her face. “She is a child.”

Iain looked at Katherine. Even the shadows of night couldn’t disguise the fact that she looked full-grown, and he didn’t hesitate to say so.

“He cannot have her,” Victoria said through clenched teeth. “As my stepdaughter, she falls under your protection. Tell Riley to release her.”

Iain said nothing, and Victoria’s eyes narrowed. “Surely, there are some advantages to being your wife.”

Trapped, said the hare to the fox. “Surely there are,” he said. “Riley, release her.”

“Laird,” the young man protested.

Iain shook his head. “Nay, lad.”