Page 127 of The Dragon Laird’s Obsession

Gordon rose. “It was definitely Laird Kerr.” His gaze swept the hall before he asked, “Where are the men ye went to the village with?”

“Six came back with me from the village.”

“I have some men with me if we need backup,” Callan added.

“I do too,” Rowan said then gave Gordon a slow nod. “We will brin’ Ailis back together.”

Gordon nodded once. “That will have to do. I will ride with Rowan and Callan to Kerr. Ye stay here, make sure every man is accounted for and keep some guards to watch them while they sleep, then ye come find me.”

“Aye, Me Laird,” Malcolm answered.

Gordon strode from the keep with one purpose burning through him.

I must find Ailis and bring her home.

Because he had been wrong. He had convinced himself that releasing Ailis was an act of kindness, that she deserved a life untouched by the darkness he carried. But the thought of never seeing her again tore through every lie he had told himself.

He simply could not bear it.

Gordon knew his life without her here was nothing.

By the time Kerr’s castle came into view, Ailis could barely feel her legs.

The journey had been a nightmare of jolting roads, oppressive air and Kerr’s relentless presence behind her. Every attempt she had made to pull away had earned a warning grip around her waist or a cold command to remain still.

She had stopped pleading hours ago. There was no mercy in him, and she had begun to understand that he intended to mistake her silence for surrender. She would never surrender.

The first pale light of dawn was spreading across the sky when they entered the castle.

Ailis’ heart hammered as she realized she did not have much time left.

The grand hall waited beyond the doors, cold and vast in the gray morning. And there, beside the hearth, stood an elderly priest.

He looked deeply uncomfortable.

His hands twisted together as Kerr marched Ailis forward.

The sight of him sent a surge of panic through her. “Nay. We agreed ye would wait till me family comes.”

Kerr tightened his hold. “I daenae care about yer family. We shall wed right now.”

Ailis’s eyes darted toward the doors. It was only a few strides away.

I can make it.

She tore herself from Kerr’s grasp and ran. “Ailis!”

She heard his boots behind her. Her fingers were almost around the door latch when his hand closed around her wrist and yanked her backward.

She screamed. “Let me go!”

She kicked backward, catching his shin.

Kerr cursed. Ailis twisted and scratched at his face, her nails dragging across his cheek.

He recoiled with a hiss. “Ye little⁠—”

She bit his hand next because it was all she could think to do.