Page 75 of The Laird’s Sinful Obsession

Silver coins. English silver. And a note written in a hand he didn't recognize.

The MacKinnon girl fer twice this amount when you deliver her.

The words blurred as rage flooded through Lachlann's vision.

"Seal the castle," he said, his voice deadly calm. "Nay one enters or leaves. And find Thomas. I dinnae care if ye have tae search every inch of this island. Find him."

James took the note, his expression darkening as he read. "This was a tactic tae get inside our defenses."

"Aye." Lachlann's jaw clenched so hard it ached. "And now they ken our routines. Our weaknesses." He turned toward the stairs. "I'm checkin' on Alba."

"Lachlann—"

"I ken what ye're goin' tae say. But I need tae see her. Need tae ken she's safe."

James studied him for a long moment, something knowing in his eyes. "Her braither wouldnae like this. Ye ken that, aye?"

The words hit their mark.

"I ken," Lachlann said quietly. "But Calum's in England. And Alba's here, under threat. That's what matters right now."

Even if it means betrayin' me best friend's trust. Even if it makes me the worst kind of bastard.

He took the stairs two at a time, his boots echoing in the stairwell. Malcolm and Finn stood outside Alba's door, alert and armed.

"Any trouble?" Lachlann demanded.

"None, me laird. Been quiet all mornin'."

Lachlann moved past them, knocking once before pushing the door open.

The chamber was empty.

Alba had been brushing her hair when the door opened.

She turned, expecting Orla with breakfast, and instead found a man she didn't recognize. Tall, rough-looking, with cold eyes that made her stomach drop.

"Who—"

He moved fast, crossing the room before she could scream. His hand clamped over her mouth, cutting off her cry.

Alba struggled, driving her elbow back into his ribs, twisting in his grip. But he was stronger, his arm like iron around her waist.

"Stop fightin'," he hissed in her ear. "Make this easier on yerself."

She bit down on his palm. Hard.

He cursed, jerking his hand away, and then his fist connected with the side of her head.

Pain exploded through Alba's skull. The room tilted, darkness creeping in at the edges of her vision. She felt herself falling, felt his arms catch her before she hit the floor.

"Stupid bitch," she heard him mutter, distant and fuzzy.

Then nothing.

Consciousness returned slowly, swimming up through layers of darkness and pain.

Alba's head throbbed, a sharp, sickening ache that pulsed in time with her heartbeat. She tried to open her eyes but they felt too heavy, her body weighted down like she was underwater.