Page 9 of Wedded to the Twisted Highlander
“And how long ago was that?” Thomas inquired as he noticed movement out of the corner of his eye. He placed his hand on his dirk instinctively as he listened to her.
“A while ago—maybe a year,” Astrid answered.
As they made their way along the rugged path to the castle, Thomas felt the air grow thicker with the promise of rain. There was an ominous shift in the atmosphere.
“Silence,” he hissed as he closed the distance between them.
“Why? What’s goin’ on?” Astrid asked as several men jumped out of the shrubs, their blades drawn, malicious grins plastered on their faces.
“Fancy seein’ ye here,” one of the men said as his attention shifted right to her.
There was no questioning Astrid’s beauty, with her blond locks and enchanting cat-like features. She was stunning and a grand prize for any man.
“McFair, take Melody with ye,” Astrid said through clenched teeth. “Dinnae look back. Just go.”
“Well now, there’s a smart lass,” another man drawled as he picked his teeth with the tip of his blade. His beady eyes roved over her and the innocent child clinging to her leg.
A dark fire ignited within Thomas, and he stepped forward. “Ye think these lads can best me?”
Before he could utter another word, Astrid’s expression shifted. In a swift motion, she lifted her skirt, revealing a tantalizing, milky thigh.
The sight was enough to send a bolt of heat through Thomas. But he didn’t have time to linger on such thoughts, not when she had unsheathed a dagger and hurled it at the leader of the bandits. Her blade struck him with precision.
Thomas’s eyes widened as he drew his dirk and sword, ready for the attack. Astrid had made the first move, but he would be the one to make the last.
“Ye wish to meet yer maker? Then come at me,” he growled.
Before his threat could fully sink in, he charged forward, his instincts honed by years of hardship and survival. The fight was almost too easy as he dispatched the men with calculated, swift movements. His anger fueled him. Each strike was a silent vow to protect his charges.
As one man fell and another escaped into the night, silence fell over them. Thomas moved to the slain man and knelt beside him, searching his pockets. He could feel Astrid’d eyes on him. Uncertain whether he was ready to see the disappointment on her face, he stalled.
“Are ye all right?” she asked.
A smirk tugged at his lips as he rose to his feet, as if he knew she’d ask him that question.
“Aye,” he answered as he turned around, only for shame to wash over him.
Astrid’s question wasn’t directed at him but at Melody. The child’s eyes were wide with horror. He watched as Astrid pulled her into her arms and cradled her to her bosom.
“Hush now, the castle isnae that much farther. And thanks to the Laird, we’re safe,” Astrid cooed as she put Melody down. “Close yer eyes, me love.”
Thomas watched as Melody closed her eyes.
Astrid planted a kiss on her head and then turned to retrieve her dagger. She didn’t glance at Thomas or acknowledge him. It was almost as if she didn’t see what he had done for her.
“I’m sorry,” she said, breaking the silence.
“Are ye talkin’ to me now?” Thomas asked, his body still coiled tight.
Astrid wiped her dagger with the hem of her skirt as she walked over to him. She was a sight to behold, with her wild locks and steely eyes. It was as if she were the warrior goddess Artemis in the flesh.
Images that taunted, teased, and tormented him flashed through his mind. She was a fierce protector.
“We shouldnae linger,” Thomas added.
As they continued along the path, he couldn’t help but steal glances at Astrid. There was clearly more to her than met the eye, and he found himself enchanted by her.
The doors of McFair Castle moaned as Thomas pushed them open. He pulled in a long, deep breath. The scent of smoked meat and ale permeated the entrance hall. Warm air swirled around them, chasing away the chill of the evening.
