Page 60 of Taken By the Ruthless Highlander
Morgana glanced over her shoulder, stealing one more glimpse of the stables. Ronnie would ride out any minute, charging off into the great unknown. Although Tormod and Felix would be with him, she couldn’t shake her worry.
Would any of them come back to her? Would they find Feya? Or was this just another wild goose chase?
Question after question raced through her mind as her stomach twisted into knots.
“Do ye want me to ride after the lad and bring him back?” Ryder asked as they paused at the door.
It took every ounce of strength for Morgana to shake her head no, despite her worry.
“Nay, that would only make him resent us. Let him go,” she sighed. “I think I just need to stay out here and enjoy the fresh air a bit longer.”
Ryder rested his hands on her shoulders and squeezed gently. “Would ye like me to stay with ye?”
Morgana’s heart fluttered. Was he really asking to stay with her longer? Only a few days ago, it seemed he was constantly coming up with excuses to get away.
She swallowed hard as she stared up at him. “If that’s what ye want to do. But I understand if ye have things to do. The life of a laird is very busy, I’m sure.”
“Aye, it can be,” Ryder agreed, his gaze flicking to the trees beyond the gray stone wall surrounding the castle.
Morgana looked up at the horizon. The clouds were white and playful as they drifted through the azure sky and stretched like a blanket over the moors.
“Which is why sometimes, when it becomes overwhelming for me, I go to someplace away from the castle to clear my head. I could show ye this place if ye like?”
Morgana’s heart pounded ruthlessly in her chest as his words sank in. There was no hiding the smile that tickled the corners of her lips. It took every ounce of her strength not to jump up with excitement.
Was Ryder finally letting his guard down? It was shocking and thrilling, but also intimidating. What sort of place did a man like Ryder go to, to relax?
The only image that continued to pop into Morgana’s mind was the training grounds. She envisioned bags of dirt hanging from posts for the men to practice either punching or swordplay. Images of muck and mire skipped along with the stench of horses and hay.
Her face scrunched up as the imaginary stench made her recoil.
“I think I’ll find a book to read, or maybe take a stroll around the castle,” Morgana said, flashing him her best smile.
“Nay, ye’re comin’ with me. And ye can either go willingly, or I’ll toss ye over my shoulder and take ye there myself. It’s yer choice.”
Morgana pursed her lips and glared at him. There was no doubt in her mind that he would grab her like a heathen and whisk her away.
The thought tickled her and stirred her desires and sense of adventure.
“Tick-tock,” Ryder intoned. “I’ll nae stand here waitin’ for yer answer all day.” His eyes narrowed as the tone of his voice shifted from playful to serious.
Morgana pressed a hand to his chest the second he moved to pick her up.
“I’ll go.” She giggled, stepping back.
Ryder’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “Aye, I’ve already told ye as much. The question is, will ye put up a fight or nae?”
“Now wait a minute,” Morgana squealed as he snatched her by the waist.
“Nay, time’s up. Ye had yer chance. But trust me,” Ryder said as he carried her to the stables. “Ye’re goin’ to love this.”
19
“Come on, I ken that horse can go faster,” Ryder called over his shoulder to Morgana.
He was thrilled to see the flush on her cheeks—for once, it was from the thrill of the ride and not the concerns of the world. It was moments like this that made him hopeful. After all, how could marriage be so bad if they both seemed so happy?
“Dinnae worry about me,” Morgana called back, her voice barely audible above the howl of the wind.
