Page 7 of Kilted Abduction
“Well,” Fairfax said. “I must say, your father told me you were a beauty, but honestly, I was not expecting much. Most of you Scots… well… let us just say most are not to my satisfaction. But you, Ciara, are a rare jewel.”
“I am so glad tae be tae yer lofty standards, me lord.”
He clucked his tongue. “We will, of course, need to do something about blunting that razor-sharp tongue of yours. Lucky for you, I have some thoughts on the matter.”
Ciara got to her feet and moved behind the chair, doing her best to keep the heavy furniture between her and the lecherous man. Moving slowly but deliberately, he circled around, forcing Ciara to keep moving. They did this dance around the chamber for several long minutes before he stopped in front of the fireplace, an expression of exasperation on his face. He set his goblet down on the mantle above the roaring fire and turned to her, the exasperation fading, replaced by a dark anger that set his icy blue eyes alight.
“As much as I enjoy a spirited woman, these games grow tiresome,” he said, his voice low and sharp. “Come to me right now, Ciara.”
“I willnae.”
“You are to be my wife,” he says. “As such, there are duties you are expected to perform.”
“Perhaps. But I cannae help but notice that I am nae yer wife yet.”
“Your father instructed you to make me happy, yes?”
“Aye. He did.”
“Then you should know that I am not happy right now.”
A cruel little grin quirked the corner of her mouth. “Me Ma used tae tell me our happiness is always in our own hands.”
Fairfax’s lips curled back in a sneer. “Girl, you do not want to test me.”
“I am nae feeling well, me lord. I believe I should retire fer the evening.”
“Not until I’ve had a kiss.”
“Me lord, I am nae sure how it is done in England, but here in Scotland, a lady doesnae give up her virtue until her wedding night. Tonight is nae our wedding night, hence I willnae be giving up me virtue.”
“I have heard a great many tales of your Scottish virtue,” he said. “My understanding is the lot of you are wanton harlots, ready to give it to any man who asks.”
“Then ye have heard what we Scots like tae call fairy tales,” she said and set her goblet down on the table. “Goodnight, Lord Fairfax. We will speak again on the morrow.”
“Ciara, I will have my kiss.”
“Then perhaps ye should go find one of those wanton harlots ye’ve been told about.”
Before he could reply, Ciara bolted from the salon and dashed through the corridors of the keep until she got to her room. She burst in, then quickly closed the door behind her, making sure to lock it. Once she was certain nobody could get in, she stripped out of her gown and pulled the bag from beneath the bed and opened it. She dressed in a pair of black breeches, high boots, and a linen shirt. She pulled a plain black surcoat over that, then wrapped herself in a dark green cloak.
Once she was dressed, Ciara went to her window and slipped out. Slinging the bag over her shoulder, she quickly made her way into the woods. She crept through the darkness, moving as swiftly and silently as she could until she came to the rocky outcropping where Elspeth waited.
“How did it go?” Elspeth asked.
“As well as could be expected, I suppose. But there is nay going back now.”
Elspeth looked worried as she handed over her horse’s reins. Ciara quickly tied her bag to the saddle and made sure she had her bow and sword. Once she was sure she had everything, she turned and pulled her friend into a tight embrace.
“Where will ye go?” Elspeth asked.
“I dinnae ken yet.”
“Ye’re going tae need money.”
“Aye. I managed tae filch some from Faither, but I will definitely need more.”
“The Highland Games will be startin’ soon. With yer skills with a bow and a sword, I’m sure ye’ll be able tae win enough tae sustain ye for a bit.”
