Page 49 of A Sinful Night with a Scot
Where the devil did that come from? Were ye nae meant tae be staying objective?
That had been the plan, but clearly, his defenses were not as in line as he had thought. All his inner thoughts of protecting himself were overruled by his heart, for that’s where those words had come from. And just like that, his objectiveness was tossed out of the window.
Along with yer common sense.
“We should go,” he said.
It was partly to cut the growing tension between them. But the afternoon was also closing in, and he didn’t want dusk to fall before they arrived at the castle.
On the way back, Alisdair travelled some way ahead, giving Keane and Elsie some privacy. But they had already travelled a mile, and neither of them had yet said a word. Keane could only imagine that Elsie was still struggling with what he had said. Or maybe, he was only imagining that because he himself continued to mull over his words.
Why are ye denying what ye ken ye feel?
Once more, his heart pressed him. Pushing him to examine what was truly happening to him. How he was really feeling. But as quick as lightning, his mind gave a reply, it’s logic undeniable, if not a little naïve.
It is safer tae deny it. It has tae be safer, surely?
For so long he had been intent on punishing Laird Gunn. In doing so, he had almost forgotten what it felt like to experience anything but anger, hatred, and revenge. Those things had been the driving force for all the decisions he had made in the last nine months. But that was before Elsie. Before this lass had walked into his life. And even after everything he had put her through, she had still sat there and defended him in front of his own people.
Well, she didnae exactly walk intae ye life. Ye threw her over yer shoulder and dragged her intae it.
Whatever the circumstances, she was there now. By his side, innocent in all her ways, and as opposite to him as a person could be. He, the night, with his dark thoughts and outlook. She, the day, brightening the places and people she happened to be around.
As they continued on, he gazed over at her, wondering if he ought to bring up the earlier conversation. But the fear of where it might lead held him back. If she asked, could he explain himself? Even if he could, did he really want to?
Ye should say something tae her. She is yer wife, after all.
Turning to her to begin a conversation, Keane caught a movement in his peripheral vision. Jerking his head to look, his heart suddenly pitched. There behind them were several men bursting forth from the trees on their left.
Gunn’s men!
“Ride!” he bellowed, leaning over to Elsie’s mare and slapping it hard on its flank.
Elsie shrieked as the horse reared. Seconds later, the mare’s forelegs hit the ground and the beast burst into a gallop. Keane dug his heels into the sides of his own horse and pushed the animal on, but the men were already advancing at great speed.
We’re nae going tae mak’ it. I need tae save Elsie.
Letting her horse continue on, he yanked on the reins. Finally coming to a halt, he then steered the horse to face the advancing men. With a final glance at Elsie to make certain she was continuing on, he jabbed his heels into his horse’s side once more and rode directly towards those chasing them.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Elsie’s heart leapt at Keane’s bellow, but she had no chance to find out why, for her horse bolted, almost tossing her off the back of it. Gripping the reins for dear life as her mare thundered on, she was certain Keane was behind her. But then, spinning to look, she realized she was riding ahead alone. Keane had turned back and was now galloping headlong into a group of men who advanced towards him. Clearly the reason he had told her to run in the first place.
She couldn’t know for certain, but she imagined they were Laird Gunn’s soldiers. Just that morning, Alisdair had said they had been spotted on the clan lands. Who else was it going to be?
For a few seconds, she continued on, her mind in complete conflict. She should run to Alisdair for help, but he was no longer even in sight. Or maybe, she should turn around. This would be her chance, would it not? Gunns’ men had clearly followed them, and were there for her. They had to be.
Pulling on the reins, Elsie slowed the racing mare, eventually bringing the animal to a halt. She turned to watch the scene unfold. Terror mixed with hope, doubt mixed with a sense of freedom. What she had experienced only that morning with Keane loomed in her heart. Those feelings now tugged against the opportunity that lay before her. The chance to go home.
Already, he was battling the men, his sword swinging with precision. Several strikes later, he had knocked three men to the ground. The others remained in their saddle, narrowly avoiding Keane’s blows.
I could return. I am still pure. Me faither would accept me back if he kent I was still innocent. Surely, this is the opportunity I have been waiting fer.
Doubting herself for a second more, she whipped the reins and pushed the mare into a gallop. Jolting against the strength of the animal, she struggled to see the fight clearly as the horse’s hooves battered the soft ground beneath her.
A moment later, and she was almost upon it. The horse slowed down to a canter, until she brought it to a stop once more. It was an unfair fight, for it was six against one, but Keane had already struck down three. Like the soldiers he fought, spatters of blood dotted across Keane’s skin. Whether that was his or theirs, she could not know, but the sight of it sent a shudder across her body, and a deep worry began building in her stomach.
He battled valiantly, all the men now off their horses and fighting on foot. They surrounded Keane, and yet, that did notstop him from defending each strike and attack. The swords crashed together, the metal clanging reaching right into her fearful heart.
