Page 11 of Highland Hero
Dear God in heaven, she’d nearly swooned—and sheneverswooned—when Rory had stepped closer to her. It was through sheer will that she’d managed to remain standing. She’d told herself that enduring Rory’s kiss in order to escape was better than being raped later by Neal. And certainly better than having to stand trial for murdering the buffoon.
To her own amazement, Rory’s kiss had not been harsh nor painful. The opposite, in fact. His lips had been warm and firm, but only brushing against hers. His nipping had been teasing, making her tingle in odd places, and, when he’d lightly swept the tip of his tongue along her mouth, the strangest sensation had washed over her. She’d nearly fainted again. And she didnotswoon.Ever.
The horse veered off the road suddenly, snapping Juliana out of her reverie as he slowed the horse and she swayed dangerously.
“Why are you leaving the road?”
He dropped his arm from around her waist. “Baron canna run all night.”
His tone was curt, as though she should have known that, which she should have. Strange, though, how cool the air suddenly was now that she was no longer pressed against Rory. Juliana chided herself inwardly. He certainly didn’t need to hold on to her now that the horse was walking. Given the fact that they were barely civil to each other most of the time, he probably didn’t even want to hold on to her.
“I need to thank you for coming to my aid.”
“I’m the best tracker we have, nae boast intended.” His voice sounded gruff. “’Twas nothing.”
She remembered Ian saying as much. It was a skill Rory had put to use in finding her. Obviously,kissingwas another skill he’d put to use, and she was pretty sure he’d had a lot of practice. What he’d done at the MacLean’s home was out of necessity. He’d done what he needed to, just like she’d managed to. It didn’t mean anything between them had changed. It would be wise to remember his words.’Twas nothing.
“Where are we going?”
“For now, we are headed for the protection of the forest. With the moon full, I doona want to take the chance that we will be seen.”
“You think Neal will follow us?”
“Eventually.” His voice sounded grim behind her. “It will nae take them overlong to realize we dinna take the direct road back to Strae Castle.”
“Maybe they will just give up. I did tell Neal I had no intention of marrying him. Surely he would prefer a willing bride.”
Rory made a noise that sounded like something between a snort and a groan. “Ah, lass. All ye did was kindle the fire.”
“What do you mean?”
“The more ye say ‘nae,’ the more determined Cameron will be to get ye to say ‘aye.’ ’Tis the way he is.”
“He is a lout and a cad.”
“Ye doona have to convince me,” Rory answered.
“Perhaps Mr. MacLean will talk some sense into him. Or his father. He seemed reasonable.”
“To a point, mayhap. But ye need to understand ye wounded Cameron pride.”
“How?” She twisted slightly in the saddle to look at him. “The blackguardabductedme. There are laws against such things!”
Rory lifted one shoulder in a shrug. “Ye ken Highlanders doona take kindly to English laws.”
“But…but… It’s preposterous to think a man can juststeala woman…” She let her voice trail off. English law might not force a woman to marry a man she didn’t want, but didn’t Society often dictate who would marry whom? And, once wed, the woman was chattel. Thepropertyof her husband. She’d seen what that had done to Emily. She turned back around and lifted her chin. “I will not marry anyone.”
“I will nae argue with ye on that.” Rory reined in the horse and dismounted, holding out his hands to assist her. “We will walk for a while to give Baron a rest.”
Juliana tried to dismount without his help, only to find her legs turned to lead. She half fell, half slid down the horse’s side. Rory said something in Gaelic and caught her, which reminded her of how he’d done the same the first day she’d arrived. She looked up, expecting him to laugh like he’d done that time, but she saw only concern. He held her a moment longer while blood flowed back into her limbs, then dropped his hands.
“Are ye able to walk?”
She took a tentative step, then two. Her feet felt like sharp needles were piercing through, but she ignored the pain. Baron did need a break, and she wasn’t a hothouse flower. “Yes.”
“Good.” He turned and led the way into the trees. “We need to keep going.”
At this point, all she wanted was some sleep. She’d have gladly curled up on top of fallen leaves for a rest, but she wasn’t about to let him think her weak. Still. “Will we be able to stop somewhere for the night?”
