Binding Vows Read Online Free PDF

the occasional head popping out kept the onlookers entertained.
    After several minutes, Cassy emerged smiling and triumphant. “We accept.”
    “Very well. Gather your belongings and return to Madame Gwen’s tent before breakfast. You will be told what is expected of you then.”
    Elated, Cassy went back inside.
    The crowd erupted in laughter.
    26

    Binding Vows

Chapter 3
    “Do you see her anywhere?” Fin asked after their third trip around the camp.
    “Nay.”
    “Say ‘no’ Duncan. We need act as they do.” Fin smiled at a brunette who openly swept his body with suggestive eyes. “You don’t want the lass to think you are a freak , do you?”
    “Nay...No. I don’t.”
    “Try and smile as well.” The infamous MacCoinnich scowl was one of his brother’s most favored expressions. Also the most annoying. “What good is all the work we’ve been doing to learn the speech of this time if you come here and keep saying nay and ye? ’Tisn’t right!”
    “I’m not hearing many people saying ’ tisn’t !”
    “Ah, but the bonny lasses do like a bit of our Scottish flair. Try and remember where we are supposed to be from.”
    Fin continued his verbal tips while searching for the red haired lass. He rattled on and on until he noticed he talked to himself.
    Duncan stopped. A smile tugged at his mouth, with a hint reaching his eyes.
    Fin followed his gaze and saw the object of his expression. “God’s teeth, is that her?”
    Gazing at her beauty, Duncan’s mouth had gone dry. “Aye!” Dear God, was she really so fetching last night?
    Heart pounding, he trembled. He remembered her puzzling look and the blood on her hands.
    27

    Catherine Bybee

    Now she stood as regal as a queen surrounded by her court. Her flamed hair flowed to her hips.
    Flowers woven into soft tresses made it even lovelier than he remembered. A deep emerald gown with specks of gold and black enhanced her beauty. Even from the distance, Duncan saw the green of her eyes matched the elegant dress.
    Although stunning beyond words, the smile she wore was forced, her movements stiff and unnatural. She was flanked by two men standing as guardians at arms, her protectors or more to the point, keepers.
    Cassy, on the other hand, smiled, laughed, and carried on with one of her many admirers. Her grin was genuine and not at all alarming.
    Duncan watched the maiden move along with her entourage. He wished he knew her name and made a mental note to find out soon.
    Making their way toward the dining area, Duncan saw her eyes roll back in disgust when strangers bowed as she passed. Freaks, Duncan heard in his head, almost like she whispered it.
    One of the protectors caught her arm when walking over a step. The lass flinched, obviously uncomfortable, and pulled away.
    Seeing her shy away in distaste, Duncan was instantly on alert. He moved a hand to the hilt of his sword.
    Fin’s voice broke the spell. “Easy, brother.” Fin’s arm shot out. “Those are Grainna’s men. We don’t need them knowing we’re about. Come, let’s eat and watch. We’ll have our chance.”
    Fin led Duncan to a table occupied by others.
    Soon, a serving woman brought them a plate of food and filled their cups with ale.
    Duncan surveyed the room and became aware of the many men watching her. Their lustful looks made Duncan’s hair stand on end. The reaction was 28

    Binding Vows

    natural to want to guard a virgin from the sneers of men, or so he told himself. They only wanted to dishonor her. But somehow, he knew his protective instincts meant more.
    Hell, if one of the men here had made good on their promising look, she wouldn’t be in such danger now. Fin made conversation with the others. It didn’t take long for the talk to go to what was happening with the women at the head table.
    “I haven’t seen them before,” a stout man of middle age told them. “Most of the time Gwen picks patrons who have been with us previously.”
    “What have they been picked