Highland Escape Read Online Free PDF Page A

stares, some puzzled, some amused. Though used to such scrutiny as a woman warrior, her skin prickled to have no escape from it. She realized how much she relied on her father’s and grandfather’s names as a cloak of protection.
    “I wondered about yer armor and horse. They are of high quality, which would make ye under the care of a person with means,” Duncan said.
    She shot him a baleful look. “And yet you insist on kidnapping me. Tell me, sir, how is it you and your father are any different from the barbarians I killed yesterday to rescue your sister and her maid?”
    Her question broke his calm demeanor and his angry, brooding manner returned with a vengeance. Judging by the muscles rippling along his jaw and the fire in his eyes, he didn’t like the comparison. If he knew the difference, he chose not to explain it.
    They stopped once around midday to allow the horses to graze and water. It proved to be the only break of the day. After tending to her personal needs, Anna squatted with her back against a large tree to eat, watching the men. They mostly ignored her. Still, she refused to take any chances by letting her guard down.
    “The men willnae harm ye. Ye are under my protection,” Duncan remarked, his brows furrowed, hands on hips, feet wide apart as if rebuking a man under his command.
    Angling her head to face him, she allowed her gaze to meet his, her features set as if carved from rock. “If your protection was demonstrated last night, I will certainly sleep more soundly tonight, sir. Thank you.”
    The anger on his face shone clear as the water of the loch they’d stopped beside. Springing away without replying, he stalked several paces to finish his meal. After a few minutes, he stomped back to where she sat. Without a glance in his direction, Anna strode to her horse and mounted. Climbing on his horse, he spoke no more as they continued their journey.
    The rest of the day unfolded uneventfully. Near nightfall, they finally halted. Without enough light to hunt or fish, Anna ate from the supplies in her pack. She repeated her routine of foraging for wood, creating a fire and camp. Duncan brought her a bowl of something smelling like unwashed feet and cabbage, placing the bowl on the ground in front of her.
    She gave him a curt nod, but didn’t touch the rancid-smelling concoction, eating only from her dwindling provisions. She’d hunted or fished each day since leaving home to stretch her foodstuffs and would need to replenish her supplies soon.
    The next day mirrored the first—the only difference was they began to climb.
    “Steady, boy.” She patted her horse, murmuring encouragements along the way. Orion, not used to steep, rocky terrain, stumbled a few times until he became accustomed to the trickier footing. His skittish behavior reflected the nearness of unfamiliar men and horses. His muscles flinched occasionally, reacting to her unease.
    Once, a group of five men on horseback met them. Duncan and his sire rode to meet them, leaving her in the care of another while they spoke. The conversation was brief and civil and they soon continued their trek. After another hour of travel, the damp chill of elevation replaced the warmer air of the Lowlands.
    A slow, steady rain fell, a bitter wind driving the drops before it. Wrapping her braid around her neck for warmth, Anna tucked her cloak in tight with the waxed cloth on top. Though shivering from the cold and damp, she remained mostly dry. She noticed her traveling companions hardly seemed affected by the change in temperature or wind.
    Highland barbarians are in their element.
    She turned her thoughts from the cold to something more practical. Men surrounded her on all sides when mounted, keeping her closed in. With her reins tied to Duncan’s horse, she had no opportunity to escape. Without weapons, she would be helpless against an attack even if she somehow managed to elude them. As much as it pained, she’d have to continue to wait for an