In the Warrior’s Bed Read Online Free PDF Page A

filth upon her name. To soil herself was to bring shame on the entire clan. Besides, she knew full well how lowly he treated his own consorts. She had no desire to fall to such a state.
    “Bronwyn does not lie, Father. I have never heard her speak falsely.”
    Erik McQuade glared at his youngest son. “How dare ye raise yer voice against mine.”
    Keir didn’t flinch. He strode forward, uncaring of the hard looks aimed at him from the assembled retainers. He stopped in front of his father, giving the laird the briefest of nods in respect.
    “I state a fact, Father. I have never heard Bronwyn lie. If she says she did not have a meeting with the younger McJames, I believe her. It is also a fact that I have never seen Bronwyn conducting herself like a lightskirt.”
    Her father erupted. He surged to his feet, roaring with outrage. He flung the empty goblet at her brother. It hit him square in the chest but Keir brushed it aside like a bothersome insect. He did not cower in the face of his sire’s rage but stood straight and tall while their father turned purple.
    “Why is fate set to curse me so?” McQuade shook his fist towards the heavens. “It saddles me with a useless daughter and a son who has the courage of Achilles but the temperament of a wife.”
    The laird stood up and swept the room. “We’re returning to court.” He pointed at Bronwyn. “Yer going with me. Until sunrise, someone get this slut out of my sight.”
    There was a scuff of boots against the stone floor as several retainers moved toward her. Keir turned in a tightly controlled motion, his kilt flaring out.
    “No man touches her, save me.” He turned back toward his father. “I disagree with ye.”
    Her father looked as though Keir had struck him. He sat back against the padded chair, shock whitening his face. His jaw worked but no words made it past his lips. Keir turned and hooked her upper arm in one hand. It was a kind grip that she willingly allowed to sweep her out of the hall.
    “This will become worse before it is over, sister.”
    “I know.”
    And there was nothing to do about it. She felt like a leaf that had landed in a spring. The current was sweeping her along without any care for the rocks. There was only the single comfort of Keir willing to champion her. But their father would never forgive such a slight.
    “Ye should not have done that, Keir.”
    Her brother grunted. “Honor is nae a thing that may be ignored when it is difficult to do what is right.” Keir stopped and stared at her. His eyes were dark as night, inherited from his mother. She felt them looking straight into her soul, if such a thing were possible, but she did not look away.
    Keir nodded. “Our father is blinded by hate.”
    Heavy distaste coated his words. Keir began walking and Bronwyn followed. She suddenly felt like a stranger in spite of knowing that she had grown up at Red Stone.
    “Which is why ye should have remained silent.”
    “No.” Keir didn’t raise his voice but that dinna lessen the impact. His tone was solid steel.
    “There’s no need for ye to join me in father’s disdain.”
    Keir shook his head. “I won’t be his hound like Liam and Sodac. If he wants to dislike me for refusing to lick his boots, so be it. He’ll never be able to say that I am not my own man.”
    Bronwyn felt a smile lifting the corners of her lips. She could not prevent it even with such dark things happening around them. But she winced when pain stabbed through her lips. Keir noticed and frowned as he looked at the mark their father had left on her face.
    “I believe court is a good place for ye.” Keir sounded pensive. His face was grave but he nodded. “Aye, I believe it is far past time that ye escaped this castle.”
    “But at what cost? I’ll no help father accuse the McJames of wrongdoing.”
    Keir chuckled. “Ye know our sire too well, Bronwyn. I believe that is exactly what he plans to do by dragging ye to court.”
    Keir stopped talking.