The Highlander's Outlaw Bride Read Online Free PDF

swept the area for tracks leading away from the water. A short distance upstream, the burn narrowed, and they forded the creek, making their way to the opposite side of the pool. Here, scuffed marks showed clearly in the damp earth. Small, bare footprints, occasionally overset by two sets of larger feet, one bare, the other shod, told their story. Only the larger feet led away from the burn.
    He lightly touched the soil around the imprints. “These are deeper—as though carrying a weight.”
    Rabbie nodded. “Aye. I fear the lass encountered someone here at the burn and he or they carried her away.”
    The two men exchanged glances. Wiping his fingers on his plaide, Gavin rose. They quickly followed the trail over a small ridge to a recently deserted campsite.
    Gavin grunted. “We must get the others and come back. It should be light enough by then to follow their trail.”
    They were rapidly mounted and arrived at the site a short time later. Rabbie dismounted and searched the area for any indication of the direction Brianna and her captors had gone.
    He struck the earth with his fist in frustration. “The ground is too hard to show a clear trail. And there have been at least two other groups of riders to cross their trail this day.”
    “Aye, having to duck into the trees each time the sheriff’s men approach is costing us time.” Ewan faced Gavin. “Do ye think we should split up?”
    “I think ’tis best we separate and cover as much ground as we can. Pair up and meet back here just before dusk.”
    “Do ye not think we will find her before then?”
    Gavin wheeled his horse away, keeping his doubts to himself.
    * * *
    Brianna stared at the empty glen where she had laid her cloak only hours before.
    “Is this where yer camp was, lass?” The laird glanced about in some confusion.
    The remains of the fire had been damped down and carefully covered, the area around it swept clear. Were it not for the trampled grass where the horses had been picketed, she would have been hard pressed to recognize the site.
    Why did they leave without me? Her stomach dropped. Her protectors were gone. Had they met with some misfortune? Had the sheriff’s men stumbled across them? Nae, the site would show the marks. Dragging her gaze from the deserted campsite, she glanced at the man beside her. At the look of sympathy in his eyes, she squared her shoulders and carefully hid her dismay.
    “Aye, but no matter. I can fend for myself.”
    “Brave words from a brave lass, but I have no spare horse to leave with ye, and yer ankle willnae be better for a couple of days.” He touched her shoulder in a compassionate gesture. “Ye will be safe with us. We will see ye safely home.”
    Brianna dropped her gaze, thinking furiously. What if we chance upon the sheriff? If the price on my head is enough for him to betray his promise, then what my fate? She tested the strength of her injured ankle, but it did not bear the strain. She had no choice. Without knowing the extent of their chivalry, she was at their mercy.

Chapter 5

    The young woman twisted before him in the saddle. “Do ye live far from here? I know Bray doesnae.” She gave a dimpled grin to the Frenchman. “And Gillis is from Glasgow. I wonder if ye would rather be heading home now?”
    Conn flinched at the question, but gave no sign he would answer. She had chatted with Bray most of the morning, quite a contrast from the mutinous silence he’d gotten from her the night before. She apparently was quite capable of expounding on a multitude of subjects. He wanted to admit he admired her views, her interest in so many things. But since he’d placed her before him in the saddle, the only view he’d been able to consider was the one revealing itself to him from beneath her ill-fitting shirt as she twisted and turned with each animated gesture. A tempting view of soft, luscious curves and a shadowed valley between drew his eyes and warmed his blood.
    He shifted his seat as she