Page 18 of The Highlander Who Loved Me

She rubbed her forehead. Gracious! He seemed to take all the air from the chamber with him.

“Merciful heavens, Davina, ye cannae mean to leave the security of these walls with the likes of him,” Aunt Isobel exclaimed, sending her a hard look. “Who knows what could happen?”

The outrage in her aunt’s voice gave Davina pause, yet she did not yield. Her hand moved down to her throat and she pressed her fingers sharply against the pulsing veins.

“The McKennas are honorable men. I shall be perfectly safe,” Davina declared breathlessly, knowing if she could survive a journey with Sir Malcolm McKenna leading her escort, she would be well prepared to deal with any man.

Chapter Five

Davina did not attend the evening meal. Though she had assured her aunt that she was eager to make this journey, she was not quite prepared to again be in such close proximity with Sir Malcolm. Besides, she had little time to make her preparations, since he wished to leave at first light, and there was much to do to get ready.

Fortunately, Colleen was pleased to accompany Davina and the widow proved to be a big help organizing the clothes and other items that would be needed for the journey and the time they spent at McKenna Castle.

Trunk packed, Davina ate a light meal in her chamber, checked everything one final time, then crawled into bed. Yet she was far too restless to sleep. Eyes wide open, she stared at the ceiling, trying to ignore the doubts and fears that plagued her mind.

Tossing fitfully¸ she finally drifted into a light sleep a few hours before dawn. But her scant slumber was filled with a vivid, disturbing dream.

A tall, broad-shouldered warrior stood before her, teasing her for a kiss. Though his face was handsome and his manner pleasant, the idea of a kiss made her nervous—very nervous.

With a hesitant smile, she politely refused. In the blink of an eye his pleasant manner vanished. He captured her in his arms, refusing to release her. Not when she demanded. Not when she begged. Not when she began to weep.

Holding her tightly, the warrior laughed as she struggled to pull away. He kissed her neck, then bit her behind the ear. Shame and fear engulfed her as he started pawing her like an animal, lewdly fondling her breast.

Tears of frustration squeezed from her eyes. She tried to scream¸ but no sound came out. A beefy hand twisted in her hair as the warrior pulled her to the ground, flipping her on her back. He swiftly straddled her, his hips pressing against hers.

Hysteria bubbled to the surface. His features morphed into a grotesque blur as she felt him reaching for the hem of her gown, yanking it up . . .

Davina awoke with a cry, gurgling and gasping for breath.Merciful God!It had been many months since she had been tormented by such terrifying dreams. No doubt the notion of leaving the safety of Armstrong Castle had brought them roaring back to life.

She closed her eyes and took several small, steadying breaths. She could feel the moisture gathering behind her lids, yet Davina refused to allow the sobs to come, knowing if anyone heard them, they would tell her aunt and uncle, proving that she was not strong enough to make this journey.

Her breathing still ragged, Davina slowly got to her feet. She walked across her small chamber—nearly tripping over her packed belongings—settled herself into a chair, and bowed her head.Are Aunt Isobel and Uncle Fergus right? Will leaving home cause the fear that lurks so close to the surface to consume me?

Wincing, Davina lifted her head and glanced at the small wooden box tucked into a stone shelf in the corner of the chamber. Inside the box was a bottle of the medicine she took whenever her nerves became overset. ’Twas a brew the clan healer had created especially for her. Encouraged by her aunt, she had taken it several times a day after the attack, welcoming its mind-numbing effects, drinking bottle after bottle for months on end.

Gradually, however, Davina realized she was becoming far too dependent upon it. At first,’twas impossible for her to abandon it completely, for her fears were so vivid and strong, yet she managed to discipline herself to use it only when her need was most dire. The hard-fought results were gratifying and she was proud of the fact that not a drop of the potent brew had crossed her lips for many, many months.

Feeling agitated, Davina walked to her small window and pulled back the leather cover. The cold air hit her square in the face, but the bracing wind was not enough to clear her head. Hastily, she moved away, glancing again at the box.I need it or else I’ll never find the courage to leave in a few hours.

Lips pursed, she allowed her feet to carry her across the chamber. Staring hard, she waited a long moment before lifting the lid and removing the bottle.

Only one wee sip.

The medicine tasted bitter on her tongue and the urge to take a large swallow was strong, but Davina resisted. With a determined shudder, she pressed the cork tightly back into the neck and was rewarded with a feeling of control. Yet instead of returning the bottle to its proper place, Davina slipped it carefully into her small trunk.

The first day of her journey to McKenna Castle passed quickly, with little incident. Uncle Fergus and Aunt Isobel were silent and stoic as Davina bid them farewell. Though Davina hated to see the hint of hurt upon their faces, she pointedly ignored their disapproval and acted as if all was fine.

Davina’s knuckles were white beneath her leather gloves as she approached the gates of the castle.Five years. Five years since I have been on the other side.

Gritting her teeth, Davina pressed her knees against her horse’s flanks, encouraging the mount to increase its speed. An icy quiver of unease prickled up the nape of her neck and she felt every eye in the bailey staring at her, but Davina kept her gaze forward and her back straight.

“Well done, milady,” Colleen whispered.

Davina turned to the older woman riding beside her and gave her a small smile. The breath she had been holding released in a rush.I’ve done it!

The urge to shout the news with triumph overcame her, but Davina tempered her response. ’Twas only the first of many challenges she would need to conquer. Still, it felt rewarding to have success and the boost to her courage was much appreciated.

Quietly, Davina savored her victory, thankful also that Sir Malcolm was busy ordering his men into formation and therefore unaware of the swirling tension surrounding the significance of her passing through the gates of Armstrong Castle.

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