Page 2 of Highlander Lord Of Vengeance

Her stomach twisted and she turned her eyes away for a moment. She hadn’t seen him in months, not since he’d ridden off to crush Clan MacLeish. Why couldn’t her prayers have been answered? Why couldn’t he have been struck down in battle, freeing her? It had been wrong of her to offer such a prayer, or was it? Shouldn’t evil be struck down?

She turned her eyes on him again, his face coming into view, hard as granite cliffs and his green eyes, even from a distance, icy and calculating. Her skin crawled, knowing what was to come.

The crowd broke into a forced cheer as he rode through the gates. They knew if they didn’t welcome him as a victorious leader they would be made to suffer for it. Not one of them avoided his gaze, knowing his warriors watched for anyone who didn’t greet him enthusiastically.

Esme remained still, her chin lifted though her heart thundered. He spotted her as he drew near, and she felt it like a threatening blade to her throat. He reined in before the keep, the horse snorting clouds into the cold air.

His gaze swept the crowd once before dismounting. Then he turned his eyes on hers and they never left hers as he climbed the stairs with deliberate slowness. There was no warmth in them, no smile, not a single nod. Not a sign of affection, only possession.

Esme stood unmoving at the top, her spine rigid though every instinct screamed for her to retreat. Run! Get out of here! But she had no place to go.

His boots thudded against the stone, measured, unhurried, ominous.

He mounted the final step and stopped before her, tall and broad. His face was as handsome as ever but evil often disguised itself in fine features. Whereas the battlefield softened some and hardened others, Torrance took pleasure in it, and it showed in his bold green eyes.

“Wife,” he said, holding her gaze.

Her throat had turned as dry as dust, knowing he was assessing her and finding fault. It took her a moment to say, “Congratulations on your victory, my lord.”

He appeared hesitant for a moment, then his strong voice rolled over her like thunder.

“There had better be food waiting for me and my men.”

She hurried to say, “Aye, my lord, there is food, ale, and wine aplenty.”

She didn’t need to remind the cook. The woman had been prepared, knowing the severe consequences she would suffer for such a mistake.

He looked past her, at the heavy doors of the keep, then back. His gaze did not warm. If anything, it turned heavier, like a weight pressing down.

Esme’s stomach knotted.

He looked at his warriors, gathered near, waiting in anticipation and shouted, “We celebrate!”

A cheer rang out as he grabbed her by the arm and propelled her into the keep, his words falling on her like shackles. “You will remain by my side until I say otherwise.”

When they reached the dais in the Great Hall, he pulled out a chair and ordered, Sit.”

Esme stared at him, a bit bewildered.

He lowered his face to hers. “Did you not hear me, wife?”

“Aye, my lord. Aye,” she said confused and sat.

Why hadn’t he shoved her down on the chair? He had done so many times when she had not moved quickly enough for him. Why not do so now? And how was it he seemed a bit taller, his chest a bit wider?

She cast a hasty glance his way.

He scowled at her in warning, and she quickly looked away.

The tables were ladened with food and drink and soon chatter and laughter filled the room. Tales were told about the victorious battle and how Lord Torrance would soon rule over much of the area. He had even managed to save his half-sister, Autumn, threatened by a Northern tribe and befriend another tribe’s leader, promising to send him a wife.

A chill ran through her, hearing that. What poor lass would be sacrificed for his promise?

She was startled when his face was suddenly next to hers. If she turned, she was sure her lips would brush his. The thought roiled her stomach. His kisses had felt more like punishments, his lips pressed so hard against hers that she could barely breathe.

“Look at me, wife,” he ordered, his voice low and touched with menace.

She turned slowly, trying to avoid their lips from touching, but he was too close, and her lips grazed his like a feather faintly brushing across them. She was surprised by the startled look in his eyes that quickly turned to annoyance.

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