Page 92 of The Laird's Vengeful Desire
That was all that mattered. “Good. Angry means she hasnae given up. She’s still our Rhona.”
Our Rhona.
The words felt right in a way that nothing else had these past months. She belonged there, with him, with his clan. And he’d reshape heaven and earth to bring her home.
“Killian!” Ian called out as his second-in-command approached. “Change of plans. We’re nae waitin’ fer nightfall. We ride now, while we still have daylight tae see their positions.”
“Aye, me laird. The men are ready.”
Ian looked around the courtyard, taking in the sight of his warriors – sixty-odd men armed to the teeth for warfare, their faces set with grim determination. Not a massive force by the standards of clan warfare, but every one of them battle-tested, every one of them loyal unto death.
It’ll have tae be enough,because I’m nae leavin’ her there another moment longer than necessary.
“Mount up!” Ian’s voice carried across the space like a battle cry. “We ride fer MacPherson territory! We ride tae bring our Lady home!”
CHAPTER THIRTY
“Cannae ye see, me lady, after everythin’ I’ve done tae bring ye back tae safety, this presents us with a perfect opportunity.”
Rhona’s stomach turned nauseatingly as Lachlan MacPherson paced before her like a predator circling wounded prey. The MacPherson camp bustled around them, warriors sharpening their weapons and tending to fires, but all she could focus on was the calculating gleam in the cold brown eyes staring at her.
“What opportunity?” she asked, though every instinct screamed she didn’t want to hear the answer.
“Why, fer yer faither and the MacCraith’s tae finally see sense, of course.” Lachlan’s smile was all teeth and no warmth. “When they arrive and see how I’ve rescued ye from that bastard Wallace, they’ll have nay choice but tae join me cause. Just think of it – together we can crush me cousin’s pathetic claim tae the Wallace lands once and fer all.”
“Join yer cause?” Rhona’s voice rose in disbelief. “Have ye lost yer mind? Me faither will never–”
“Och, but he will.” Lachlan interrupted smoothly. “Especially when he learns of the… arrangement I have in mind. A marriage between us would seal the alliance perfectly, joinin’ the MacPherson clan with the MacAlpin and MacCraith armies, and when we take the Wallace lands… well, there willnae be anyone with the power tae stand against me. Everyone benefits.”
“Ye’re daft if ye think I’d ever–”
“Ever what? Marry a man of honor who rescued ye from captivity?” Lachlan’s voice hardened. “After months of livin’ as Wallace’s prisoner and then whore, ye should be grateful I’d still consider havin’ ye.”
“Ian Wallace is ten times the man ye’ll ever be!” Rhona spat, her blue eyes blazing with fury. “And I’d rather die than–”
The backhand came without warning, snapping her head to the side and leaving her ears ringing while her cheek felt as if it had been split open. “Careful, lass,” Lachlan’s voice was deadly quiet. “Yer value tae me depends on yer cooperation. Push me too far, and I might just decide ye’re more trouble than ye’re worth. After all, there are more MacAlpin sisters tae be had, should anythin’ unfortunate happen tae ye.”
Rhona’s hand flew to her cheek, tasting blood where her teeth had cut her lip. But she lifted her chin with every ounce ofdefiance she could muster. “Me faither will see through yer lies. He’ll never believe–”
“He’ll believe what he sees,” Lachlan cut her off. “His poor daughter, rescued from dishonor by the legitimate laird, offering marriage and safety. And when I tell him exactly what Wallace has subjected ye tae…”
“So ye’ll tell him Ian treated me with kindness and respect, then.” Rhona said firmly.
“I’ll tell him whatever serves me purposes.” Lachlan’s mask of civility finally slipped completely. “And if ye’re smart, ye’ll keep yer whore mouth shut and let me handle this.”
“And if I refuse?”
Lachlan’s smile was more threatening than ever. “Then perhaps ye shouldnae be allowed tae speak tae them at all. Or see them, fer that matter.”
Before Rhona could react, he’d seized her arms and was binding them roughly behind her back. “Murdoch! Take the lass somewhere she cannae interfere. I need tae consider all me options fer how best tae utilize her.”
“Aye, me laird!”
“Keep her close,” Lachlan added with a cruel glint in his eye. “I may need her visible fer our guests.”
As rough hands dragged her away from the fire, Rhona heard the thunder of approaching hoofbeats in the distance. Her heart leapt with desperate hope.
Please let it be Ian. Please let him have seen through the trap.
