Page 24 of Taken By her Highland Enemy

He coughed to get out of her embrace, and he slid up onto the horse. “Come, lass, ye will ride with me.”

She crinkled her nose at him for a moment. “I see. To keep an eye on me, I suppose? Keep your enemies closer?”

He chuckled. “If ye like.” He reached out to swing her behind him, and she slid in snugly, wrapping her arms about him once more. He pointed Aine towards the shining glint of the river. “I shall trust in ye just this once, Sassenach. Ye are the one full of brilliant plans.”

“Brilliant, you say? Why I never expected such a compliment, Mr. Wilson. I thought it was men who only had good ideas.”

He could sense the sarcasm in her voice, and he knew he was being baited. “Think as ye please, Isabelle. We ride tae the village first.”

They trotted along, picking up speed, and the cold wind rushed over them. Isabelle leaned up so that she could whisper in Eamon’s ear. Her breath was warm against his skin, and he could feel his cock harden with the image of putting his mouth on hers as well as many other places on her body. She said, “Are there any forts or large castles nearby? If my father has fled the village unscathed, he would most assuredly go to someplace like that.”

Eamon grinned. He would never tell her, but she was a better partner than many of his own men. She thought logically and produced good plans. Even though this plan seemed risky, foolhardy, and it had cost him an argument with his brother, he trusted this woman. With her arms wrapped around him, Eamon felt comfort and safety he hadn’t felt since he’d left his family all those years ago. For a brief moment, his father’s face flashed in his mind. It was a kind face, and Eamon had not thought of him for many years to avoid the pain and guilt that had come with thinking about his father. But for some reason now, with Isabelle behind him, the image brought no pain.

It only made him think of the moments he had lost now that his father was gone. There were many good memories, and the only sadness he felt now was the fact that he could not have anymore. He would have to make new memories with new people that he loved. He felt Isabelle tap him on the shoulder. “Are you listening, Highlander? Are there castles nearby?”

He said back towards her as he searched for the dim lights of Drumnadrochit in the distance, “Aye, I believe they would head tae Urquhart Castle. It is the best place for them tae escape tae if they dinnae wish tae go too far. It is right on Loch Ness, and it is abandoned, so they would have nae one tae fight tae take possession of it.”

“Yes! Then that must be where he has gone!” Eamon could feel Isabelle’s excitement in the way her arms tensed around him, and he smiled to himself as he rode hard, back along the river’s bend towards Drumnadrochit. It was late, but the tavern would still be open if Cutler had not destroyed it before he left. It was not far, and they were soon alighting in the center of town. Eamon tied Aine to a wooden post by the tavern, and before heading inside, Eamon turned to Isabelle.

“Keep yer hood up, lass. We dinnae want any of the villagers tae recognize ye.” Isabelle nodded to him, and instinctively, he reached back to grab her hand. He could hear her draw in a quick breath, but then she gripped his hand tightly in return. Once they were inside, Eamon led them to a table. “I know we dinnae have much time, but I think it wise we sit and drink afore asking questions.”

He looked around before walking towards the innkeeper, coin in his hand. He paid for two pints and brought them back to the table. He was feeling tense, unsure of how to proceed just yet, but he knew that Isabelle would know what to do. At least in outward appearance, she seemed a lot more cool-headed than he. They sat for a moment in silence. Isabelle whispered. “How far is the castle from here?”

“It is nae far, but we will have to ride to find a place to cross the river. The loch is wide and deep.”

Isabelle smiled. “Yes, I remember it. It is not far from where we camped last, but my father much prefers the protection of walls than tents.” She sighed. “If only I had more time to view this beautiful country. Loch Ness was like a lovely blue mirror. It is a vision in the moonlight. This land is more enchanting than England by far.”

He smiled, pointing to her pint. “I hope ye dinnae object tae our drink either. Perhaps it is nae proper for an English lady tae consume.” Isabelle’s eyes laughed as she picked up the cup and took a large sip. She wiped her mouth with the back of her hand, and Eamon chuckled.

“It is not proper, you are correct. But what do I care for propriety any longer? I know I have been kidnapped, but I feel the most marvelous freedom.”

“Well, I suppose that doesnae put yer father in a good light, although he doesnae have one anyway.”

Isabelle grinned, but then it faltered. “Eamon, I do hope that your friends have not been captured. My father is an incredibly brutal man. He would do nothing short of skinning them alive to get his revenge.”

Eamon’s hands clenched around his cup. “Aye, I feared that was so. And the boy. If yer father finds out what the boy has done for us, then he will surely kill him as well.” Eamon noticed Isabelle color a little and look down. “Do ye know the boy well, lass? Has he been with yer family long?”

Isabelle had paled a little, but Eamon thought it was simply about her concern for his men. “Yes, he has been with our family for a very long time. We are nearly kin. I hope for his safety as well.” Eamon was about to respond, but since their pints were finished, he knew he had to get moving. He walked back to the innkeeper, who was cleaning a cup.

“Innkeeper, might I trouble ye for a bit of information?”

The man was older, looked a little life-weary, but he was kind. “Aye, lad, what do ye need?”

“That man Cutler. Did he make it out of the village alive?” Eamon had lowered his voice ever so slightly, his eyes wary of eavesdroppers.

The old man’s eyes moistened. “Aye, the bastard. We nearly had him, and we took many of his weapons and killed a few of his men. But he and the others got away. At least it was entertaining enough tae watch their fleeing figures.”

Eamon nodded. He admitted to himself that he was disappointed. He had hoped for the smallest chance that Cutler had perished, and then he would be free of this entire mess, and no more blood would have to be spilled. “I imagine so. Could ye tell me something else? Did two men come by here earlier tae ask about Cutler’s whereabouts?”

“Aye, aye. Two young men. They seemed secretive, just like yerself. I told them where I had seen the man flee to.”

“Urquhart?”

“I imagine so. Cutler was heading that direction. The men rode that way a few hours ago.” The old man looked nervous. But, I am a little afraid for them, Sir. For once they left after speaking tae me, I saw a suspicious man stand up and follow them out.”

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