Fraser 03 - Highland Homecoming by B. J. Scott

constantly making it clear he wanted to leave as soon as she was able, proved he had no plans for a future that included her. Best she put aside any foolish notions about Alasdair Fraser, and concentrate on her plans to escape as soon as she was strong enough. That is, if she could figure out where to go.
    After she finished baking, had dusted, and tidied the room, she returned to the pallet for a nap. Weary from overtaxing herself, she slid beneath the covers and fell asleep.
    “How dare you betray my father? He trusted you with my safety when he sent you tae bring me home. When I tell him you attacked me, he’ll have you beheaded.” She stood with her back against the wall and glared at the man as he stepped from the shadows and approached with a dirk in his hand.
    He reeked of whisky and it was evident by the way he staggered and slurred his words, he was well in his cups. In the past, she’d caught him watching her, but never for a moment believed he’d had indecent thoughts, or would try to force himself upon her.
    “You’ve had too much tae drink and are not thinking clearly. Once you are no longer intoxicated, you will see this is wrong. Go back tae your cabin and we willna speak of this again.” She tried to reason with him, but could tell by the scowl on his face, he was not about to back down.
    “I have served your father since before you were born and he views me as a friend and advisor. Who do you think he will believe? You or me? Especially if I deny your claim and tell him you are the one who entered my bedchamber.” He threw back his head and laughed. “Do you think he’d send me tae fetch you home if he thought for a moment you’d be in any danger?”
    “You canna think this deed will go unpunished.”
    “It doesna matter. Once I have had my fill, I can always toss you overboard and tell your father you drown. A shame about the storm. I dove in and tried tae save you, but, alas, I failed, nearly losing my own life in the attempt.” He shrugged and laughed. “Let’s stop playing games and get down tae satisfying my needs.” He turned the dagger in his hand then grabbed the crotch of his trews.
    “I dinna find you appealing in any way and you willna touch me.” She fought to keep the tremor in her voice under control. She’d not show her fear. She spotted the sword hanging on the wall above the brassier. If only she could reach it. One thing her father had insisted upon was that she learn to defend herself. She excelled at many of the tasks usually associated with men, and could challenge any man with a blade when on equal ground.
    “My father has promised me in marriage tae another. Do you think he’d allow you tae dishonor me and disgrace the clan?”
    “Your father is a fool. And if you’re dead, how will he know? Why he has offered your hand tae Laird Sutherland is beyond me. The man is a barbarian and I would have been a much better choice.”
    “You hold no title or land. While I dinna wish tae marry Laird Sutherland and mean tae take up this issue with my da when we arrive on the mainland, I certainly have no desire tae become your bride and willna willingly enter your bed.”
    He closed the gap between them. “You have always been a feisty lass, something I have thought a good lashing would cure.” He lunged forward and she grabbed for the dirk, but he outweighed her by almost one hundred pounds, and she was no match for his strength. Despite the uneven odds, she continued to struggle. She’d not give in without a fight.
    Using the bulk of his body, he trapped her against the wall, her hands at her side. When he licked her neck and cheek, revulsion skittered down her spine and she thought she might vomit.
    She tried to break free, but he refused to budge. Certain she was about to lose the battle, she felt another dirk at his side and slid it from the sheath. Without hesitation, she plunged it into his side. He yelled out in pain, staggered backward, then dropped to his