Highland Flame (Highland Brides) by Lois Greiman Page A

and fell in soft folds halfway to her knees, and at her side was her ruby-studded dirk.
    Roderic glanced at her, tried to adjust his breathing and said, "You've doubled the guard." Flame watched him as if waiting for his comment on her attire. But he refused to act shocked. Intrigued was the word to fit his mood more closely. "'Tis na fair."
    "Step back!" Bullock ordered gruffly. Behind him, William, Gilbert, and Nevin looked on. "Step away from the lady."
    Roderic shrugged and did as told. Nevertheless, he grinned at her from against the wall. Why did she wear such an outlandish costume? Mannish, some might call it. But the simple saffron shirt caressed her bosom and the leather hose hugged her lower regions. Manly was not the term he would use for it. "How am I ta escape when there are two men at me door and no other way out?"
    She watched him closely. Her expression was regal and self-assured, and yet past the polished veneer he sensed fatigue, as if she hadn't slept well. That fact reminded Roderic of his nocturnal visit. He remembered how she had looked in the pale light of the moon, how she had whimpered in her sleep.
    It had been difficult to leave her, but he had, taking the parchment with him. In the first rays of morning light, he had read the ghoulish letter over and over. It was short, concise: / am sending this — a-head, so that ye may know that the Forbeses do not parley with MacGowan filth. Leith Forbes.
    He could imagine Flanna's expression when she had seen her kinsman's severed head and read the missive. But it was not just the murder that would have worried her. It was the fact that the note was written in blood and contained a sick play on words. / am sending this — a-head...
    What kind of man would kill an innocent herald, then compose a sinister joke and blame the deed on another. And why? But the most haunting part of the entire message was the seal that had once held it closed. Stamped into the hardened wax was the image of a wildcat that looked very much like Leith's own seal!
    Roderic curled his hands into fists and reminded himself to remain calm. Had someone stolen his brother's seal? Or made a copy of it? Whatever the case, he would find the true villain. And the villain would die.
    "I told you at the outset that you would not escape Dun Ard," Flame said.
    He watched her eyes. They were entrancing, wide, vividly green and filled with a thousand emotions he could not quite fathom. "So ye did, lass," he murmured, then pulled himself from her eyes to notice the breakfast that had just been delivered. "Am I ta eat alone?"
    "Did ye mayhap think that the MacGowans would be falling over each other for a chance to eat with a Forbes?"
    It fascinated him that she could banish her doubts and fatigue behind her emerald eyes and meet his gaze full force.
    "I had considered it," he said.
    She turned away, but he softened his tone and added,
    "I am accustomed to the company of me family and friends. In short, I am lonely."
    She looked back over her shoulder at him. A queen should look so proud, he thought, and pressed on.
    "Might ye na share me trencher?"
    "Nay," she said simply and turned away.
    "Please" he said softly. "I would speak with ye for a spell. Mightn't ye have a seat?"
    "Nay," Nevin warned. "Do not risk it, lady. I know these Forbeses, for my father, bless his soul, used to sell them his wares. They are a crafty lot."
    Roderic almost laughed. Four well-armed warriors guarded her. Each man looked hearty, able, and more than willing to cut him into bite-sized morsels should he raise a suspicious finger to her. Still, he was flattered by their worry and glad he had made an impression. "I willna harm her," he vowed. "Ye have me word of honor."
    No one moved. Roderic could not quite resist a grin. "What could I do against four guards?"
    Bullock shuffled his feet and reddened, probably remembering his disgraceful failure to guard Roderic on the previous day, but Roderic had no need to salt old