“One horse? We’re to share one horse?”
“Aye, I’ll just pop ye on the front of the saddle. It’ll be a bit heavy for the poor creature, but it willnae be for long. She’s a strong horse.”
She pressed her lips together. “I’d prefer to walk, I think. I daenae mind.”
He gave an amused huff. “I am sure ye daenae. Nevertheless, ye will ride with me. These roads are dangerous. Did ye nae learn that before?”
“Aye, perhaps I did, but then ye insisted on us takin’ a wee jaunt through the forest,” she snapped, “and I suppose it all seemed very safe again.”
Was she mocking him? He thought she probably was. Still, it was not his concern. Chuckling again, Ryder turned and strode back along the way he’d come.
He wouldn’t have beenwhollysurprised if she’d gone running away in the opposite direction. She had enough spirit, to be sure. He would have to chase her, of course, and that would be a whole business to deal with.
He was faintly relieved to hear her trotting after him, keeping a wary distance.
“I mean it,” she called. “I’d rather walk.”
“Aye, I’m sure ye would, but a horse will get us there faster, and more safely,” he called back. “Ye are a clever woman. Ye understand.”
She said nothing, and he knew that he’d got it right. His suggestionwaslogical, and therewasdanger on the roads. He found himself thinking again of Logan’s letter. Logan was a clever man, very wise, and he knew a lot about the Highlands. Sometimes, Ryder wondered whether heshouldsend the girls to live with their uncle. He’d be much stricter, of course, but surely he’d keep them safe.
And Alaina wouldnae hate me so much.
That thought sent a pang through his chest, although he dutifully suppressed it. It wasn’t his fault that Alaina resented him so much. He was making the right decision for her; he knew that without a doubt. He was confident and easy in his choices regarding his sister, even if she didn’t appreciate them. Orhim.
Still, Megan’s words about the guards he’d put outside Alaina’s door had given him pause for thought. In an attempt to bring his mind back to the present—and to shake off the lingering feeling of arousal hanging around in his gut—he spoke, glancing over his shoulder at Megan.
“I replaced the soldiers on Alaina’s door. They have new instructions to be a little less strict with her movements. She’s to be given more freedom.”
“I noticed. I’m sure she’s grateful.”
“If she is, she’s nae said as much.”
They stepped out of the trees, and the rain fell heavily and unhindered on them. Ryder barely noticed it now, since he was already soaked. His horse waited patiently, sheltering under a tree branch, which kept her dry.
Clever lass,he thought, with a smile. He strode over to her, patting her on the flank. Megan came stumbling out of the trees behind him, shaking water from her cloak.
“These guards are younger,” Ryder added. “I thought she might feel more comfortable with younger guards, nae grizzled old men who believe that locking her in her room all day is the best way to keep her safe. These fellows should be more sympathetic.”
Megan nodded, although there was a hint of worry on her face.
“I am glad that ye listened to me,” she murmured. “The trouble is that the damage is already done, isn’t it? Alaina does nae trust ye, or the soldiers ye put in place to guard her.”
“I agree,” Ryder responded cheerfully. “That is where ye come in, eh?”
She said nothing about that. He climbed up neatly into the saddle, settling himself in place, then glanced down at her.
Megan stared up at him, and for once, her expression was unreadable. When their eyes met, a shiver rolled down his spine, more powerful than he had expected. It seemed he was just unable tobracehimself against it.
I must stop this,he thought, with a hint of panic creeping into his mind.Why does she draw me in so powerfully? Whatisit about her?
This is nae real. None of this is real. I cannae forget that. If I do forget it, I’m lost.
Trying to shake off the worrying sensation ofbeing lost, Ryder cleared his throat and extended a hand.
“Are ye comin’, or nae?” he asked softly.
She still had a strange look on her face. It occurred to him then that if she bolted, he would have to chase her down, and then she truly would become his captive.
