The knots tying the horses took precious seconds to undo. He tossed the woman onto the back of his mount, climbing up behind her as she tried to slide back down, still wanting to run.
“Dinnae even consider it,” he snapped, grabbing the reins with one hand and her with the other. He was glad of her odd attire in that moment. Holding her black hose in place was a leather belt that he kept tight hold of as he spurred the horse out of the copse.
The chasing army began to fall behind. They were no match for horses. After a mile, Gavin risked looking back again. They had become no more than dots, their roars of anger fading in the wind.
He slowed his horse when they reached a steep climb. On the other side was pasture and from there it would not take long to get to the castle.
He looked down at the woman. At least she’d stopped fighting to get free. “What’s your name?” he asked.
“Let me go,” she snapped back. Her voice sounded like honey to him, sweet and desirable even in anger. He found his throat suddenly dry though he could not understand why that might be.
He coughed loudly. “Did you see who was following us?”
“I said let me go.”
“What would it say about me if I let you down to your death?”
“I need to go home.”
“They will kill you.”
She twisted her head to look at him, anger flashing in her eyes. “At least let me sit up then.”
He slowed his horse to a trot, the other men riding on ahead. “If I agree to that, will you agree to remain with me until we reach the castle.”
“Castle? What castle?”
“My home. MacGregor Castle.”
“You’re going to MacGregor Castle?” She looked different, like she was happy to hear that. She muttered something to herself, the only word he caught was, ‘knife.’
“What was that?”
“Nothing. We ride to MacGregor Castle, correct?”
“Aye.”
“Then I will go with you gladly.”
He didn’t say anything but he noted her response. As soon as he told her where they were going, her entire attitude had changed. She let him help her up until she was seated properly in front of him. He spurred the horse on once more and she almost slipped off.
“Not used to riding?” he asked, putting a hand around her waist, enjoying the feel of her back against his chest as he held her tight.
“I’ve never been on a horse before.”
“Never?”
“You sound surprised.”
“I am. Only the lowest peasants do not ride and you dinnae look like a peasant.”
“Thanks, I think.”
The castle came into view ahead. The men were already inside, the portcullis lowering back down. “Hold,” he yelled, breaking into a gallop. They thundered over the drawbridge and through the gatehouse, finally coming to a halt in the packed courtyard. Bruce had begun gathering the men as the portcullis slammed into place.
“Up to the battlements,” Gavin shouted. “Bows at the ready. They were not far behind me.”
He climbed down from his horse, glad to see the portcullis was already back in place. Holding out a hand he was again struck by the incredible beauty of the stranger he’d brought back with him. “Susanne,” he shouted. “Where are you?”
