Holding it slightly clumsily in his uninjured hand, Aaron put a few steps of distance between himself and Laird McGowan. He was obviously ready to fight, and the hatred she’d seen directed at her was now directed at Laird McGowan, though she wouldn’t be surprised if it was turned back on her when this fight concluded.
She scrambled back, scared that he’d turn toward her unexpectedly. Her foot caught on a branch, sending her onto her rump. The small bit of wind she had gained back was forced out of her, leaving her mouth with a pathetic wheeze.
As pain radiated up her back, Laird McGowan surged forward, his sword drawn, his sights set on Aaron and his unbalanced stance. It seemed as though he was steering the fight away from her, pushing Aaron closer to the woods. Despite the fact that he was occupied with a crazed man wielding a blade, Laird McGowan was still trying to protect her.
Is he really tryin’ to protect me, though? I daenae think he cares for me. Perhaps he has a personal vendetta against Aaron?
She gasped when Laird McGowan swung, backing Aaron up against the boulder that she’d used as cover. He pushed forward, caging Aaron in. Then, Laird McGowan raised his weapon again. The sword struck Aaron’s shoulder, and he let out a desperate, sick cry as his bone and sinew stopped it from digging in any further. She watched in horror as blood soaked through his top.
“Ye bastard!” Aaron roared, sounding like a wounded animal that had been backed into a corner. He ducked, wobbly on his feet, seemingly realizing that he couldn’t win. “Ye’ll pay for this! I swear ye will.”
Laird McGowan let out a savage laugh. He sounded demented, as though being attacked by a man with a knife wasn’t any more dangerous than being chased by a child with a stick. It frightenedher, but a strange part of her brain was in awe of the confidence and sheer power he held.
But I daenae want to be alone with him. Nae when this is what he’s capable of.
As Laird McGowan dodged the sloppy strike aimed at his throat, he lashed out with one of his own. Instead of another cut, the Laird slammed his elbow into Aaron’s side, knocking the wind out of his lungs. Her own breath stuttered sympathetically.
The fight continued, and Flora finally found the strength to push herself back to her feet. Her eyes were locked on them as she clutched her chest, stepping back slowly at first. When it became obvious that they were both completely focused on one another, she knew she had to take the opportunity that she’d been given.
With one final look at the battle, she turned on her heel. She wouldn’t go back into the woods, not when the other lairds were still there, but she couldn’t stay here. Even if Laird McGowan was protecting her, he was still dangerous—the way he fought made that obvious. She needed to get as far away from all of this as she could.
“Where is the fight that ye had when ye were attackin’ that woman?” Lucas demanded, easily stepping out of the way of a lazy swing from Aaron. “Ye’re gettin’ sloppy.”
“Shut yer mouth,” Aaron growled before coming at Lucas again.
Lucas let the other man get close before slamming into his shoulder and knocking him back a few steps. Instead of knocking the man out, he allowed him to right himself. Then, he stepped forward and slammed the blunt end of his sword into the soft tissue of Aaron’s stomach.
“Ye’re fightin’ dirty,” Aaron said, spitting blood into the dirt. “Seems ye stopped fightin’ like a man with honor after yer wife took her life.”
“Nae any dirtier than ye were when ye were fightin’ a woman,” Lucas replied as he moved forward again, delivering a series of blows that were meant to humiliate, putting every bit of anger into the movements. This was no longer just about the women. Aaron had made this personal. “Ye should ken how to fight back.”
This is what he deserves. I’m nae doin’ anythin’ to him that he wouldnae do to a woman. And I’m nae goin’ to let him say anythin’ else about me life. If I let him, he’ll bring Leo into this.
That thought guided his next strike. His non-dominant fist connected solidly, sending the other man to the ground. Aaron’s body twitched as he crumpled against the dirt. He wasn’t dead, but he was unconscious and so badly beaten that he wouldn’t pose a threat when or if he stood up.
Lucas stood over the man, his fist flexing at his side. It took all of his strength to keep from killing Aaron right there. The man hadbeen willing to bring up Maggie’s death and was likely on his way to throwing Leo’s at him as well.
“Ye’re lucky that we need information,” Lucas said to Aaron’s crumpled form. “Because me wife’s death—” He cut himself off, his jaw tightening.
I’m protectin’ people that cannae protect themselves. And had I done it back then, she’d still be livin’. So would Leo.
Lucas gave Aaron’s body a final shove with his heel before turning away. His own men would be here soon and would take care of this bastard when they saw him. Lucas’ focus now was on making sure the women were safe. And he’d start with the poor lass that fought her heart out. He imagined watching this beating had only served to scare her further.
Lucas turned around, breathing hard. His eyes immediately went to where he’d last seen the woman, but she was no longer there. It seemed as if her survival instincts had kicked in during the fight. He couldn’t blame her for that; it wasn’t as if she knew she could trust him.
Ach, but she’ll have to. If she doesnae, I cannae keep her safe nor get her out of here.
Glancing back at his horse, Lucas decided that it would be better to traverse the landscape on foot. He looked between the woods and the path that he’d taken here. If she were as smart as he thought she was, that’s the way she’d have fled, not back into the forest that was acting as a human hunting ground.
As he stormed forward, his eyes sweeping the tree line of the path, Lucas dropped his sword. There was a knife at his waist, and anyone who found their fun in preying on women wouldn’t be able to fend him off in hand-to-hand combat. The girl with that long, dark hair and shiny obsidian eyes would respond better to him approaching her without a flashy weapon.
“Laird McDonald!”
Lucas’ eyes snapped to the sound. His men were finally arriving in a stampede of hooves and righteous anger. Only one of them, Hector, slowed down enough to speak with Lucas as the rest carried on.
“What have ye found?” Hector asked, watching as the rest of their group advanced.
“I’ve taken care of one,” Lucas replied, nodding toward the direction he had just walked away from. “He’s nae dead yet. I’d like to be the one to carry out that task. He’s in the clearin’.”
