Page 42 of Highlander’s Dangerous Love

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Gemma walked through the meadow toward the castle, her heart heavy with dread. But she had to remind herself that she was doing this for Colin. Well, for her and Colin, really. It was a miracle her mother had let her beyond the house before the two week punishment was finished, but Gemma had crafted a tall tale about how she longed to see Bryce again before the wedding.

It could not have been further from the truth.

As she approached the gate to the keep, she saw Bryce on the upper wall, his tall figure silhouetted against the gray sky. He looked imposing and powerful, and for a moment, Gemma felt a flicker of fear. She knew she was taking a risk by going there, but she had to know the truth. Bryce noticed her right away and broke into a grin. He excused himself from the presence of the other guard with whom he’d been speaking and ran downstairs. They met in the courtyard.

She approached Bryce with a calm façade, hiding her nervousness deep within. She was determined to get answers, no matter what it took. Bryce looked at her with a mixture of curiosity and possessiveness, his eyes lingering on her figure for a moment too long.

“Gemma,” he said, his voice low and deep. “‘Tis braw tae see ye here! I havenae seen ye at the castle in some time.”

He offered her his elbow in the manner of a gentleman, and she took it to seem polite.

“My duties at home have kept me busy. With my father gone yet again, my mother needs all the help she can get as winter approaches.”

“Ye are a good lass, Gemma. Ye’ll be such a wonderful wife,” he said, green eyes glimmering. Her stomach turned at the way he said it, but she forced a simpering smile anyway.

“I wanted tae ask ye some questions, ‘afore the wedding,” she said, making sure her voice was milky sweet.

“Och aye? Not havin’ second thoughts are ye?” He teased. Somehow she suspected there was a small grain of truth in it.

“Just a few things, I promise,” she said. It was neither an affirmation nor a denial.

“Aye, I’m sure ye have questions. How life will be as Lady of the castle. Here, let us talk somewhere private.”

As they walked inside, Gemma was seeing the castle in a new light. It had always been filled with rich tapestries, glittering jewels and fine art. But despite the grandeur, Gemma felt a sense of unease. This was not her home, and she did not belong there. How had she ever thought of this place as a second home growing up?

When they reached a small sitting room, Bryce gestured for Gemma to sit down. She did as he bade, gazing at the room as he poured her a glass of wine.

“I thought I’d seen all the rooms in the castle,” she said in wonderment, looking at the colorful tapestries on the wall.

“This used tae be a store room. My mother wanted a separate, smaller room tae meet guests and not feel so…imposed upon in the great hall. Now, what is it that you wanted to discuss?” He asked, his gaze intense.

Gemma took a deep breath, her hands shaking slightly. “Why did Captain Frazier and Colin leave?” She asked, her voice steady.

Bryce's face darkened, and he took a long sip of wine.

“You ken I cannae speak of such things,” he said, his voice cold.

Gemma felt a surge of frustration. She had known this would be difficult, but she had hoped that Bryce would have some shred of decency.

“I am tae be yer wife,” she said, her voice rising slightly. “I have a right tae ken, especially since he was our friend.”

Bryce leaned forward, his eyes blazing with intensity.

“You have no right,” he said, his voice low and dangerous. “You are mine, and you will do as I say. Do not forget your place, Gemma.”

Gemma felt a chill run down her spine, and she stood up abruptly.

“I will not be spoken to like that,” she said, her voice trembling. “I will not be treated like a possession. An’ I am not yers. We are not yet married.”

“Why is he still important tae ye?” Bryce snarled.

Gemma scoffed.

“Did ye not hear me? We were all friends once! He an’ Captain Frazier left wi’out explanation. What happened? Did ye exile them?”

Bryce huffed and stood up from his chair.