Page 175 of Wicked Highland Heroes

Chapter Seven

Near midnight, a sudden downpour ended their search, but by then Talbot knew Dayton had eluded him. Talbot’s anger mingled with bitter frustration. He would have to chase Dayton into England and, likely, challenge their father’s protection of the cur.

The walls of the inn came into view up ahead and Talbot allowed his shoulders to relax a fraction. The security its walls afforded meant the establishment was of a better cut than the one where they’d found Lady Rhoslyn. He slowed and Seward followed suit, as did the men riding behind them. They passed through the gate into the courtyard and Talbot spotted one of his men sitting on a bench near the door. The man rose as they brought their horses to a halt in front of the inn.

The door opened just as Talbot dismounted. A murmur of voices spilled into the courtyard as a lad emerged, and he glimpsed men inside the tavern on the ground floor of the building.

The lad stepped up to Talbot. “Can I take your horses?”

“Aye,” Talbot replied. “Have you accommodations for my men in your stables?”

“Ye can speak with John. Your men can come with me.”

“Blair,” Talbot called to the man at the head of the company, “you and the rest of the men sleep in the stables. The boy will show you the way.” The boy started around the building and the men spurred their horses to follow.

“All is well?” Talbot asked the warrior who had been seated.

“Aye. Ross himself guards your lady wife.”

“What room is she in?” Talbot asked.

“Third floor, second door on the left.”

Talbot nodded, and Seward followed him inside the tavern.

Talbot stopped a young maid as she passed a nearby table. “Have you another room?” he asked.

“I think so. I will fetch the innkeeper.”

A moment later a tall, lean man in his thirties entered from the hallway. “Good evening. Brae tells me ye are looking for a room.”

“Aye, my wife, Lady Rhoslyn is here,” Talbot said. “Her grandfather, Baron Kinsley, needs accommodations.”

“Lady Rhoslyn, yes. She is in our finest room on the third floor. I have a vacant room at the end of the hall on the second floor, the baron can have. ‘Tis a good room, though no’ as fine as the one where I put your wife.”

“That will do,” Talbot said. “I have sent my men to your stables. See to their dinner.” He turned toward the stairs.

“I expect to see my granddaughter first thing in the morning, St. Claire,” Seward said.

Talbot started up the stairs. “I will tell her.”

* * *

Rhoslyn’s eyes snapped open. A stifling heat washed over her. The glow of firelight penetrated her blurred vision. The convent was on fire! She threw back the covers and leapt from bed. She took two steps before realizing she was naked. She swung toward the fire. There was no hearth in her cell. The events of the last day crashed in around her. Rhoslyn gasped and swayed with the spinning room.

Strong arms caught her against a wall of velvety steel warmth. She snapped her head up and saw a masculine face looming over her. Her mind propelled back to Dayton St. Claire on top of her, his stubbled jaw harsh against her neck as he—Rhoslyn shoved the man’s chest.

“No!” she screamed.

The arms tightened around her. “Lady Rhoslyn.”

She beat his chest.

“It is I—”

Rhoslyn thrashed.

His arms tightened. “Rhoslyn, it is I, Talbot.”