Page 340 of Wicked Highland Heroes

Victoria shook her head. “Another time. Sir, I have been cooped up within these walls too long.” “There are many here who do not step outside these walls in a year. You have been here not yet a month.”

She raised a brow. “Need we examine the difference?”

Thomas smiled. “As you please, my lady.”

So, the rogue was not so easily had. “I ask one small favor,” she said.

“To be outside the castle walls?”

“A ride. Surely that is not too much to ask?”

“Have you spoken to Iain?”

“It is a simple matter, why must I petition him?”

“He alone can grant that favor.” “Why?” she demanded.

“I believe it is because he fears you will run away at first chance.”

“Do you know where he is?”

“The great hall, last I saw him. You did not find him there?”

She had noticed him outside the door of the great hall and had avoided him. The memory of her jailer’s jealous expression when Thomas had jested with him the night they arrived flashed in memory. What would Iain do if he thought her attention was focusing on his cousin?

Victoria frowned. “Are you feeling well?” She felt his forehead with the back of her fingers. “You look flushed. A moment’s rest would do you good.” Without waiting, she pulled him from where the men worked and started down the hill.

“The guards will not open the gate even for me, my lady.” His tone was casual, but Victoria detected just enough curiosity that she hoped would delay his resistance until she had incited her captor’s jealous nature.

She led him down the hill and into the courtyard. As they approached the castle, Victoria caught sight of Iain standing in the postern door speaking with some men. She turned her attention to Thomas and guided him to the well in the middle of the courtyard. With a push, she seated him on the stone bench beside the well.

“A respite from the sun will do you good.”

Glancing up at the great oak that shadowed the spot, she pretended to miss Iain’s gaze as it moved past the men he conversed with to rest on her and Thomas. She lifted the tin cup that rested on the well’s stone wall and scooped water from the bucket there. She allowed her fingers to brush Thomas’s arm as she handed him the cup. Once he drank the water, she refilled the cup.

Iain arrived a moment later, his companions in tow.

Victoria turned an innocent gaze on them.

“Would you join us for a bit of refreshment?”

He remained quiet while his companions declined.

She nodded. “It is a warm day and one cannot be too careful of this heat.”

“I see you have found a new way to make use of your time,” Iain said.

“I must do something with myself,” Victoria replied. “This does not please you?”

“I think you could find other amusement.”

Indeed, she could. Victoria gave him an innocent look. “What would you suggest, my lord?”

“Have you nothing else you would rather be doing?”

Thomas shifted and Victoria realized he had surmised her trap. “Only a moment ago, I happened to mention what a beautiful day it is for a ride.” She looked at Thomas for confirmation. Pushing aside the strong desire to throttle him when he declined to comment, she glided into her next statement. “Mayhap that is the very thing I need, as I am unaccustomed to this lack of freedom.”

“You may have all the freedom you like.”