Page 416 of Wicked Highland Heroes

“Did it seem they believed you wished to ransom him?”

Edwin strode to the fire. “The men I met with were curious.” He lowered himself to the ground.

“Your men will fight,” Victoria said. “You promised.”

“Aye,” he said. “Nothing has changed.” He hadn’t looked at her for confirmation, yet

Victoria knew he was reminding her of their bargain.

* * *

Morning grew late before Edwin’s men were given the order to break camp. Victoria sat astride her gelding watching Thomas and Edwin as they spoke just out of earshot. Liam drew his horse up alongside her, yet she kept her attention on the two men ahead of her.

“I do not intend to stand around and wait while my daughter-in-law rides into battle,” he said under his breath.

“Just as I do not intend to leave your son in the hands of those animals,” Victoria said.

“You are not leaving him there.”

“It is my deeds that must be undone.”

Leather creaked as Liam shifted in the saddle.

“What do you mean?”

“Jillian.”

He frowned. “It is not your fault what they did to the lass.”

“Had I not taken her to Fauldun Castle, Iain would not now be at the mercy of David Robertson.”

“You cannot believe he would have had you leave the lass?”

She shook her head. “He was furious. It would seem he knew better than I.”

“I do not think you mean that.” Liam’s voice softened. “’Tis not in you to have left her there.”

“Nay?” She regarded him with a callous eye.

“Mayhap there are some things better left alone.”

Liam regarded her in silence for a moment before saying, “Like you and Iain for example?”

Victoria yanked on the reins of her horse, wheeling away from him.

Two hours later they parted company. Although Victoria hung back from Edwin, Liam’s voice could be heard above the noise as orders were given and Highlanders separated from English.

“If one hair on her head is harmed, you will be looking over your shoulder at me, Sassenach.” Liam wheeled his horse around. In the next instant, he was beside Victoria. “You remember what I said, lass.” With that, he spurred his stallion to the Highlander side.

Thomas nudged his horse up alongside her. “You will also remember what I said?” Victoria nodded.

“Oh, and, my lady,” he said, a cool smile on his face, “do not keep any secrets in the future.” A jolt went through her.

“Liam may have been surprised when you announced you would be going with the earl, but I was not.”

“It was a logical course of action,” she replied.

“Mayhap. But your perception of logic may not coincide with your husband’s. It is dangerous to keep secrets.”