Page 16 of Highlander’s Quest of Desire

"All of us understood the risks involved and didnae hesitate to volunteer. Who are ye to spit in the face of that? Yer nae the only one who wants to serve Scotland at the risk of their life and reputation. Aye, reputation. I ken what I risk."

The silence was deafening. Elspeth ignored them all as she packed her bags and made sure she hadn't missed anything. Sometimes it did men good to receive a tongue-lashing. They were so used to being the masters in everything, commanding people about, taking decisions no matter how abysmal, that they forgot they were human and just as likely to err as the next person.

"So?" she asked, turning to the circle of men who stared at her with a mixture of admiration and horror. "What will it be? Will ye go on this fool's errand alone and friendless or will ye take me with you?"

Bruce looked at her steadily. His eyes were hooded, but she could read a shifting light in them. His mouth twitched slightly at the corners, and he sighed. "I'll be honored to have ye by my side, Lady Elspeth."

Elspeth smiled. It was a heady feeling winning an argument in a group of men. She was thrilled that she had held her own and fought for her own interests.

"So, yer determined to stay in Scotland?" Leo sighed.

"I made a promise, dear friend," Bruce said. He looked more heartbroken than determined now. It occurred to Elspeth that Bruce had recently lost a man who was second only to his father. It was no wonder that he was obsessed with fulfilling his promise.

"I understand," Leo said, bowing his head in surrender. "And I wish ye luck. It eases my conscience that Elspeth Buchan shall be by yer side. I wouldnae be able to sleep at night knowing ye were alone and friendless somewhere, in need of help."

"With someone as fierce as Lady Elspeth by my side, it will be my enemies who will need help," Bruce snorted, then winced at the pain.

Elspeth was taken aback by his jest. She had expected him to give in eventually but to maintain ill-humor for a few weeks before he saw her healing talents and finally accepting her as a worthy companion. The immediate change in his behavior was pleasing.

"Then we shall leave ye," Leo said, kneeling on one knee and taking his Laird's leave. "We must be in Dunnottar before nightfall if we hope to avoid suspicion in yer escape."

"I wish ye God speed, and I thank ye all for yer bravery and loyalty. It will nae go unrewarded," Bruce said to his men. Elspeth admired how he radiated authority of a magnanimous Laird even as he grimaced on the ground, half-naked.

They each took their leave of both Bruce and Elspeth, and before long only the two remained in the clearing.

"Well, now, Lady Elspeth," Bruce growled. "I believe ye owe me an apology."

Elspeth turned to him. In the light of the small lantern that was left to them, she could see he was smiling. He was very handsome. Even under the bruises and the grime, it was undeniable how handsome he was. Thick black hair, firm sculpted jaw, and brown warm eyes–Bruce Grant was easy on the eyes, and if she weren’t careful she’d be distracted by his good looks.

"I'll apologize to ye once we've put this place well behind us," Elspeth said, readying the horses.

"’Tis a bonny place," Bruce said, gazing up at the sky.

Elspeth had been too occupied with his wound and injuries to look up. She now took a moment and saw that the stars shone bright like scattered jewels across a dark satin sky. The wind was balmy, and there was a pleasant smell of mint and crushed grass. Yes, it was indeed a lovely place, but they did not have the luxury to indulge in it. They were being hunted, and if they did not leave soon it would be too late.

Survival was key.

"Aye, but this is Scotland in spring," she said, helping him up. "Every place is bonny."

His skin was still hot but not feverish. She placed her palm on his forehead; the sweat on his brow had cooled and his eyes were more focused than before. Placing her forefinger on his neck, she timed his pulse.

Bruce was a handsome man. The bruises and cuts along Bruce’s body and face did little to hide how attractive he was. Observing the contours of his face, eyes lingering on the dip between his hips, Elspeth felt an awakening within her that she couldn’t easily define. Liquid heat—that was the only way she could describe it. It churned at the bottom of her abdomen and radiated down her thighs.

Suddenly parched, Elspeth licked her lips.

"If yer done touching me we can ride off," Bruce said.

Elspeth flushed. She hadn't realized how close they were. She was so busy making sure he was okay she had quite forgotten herself and the social decorum suitable of a lady.

Backing away from him, she busied herself making sure Willow's saddle was harnessed well. What was wrong with her? How could she forget herself so? Her reputation was already in tatters, but that did not mean that she could expose herself to ridicule by the very man she was trying to save.

They mounted their horses. It took Bruce two tries, but he refused her help. Riding through the clearing, they took the path away from Edinburgh. They had gone a few paces when Elspeth asked, "Where are we going?"

"I would prefer if ye nae ask me questions," Bruce said, dismissively. "I donae want to share the details of my mission."

Elspeth bit her tongue so as not to give him a piece of her mind. "How can I help ye if I donnae ken where we are going or why?" she said as politely as she could manage.

"Ye'll have to trust me," he said. He sped up his horse, leaning forward as he did so. Elspeth urged Willow to do the same.

Bruce Grant was handsome, a good, gracious Laird, and thoughtful ally, but he was also the most infuriating man Elspeth had ever met. Was she a fool to offer her healing services to him? Should she have left with Leo and taken her way to Laird Labert's castle?

Time would tell if this was a big mistake or one of her cleverer decisions. For now, she dug her heels in Willow's flanks and tried to keep up with the exasperating Laird of Dunnottar Castle.