Page 19 of Never Marry a Highlander

“Aye.I look forward to that.”

He squeezed her hand as she walked away.

With Craig breathing down her neck as she ate her morning meal, reminding her that ‘twas time to go, all she managed to choke down was a piece of bread, taking an apple with her.

David approached as she moved from the table to join Craig.

“’Tis sorry I am, sister, that we dinna get along better.”

She huffed.“We would have gotten along a lot better if ye dinna beat me every time I went against yer orders.”

The Gunn turned toward Craig who was now standing next to her.“Ye better be careful with his one.She gave her husband a hard time and he was forced to beat her, as well.She’s a determined lass who has yet to learn her place in life.”He waved his finger at her.“Ye better watch that tongue of yers, Lorena.”

Craig stiffened and took Lorena’s elbow.“No need to warn her, she is my responsibility now.”

“For which ye will be sorry.”

Lorena scowled at the exchange between her brother and her husband.They spoke of her as if she wasn’t even present.She opened her mouth to speak, and Craig squeezed her elbow.“’Tis time to go, Lorena.”

She nodded and turned and walked out of the keep.Hopefully for the last time.Even though she had decided not to allow this new husband into her heart, she did hope they could live in harmony.There had never been harmony here.

“Doona let him upset ye, lass.There is no reason for ye to see him ever again.”

She sniffed, not wanting to show any weakness.“I am no’ upset.I am glad to leave the bastard.”

If Craig had been surprised by her language, he didn’t say.He took the satchel out of her hand and attached it to her horse.Before he was able to help her up she mounted the animal by herself.

The two wagons had been loaded.Edith sat in one of them, and Lorena then realized that Edith wouldn’t have a horse to ride, but she certainly looked comfortable in her snug spot.

The MacKay guardsmen gathered together.Craig gave them instructions on the path they would take and who would ride in front and which guardsmen would stay alongside the group.He paid particular attention to remind the men to be aware of the two women, to ensure they were protected at all times.After naming two men to ride out before them to act as scouts, he held up his hand and signaled for them to leave.

Lorena couldn’t help it.She looked back as they rode away.Clyth Castle was a beautiful place, at least on the outside.With David in charge, the inside was dark as the devil’s soul.