Page 21 of The Best of Madeline Grant

“Out with your request.”

She glanced over her shoulder to see if they were alone, then pulled him down the passageway to the end of the stalls. “I’m asking a favor. You will be the only one who knows, so if he finds out, I’ll know you’re the one who betrayed me. And I’ll never forgive you.”

“I don’t like the sound of this at all.” His usual jovial demeanor changed quickly to a serious tone.

“I know not when we will be interrupted, so listen carefully. Logan invited us to spend Christmas with the Ramsays. Alexdenied him. I’ve asked Alex to reconsider, and he is thinking on it, but I know my husband. He’s just delaying his denial, searching for another good reason not to go.”

“Ah, is this a request to argue your case? Gathering allies, Maddie? I’ll see if I can reason with him. ’Tis not a difficult task at all, not with the number of warriors he has at his disposal. There would be more than enough to take with him and leave some behind.”

“’Tis not what I’m asking.”

Mac sent her a look of confusion. “What are you asking, then?”

“Alex will not be reasoned with when he is determined to deny a request. I have given him the sound reasoning, but I’ll wait and see how he will reply. I’m waiting for him to admit to me that he’ll not allow us to go.”

“Then ...” Mac trailed off, clearly uncertain what to say to that.

“I am here because once Logan leaves, I will follow him. I hope to catch up with him before Alex finds out and follows.”

Mac’s face was the picture of shock. “Maddie, with all due respect, you are not thinking this through carefully. You cannot do that. He’ll be furious.”

“I’ll not be dissuaded, Mac. I only tell you as I want you to go with us. You and Alice. I cannot take three bairns safely on my own, so I need assistance. You are the only two I trust to keep your word. And if you tell Alex, neither I nor your wife will forgive you. What say you?”

Mac found his tongue and finally said, “Maddie, why? Why would you anger your husband so and take such a risk?”

“Because there’s no reason we cannot go safely. He’s not listening to reason. I’ll not be dictated to as I was with Kenneth.” Mac should understand. He was there when the man she thought to be her brother had mistreated her, confined her toher chamber, refused to allow her to do anything without his approval. He was the worst form of dictator there could be.

While she knew in her heart that Alex was not like Kenneth, a small inkling warned her to be careful, to not allow another to control her as Kenneth had.

“Alex is not like that, Maddie. You know that well.”

“I know that to be true,” she said, tears dotting her lashes. “But you know better than anyone how I was controlled. I need him to see that he cannot do the same, Mac.” A fire had started deep in her belly that wouldn’t be easily extinguished. Her last statement came out in a whisper. “It was not that long ago and I have not forgotten any of it. Please.”

Mac sighed heavily. “All right. I do not agree with this, Maddie, but I know you’re a stubborn woman. I’ll go along with you, but only until we meet up with Logan. For the safety of the bairns.”

“’Tis all I need of you. That and three horses hidden in the forest just outside the gates when I give you notice. I know not exactly how this will play out, so we must be ready for any situation. Hide the animals in a place where they’ll not be seen in the dark. Remember, I’ll know if you tell Alex.”

“He’ll have me beaten when he learns I did not inform him,” Mac replied.

“What Alice will do to you would be worse.”

“Why won’t you see reason, lass? Speak to Alex. Do not sneak off as you plan.”

“I have spoken to him, Mac, but it’s no use. You’ll see that he intends to deny us.” Maddie paused. “Alice will be going with me, whether you go or not. She gave my mother her word that she’d always watch over me. I thought your loyalty was to your wife. Or have you become more loyal to Alex? If so, I’ll make sure Alice knows where she ranks in importance to you.”

Mac paled. “Maddie, when did you gain this cruel streak?”

“It is not cruelty. It is determination.” She spun on her heel before Mac could say more. When she was far enough away from him, she mumbled to herself, “It is determination and survival.”

She was going to Ramsay land, and nothing was going to stand in her way.

Not even Alex Grant.

Chapter Four

Maddie and Alex both show their tempers. Who will win?

She patted his arm and said, “No need. We have plenty, so please do not worry. I have taken care of everything. May we finish our earlier discussion?”