Page 2 of Lady and the Scot

"I--I..." She looked toward the front of the inn. "I am brought here by force. The man with me. He is not a good man. Please, help me escape." A tear slid down her cheek and she grabbed for his hand. "We must hurry, they will come after me."

Aiden looked around. There was only one way to leave, to the front of the alleyway where they were sure to be seen. Still he rushed toward it only to stop when two men appeared and blocked the exit. He pushed the woman behind him and shielded her with his body.

He swayed a bit and let out a frustrated breath. He had too many tankards of ale to even consider that he could fight off the men. If he were completely honest, one opponent could prove a feat for him on this night. "Allow me to escort the lady back inside." He looked to each man, not recognizing them. "She is not feeling well."

"Our laird will ensure she is well cared for." One moved toward him. "Allow her to pass."

"Who is your laird?" Aiden challenged when the woman leaned against his back, trembling. Not exactly a time to have, her body against his. Especially since he'd not been with a woman in so long. He fought the urge to reach for her. "Not from these lands, I presume?"

"Laird Robertson is on his way to visit the McNeil."

"Liam McNeil is a good friend of mine. As I said, I will accompany the lady inside and speak to your laird."

When they parted, he took the woman's elbow and pulled her alongside and walked back inside the inn. The guardsmen followed on his heels to ensure he did indeed make his way to their laird.

When he entered, the Laird Robertson met them at the door. His shrewd eyes moved from Aiden to the woman who shrunk back into him.

"The lady is not feeling well," Aiden told the man who grabbed the woman's upper arm and yanked her forward.

"Is that so?" He ignored him, his attention on her. "What happens to you now, Breena?"

"I felt faint. My stomach churns, I am going to be sick." She met the man's gaze without expression, daring him to not believe her.

"I grow tired of your difficulties," Robertson's hand dug into her arm.

"Not as tired as I. Let us go." She yanked her arm from his grasp and pushed past Aiden. They followed her outside while he watched.

Aiden remained at the doorway and watched. A maid came forward immediately and assisted her into the carriage. Just before the door closed, she looked toward the inn, her eyes locking with his. The sadness in them took him by surprise. If he could have helped her, he would have.

Had he made a mistake by allowing her to leave? What if the woman was in danger? The only way to find out was to visit the McNeil. He'd have to come up with a good excuse and go to the McNeil keep early in the morning.

"What was that about?" Ian asked when he sat.

He motioned to a bar wench who leaned over him to pour his ale, her breasts practically spilling over the top of her bodice. She smelled of sweat and dirt and Aiden looked away. "She asked me for help," he replied. "Quite strange."

"Help?" Ian straightened. "Did you?"

"No, I don't believe so. She claimed the loud man she was with took her against her will. The guardsmen told me they go to visit the McNeil. I plan to go there on the morrow to ensure all is well."

"A reluctant bride, I bet." Ian looked past the bar wench to the door, his face softened. "Ah there is a perfect distraction for you."

Two women entered, similar in look with long braids down their backs. He knew them to be a local farmer's daughters who often entertained Ian and Dugan, another of Gordon's guardsmen. At least his night would not be wasted. The women would ensure he and Ian were well taken care of.

"Good night, good sir." One of the women sat on his lap. "I find myself parched for a drink."

The innkeeper's wife glared at the women who ignored her. Aiden motioned the now pouting bar wench forward. "We must take care of it at once."

Later in his keep, Aiden paced the great room. He could not stop wondering of the beautiful woman's fate. A guard appeared and Aiden handed him a missive. "Please take this to the McNeil. I will visit in the morn."

The guard left, and yet he continued to feel restless. While the farmer's daughter, back at the inn had sucked his cock, he'd pictured the dark haired beauty the entire time. What did she do now? Was she safe?

He walked outside into the night air to clear his thoughts and looked to the star filled sky.

Tomorrow he'd seek the beauty again. If she asked for his help, this time he would not turn her down.

Chapter Two

Breena McGalen held back the urge to throw up. Although it would serve the blowhard right, she didn't want to ruin her new dress. "Please stop the carriage. I am going to be ill."