Highland Barbarian Part 22

Holden experienced a wild surge of relief. He had feared, from the savage look in Brice's eyes, that he would have to battle him to the death. But just as quickly the relief disappeared, to be replaced by a growing sense of wrath.

"Aye." Holden's eyes glinted with sudden anger.

"Turn on your old friends from the north for the sake of a wench who has bewitched you.

But the day will come when you will regret this. On that day, when you need the might of the Mackay armies, we will remember this night and take up arms with your enemy."

"So be it."

Holden thought about killing the man who all but ignored him while he studied the woman. Brice's head would be quite a prize to take to his people. The name Brice Campbell still brought fear to the hearts of men in the Highlands. But Holden was aware of the barely controlled fury in the man, and knew that with Brice in such a rage he had no chance to win. Without another word he turned and fled.

Brice fell to his knees and touched a finger to the bruises about Meredith's throat.

"The lout choked you."

At the intimacy of his touch she flinched and tried to back away from him.

"Do not touch me."

"I must examine your wounds." When he tried to subdue her she mistook his intentions and began wrestling for control of the knife still held firmly in his other hand.

He saw the raw emotions in her eyes and cursed himself for his clumsiness. Tossing aside the dirk he lifted both palms to her to prove that he meant her no harm.

"I am unarmed, my lady. I wish only to make amends for what has been done."

At his submissive gesture Meredith felt the p.r.i.c.kle of tears against her lids and blinked furiously. She must not let him see her weakness.

"Do not touch me. I can--take care of myself."

The more she tried to be brave, the more helpless Brice felt.

With a savage oath he yanked the rope free and tossed it aside. Then he lifted her in his arms and strode across the room. Kicking open the door to the bedchamber, he crossed the fur-strewn floor and laid her gently upon his bed.

The room was dim except for the flickering flames of the fire. His voice was as still and hushed as the night that seemed to have wrapped them in its soft, dark cloak.

"Forgive me, Meredith. It never occurred to me that one of my own men would be the cause of such pain."

When she did not respond he whispered,

"I regret that I must cause you further discomfort." As he spoke he reached his hands to the waistband of her breeches.

"There is blood upon your clothing. I must find the source."

"Nay. Nay." Though she tried to fight him, he managed to remove the torn clothing.

Beneath the breeches and s.h.i.+rt her ivory chemise bore more traces of blood. But when he untied the ribbons that laced the chemise across her b.r.e.a.s.t.s, she cried out so sadly he was forced to stop.

He sat on the edge of the bed and leaned close, placing his hands on either side of her head.

"Holden has hurt you, Meredith. You are bleeding. Let me help you."

At his gentle concern she felt some of the terror dissipate. Perhaps it was not his intention to harm her. Perhaps he was merely trying to help.

"I am not bleeding," she whispered.

Her breath was warm against his cheek. So warm he had to resist the urge to turn his mouth to hers.

"There is blood on your garments."

"Holden's blood," she whispered.

"Holden's?" He drew closer, staring intently into her eyes.

"But you were unarmed."

"Aye. But I had my hands. And my teeth."

"You bit him?" He felt some of his fury begin to melt. In its place a hint of laughter bubbled.

"Aye. I bit him."

"Then I suppose I need not remove your chemise in search of more blood."

"Nay."

"A pity. I was prepared to do my duty no matter how unpleasant."

How could it be that only moments ago she had suffered the terror of the d.a.m.ned, and now, with Brice as protector, she was able to smile and even respond to his silly joke?

"If you should think about removing my chemise, my lord, think about this. If you try, you will need the queen's own physician to repair the damage these teeth will inflict upon your hands."

"These are n.o.ble warrior's hands, my lady. They must be ever prepared to protect the weak and suffering."

"They will be exceedingly damaged warrior's hands if they are found where they are not wanted."

He gave her a long, lingering look.

"What an amazing woman you are."

He saw the hint of color that touched her cheeks.

"You are truly unharmed, Meredith?"

The tenderness in his tone was nearly her undoing. He felt her tremble.

"Aye, my lord." Her voice trailed off as she fought a shudder that pa.s.sed through her body.

"I have survived. I am fine."