Page 418 of Wicked Highland Heroes

Edwin reached for the pouch of gold one of his men held out for him. The money filled his hand for no more than an instant before a flick of his wrist sent the small pouch through the air. David caught it with one hand, regarded Edwin for a moment, then pulled the string and emptied the contents into his hand.

He turned a shrewd gaze on Edwin. “Fair amount of gold for one man’s life.”

“Too much?” Edwin asked.

David shoved the gold back into the pouch.

“What makes you think I need this?” Edwin raised a brow.

“What do you want?” Robertson demanded.

“I am certain that is obvious.”

Another toss, and the pouch flew through the air and was caught in the greedy hand of a Robertson warrior. David nodded. “You want the same thing I do.”

“We have a bargain, then?” Edwin asked when David stepped into his saddle.

“I will have to think on that one.”

Victoria gave a little cry when it appeared David would leave, but she was stayed from further action by Edwin’s warning glance.

“Is something bothering the lass?” David asked.

“She fears MacPherson will come for her,” Edwin answered so smoothly Victoria realized Edwin knew it to be the truth. “But I have assured her she need not worry on that account.”

“Aye,” David said. “She need never worry again.”

* * *

Victoria rode in the darkness surrounded by Edwin’s men, but felt little comfort by that fact considering they were surrounded by Robertson warriors. Though it seemed eons, she knew they had ridden no more than two hours. The clouds parted and moonlight lit the stark hills. Edwin looked her way, and the warning his eyes held squelched any desire to look over her shoulder for signs of those who followed.

They crested a barren hill where before them lay a modest village. As they rode through the streets, not a single light flickered to life in response to the noise of riders in the dead of night. The band wound down a side street and stopped in front of an insignificant cottage. David dismounted and was joined by Edwin.

A man approached her horse. He clamped strong hands around her waist and pulled her from her mount She braced her feet for meeting solid ground, but he threw her over his shoulder and, an instant

later, tossed her into the darkness of the cottage. The door slammed shut behind him.