Page 110 of The Dragon Laird’s Obsession

“Aye? And what would a lady like ye be doin’ out here alone? Why do ye need to find the castle?”

“I need only directions, sir. If ye will be kind enough to help point me in the right path, I will be out of yer hair in nay time.”

He chuckled then took a step toward her. “Perhaps. Got any coins?”

Ailis’ stomach tightened as he drew even closer to her. “Nay.”

His smile disappeared. “Nothin’?”

Her voice trembled now. “I have nothin’ to give ye, sir.”

“Then perhaps ye can give me somethin’ else.”

Fear prickled along her arms, and Ailis took a step backward, evading his hands when he reached for her.

“I think I shall continue on me way.”

She turned with speed, but the man moved in front of her and grabbed her by the shoulders. “Nae so fast.”

She struggled to break free from him now. “Let go.”

“Give me what ye have.”

“I told ye, I have nothin’.”

He shoved her. Ailis stumbled, her foot catching on the uneven ground before she fell hard onto her hands.

Pain shot through her palms. “Stop!”

The man lunged for her, but Ailis kicked wildly, catching him in the leg. He cursed, and she managed to break free, scrambling backward.

Just before he reached for her again, Ailis heard a roar. The man was yanked away from her so violently that he crashed onto the ground.

Gordon.

For a moment, Ailis could only stare, her heart leaping into her throat from the shock of seeing him. He stood over the man, fury written across every hard line of his face as he hammered a fist into the man’s face then held him by the neck.

“Daenae ever try to hurt a woman. Do ye understand me?”

His voice was terrifying.

The man tried to scramble away. Gordon caught him by the front of his tunic and hauled him upright.

“Please—” he pleaded, but another blow sent him staggering.

Ailis flinched at the sight of his raw anger.

“Do ye understand me?” Gordon growled again.

“Aye… aye, Me Laird,” the man sobbed before Gordon shoved him aside.

Guards rushed toward them and seized the man.

Then Gordon turned to her, and everything in her broke as she lurched toward him. “Gordon.”

She did not think about anything else as relief flooded through her. She simply ran to him. He caught her as she flung herself into his arms. His arms closed around her immediately, crushing her against his chest.

“Ye are all right,” he murmured while stroking a hand down her hair.