Page 7 of Highland Flame

“It is Avianca,” said the whore. “And my name is Lila, since I’m sure ye forgot it already.”

“Thank ye, Lila. I’ll take the girl to the priory and I’m sure they’ll find a suitable family for her in England.”

“Nay,” spat Lila. “Isobel’s wish was for ye to raise her child.”

“I canna. I’m a warrior and will be goin’ back to the Highlands soon.”

Storm cleared his throat, gaining Cam’s attention. “If she is yer daughter, then ye are responsible for her.”

“But I –”

“Dismissed,” said Storm before Cam could object again. “Ye’ll leave anon.”

“I’m scared,” said the little girl as the whore tried to hand her over to Cam.

“Come on, lass,” Cam said, blowing air from his mouth. “Hurry up.” He impatiently held out his hand but the little girl kept clinging to Lila’s skirts, not wanting to go with him.

“Quit scarin’ her!” Yvaine rushed over and fell to her knees, taking the little girl’s hands in hers. “I’ll watch her,” she told Lila.

“Guidbye, Avianca . . . and Cam.” The whore winked at Cam and left.

“There is naught to be frightened of,” Yvaine told Avianca with a smile. “These brave, strong Highlanders will take us to the priory where we’ll live with Brathair Gillies.”’

“Will there be other children there to play with?” asked the little girl with her big green eyes peeking out at her.

“I’m afraid no’,” answered Yvaine softly.

“What will I do there?” asked Avianca.

“I’m sure we’ll find somethin’ to do.” Yvaine glanced over her shoulder looking directly at Cam.

Cam’s heart jumped. He could think of several things he’d like to do with Yvaine, but unfortunately that was never going to happen. The little girl, on the other hand, was only going to prove to be a problem. He had no experience at all with children and had no idea how to raise one. God’s eyes, why was he saddled with a nun-to-be, and a child that was now his, to make things even more difficult? His life had taken a turn for the worse. This was not the kind of punishment he was hoping for at all.

Yvaine looked outfrom the corners of her eyes at the Highlander who was going to be her escort. He had long, blond hair down past his shoulders, and dark brown eyes that seemed to mask anything he was feeling. That is, anything but lust. She knew this look, and it was one that disgusted her. She’d seen this Highlander in town before, even if he didn’t know who she was. He always had whores from the tavern hanging on his arms. Of all the Highlanders to choose from, why did he have to be the one to escort her?

“Well, let’s get our things and head on out,” said the man they’d called Cam. “I hope there’s enough room for both ye and the girl in the wagon.”

“Nay. My things fill up the back,” said Yvaine, getting an odd look from him. “The only place for us to sit will be up front with ye.”

“With me? Nay. I willna be drivin’ the wagon. I’ll be on my horse.”

“Nay. Ye’ll be needed to drive the wagon, Cam,” said Storm.

“Lucky ye. Ye get to sit with the nun,” whispered one of the twins, causing both of the brothers to chuckle.

“I’m no’–” Yvaine meant to correct them, telling them she wasn’t going there to take her vows. Then she decided not to mention it. Perhaps with a lustful Highlander along, it would be safer for her to let them all think she was going to take her vows, after all. At least then they wouldn’t touch her. Or so she hoped.

“Ye’re no’ . . . what?” asked Cam, waiting for her to answer.

Yvaine stood up, glancing over at her brother, shaking her head slightly to warn him to remain silent. Thankfully, he didn’t say a word. Keithen understood her warning.

“We havena been properly introduced,” she said, looking back at Cam. “I am Yvaine and, of course, ye already ken my brathair, Keithen.”

“I’m tired,” said the little girl, clinging to her skirts.

“Ye can sleep on my lap once we get in the wagon,” Yvaine told the lass.

“Cam,” the man answered.