Highlanders Collection. Ann Lethbridge

to him, penetrating her in short thrusts.

      She moaned when he quickened the pace, the rhythm bringing her swollen womanhood into full contact with his shaft.

      ‘I love you,’ she blurted out, shocked when a shaking spasm gripped her. Though she hadn’t meant to confess the words, they had an effect upon her husband. He gentled his thrusts, going deeper, as if he were trying to caress her from within.

      Though he didn’t reveal any of his own feelings, she sensed that he did care. He kissed her shoulder lazily while he penetrated her again. ‘Do you want me to take you like this?’ he murmured, filling her up with a smooth stroke. ‘Or like this?’ He took her hard, with a fast pace that stole her breath. Immediately, her body reacted and she fought to catch her breath.

      ‘Faster,’ she gritted out and he obeyed. He pumped inside, taking her with no mercy, his shaft slamming inside so hard, she bit back a scream. A spasm of ecstasy flooded over her, making her come apart with wicked release.

      ‘Tell me again,’ he demanded, reaching up to cup her breasts. His fingers pinched her nipples, but there was no pain, only a delicious pleasure that shot down her body into her womb.

      ‘I love you,’ she admitted. His hands stimulated her breasts while he finished his thrusts, driving so deeply inside that she felt like he’d stolen her mind, as well as her heart.

      And when he at last found his own fulfilment, his breathing shuddered against her, his hips driving deep. Nairna’s heartbeat thudded within her chest, while Bram rested atop her.

      ‘I’m coming back to you, a ghaoil.’

      She prayed he could keep that promise.

       Chapter Eighteen

      The circular defences of the English fortress were heavily guarded. Archers wearing chainmail stood at the gatehouse, while Bram spied more soldiers patrolling the motte-and-bailey structure. As Hamish led them inside, Bram felt the coldness rising up. His claymore was strapped across his back, hidden from view by his cloak. He kept his shoulders lowered, trying to hide himself from their view, but he counted soldiers, mentally reviewing their positions.

      A second inner curtain wall enclosed a modest wooden structure that was starting to resemble a keep. From the layers of stone built up against the wood, Bram supposed that prisoners were being used for the labour. He kept his eyes fixed upon the ground, searching for the entrance to the prison. It would be a small opening, likely somewhere near the centre of the fortress.

      Though he kept near the others for now, he was already planning to slip away to find the location. It might be that he could steal away while Hamish was speaking with Harkirk.

      Hamish dismounted and led them inside the fortress. He’d worn his best tunic and a cloak lined with fur, making it clear that this meeting was indeed meant to be a negotiation.

      Bram’s gaze flickered to the Englishman and the ruthlessness in his eyes reminded him of Cairnross. He possessed an air of superiority, as if he owned the souls of the men around him.

      ‘I have come with the chief of the MacKinloch clan,’ Hamish began. ‘He wishes to negotiate the return of his younger brother Callum, whom we believe to be a prisoner here.’

      The English lord’s face remained cold and impassive. ‘I presume you are speaking of the one who was transferred to me from Cairnross.’

      ‘Aye,’ Alex interrupted. He stepped forwards, meeting Harkirk’s expression with his own determination. ‘I want Callum returned to us.’

      ‘And what are you prepared to offer in return?’ the lord enquired. ‘Another hostage to take his place?’

      An icy coldness rose up in Bram’s throat, but he didn’t flinch or turn his face away. Instead, he stared hard at the enemy, letting Harkirk see the unbridled hatred. Men had suffered and died in chains, innocent victims who had been taken to punish the clan members.

      ‘You’re going to release him,’ Bram said quietly. ‘The clans protect their own.’

      ‘Do they? Then why is it that they’ve retreated to the north, hiding in the wilderness?’

      ‘They’re biding their time,’ Bram answered. ‘Joining forces together.’ He lifted his eyes to the Englishman’s. ‘By keeping our clansmen as prisoners, you give us a reason to join together against a common enemy.’

      Harkirk let out a rough laugh. ‘Your barbaric fighting methods don’t stand a chance against our cavalry. We’ll defeat you, just as we did with Wallace’s men at Falkirk.’ A thin smile stretched his lips. ‘And you know what they did to Wallace. He was drawn and quartered, like the traitor he was.’

      He gave a flick of his hand and half-a-dozen guards came closer in a silent threat. ‘MacPherson, we’ve nothing more to discuss.’

      ‘One prisoner,’ Hamish interrupted, lifting his palm. ‘I am prepared to offer silver for his safe return.’

      Bram’s fists tightened when he saw the bag of coins Hamish withdrew from beneath his cloak. He recognised the sack of false coins and he held his breath.

      ‘A contribution from our clan,’ Alex intervened.

      ‘You’re prepared to pay a ransom?’

      ‘For our brother, yes. But as for your other prisoners, you risk the wrath of the other clans by holding them captive.’

      Harkirk signalled for one of his men to come forwards. Hamish reached into the bag and withdrew a few of the silver coins for inspection. The servant eyed them, then nodded to his overlord.

      The English baron seemed to deliberate for several moments, before replying, ‘Bring me Cairnross’s prisoner.’

      Nairna was waiting inside the courtyard when they returned. Her heart soared with thankfulness when she saw Bram and, most of all, the man they’d brought home with them. She didn’t doubt it was Callum MacKinloch, for the man held the look of his brothers, despite his captivity. Yet he was different from Bram. Though he walked with a slight limp, it was the emptiness in his gaze that worried her.

      Nairna rushed forwards to Bram, but he made no move to greet her. His expression was angry and all he would say was, ‘Pack our belongings. We’re leaving immediately.’

      She couldn’t understand what was the matter. He’d rescued Callum, hadn’t he? ‘What’s wrong?’

      Bram kept walking and she struggled to keep up with his pace. Nairna saw Callum enter the keep, leaning upon Alex for support.

      ‘Wait for me,’ she begged Bram and ordered one of the serving maids to bring food and fresh clothing to Bram’s brother.

      In the meantime, her husband had already disappeared into their chamber. When Nairna arrived, he was pacing across the floor.

      ‘What is it?’ She couldn’t understand what had brought about his frustration.

      ‘It was too simple, Nairna. I don’t trust them.’

      ‘Are you angry about the coins I sent with my father?’ she asked, her face reddening. ‘Did he have to use them?’

      ‘He paid the ransom, aye. But when they learn that the money at the bottom is false, they’ll—’

      ‘The top layer wasn’t false,’ she admitted. ‘Only the remainder. It’s still worth a man’s life.’

      Bram took a breath, leaning his hand against the wall. ‘I pray they don’t find out until we’re gone.’

      She saw the immense guilt mingled with his confusion and frustration. Though she’d hoped that Callum’s safe return would alleviate her husband’s guilt, it didn’t seem to have made a difference.

      ‘It wouldn’t surprise me if they attacked us on our way back to Glen Arrin,’ he said. ‘We’ll leave at nightfall,