Free His Bonnie Bride by Hannah Howell

intended for the Sassanach woman, just as instinct told her that it was more for Tavis than the taking of a female captive, something that was so common it was often considered a right. For two years she had plied her charms and skill upon the heir of Caraidland, seeing her longevity as proof that she was more than just a vessel for his lust, yet the look in his eyes when he gazed at Storm Eldon was enough to destroy that idea. Katerine had no intention of losing out to a scrawny Sassanach girl with cat's eyes and orange hair.
    "So ye think to have a wee tussle with the Sassanach lass, do ye? There isnae a muckle lot to tussle with," she purred as she moved to take Storm's seat at the table.
    Deciding it was neither the time nor the place to discuss the matter, Tavis refilled his goblet and retook his seat, drawling quietly, " 'Tis none of your concern, Kate. Planning a long stay?"
    Her hands gripped her goblet tightly until her knuckles whitened as she fought to subdue the rage she felt, a rage inspired by Tavis's indifference and the amusement of the others. " 'Tis nay the weather for me to return home. A spring storm is upon us. I barely escaped a drenching." She looked to Colin, ignoring the laughter in his eyes. "What have ye askit for a ransom, or have ye nay askit it yet?"
    "Aye, a week back. 'Tis less than willing they be to give it to us. We are negotiating."
    That was far from welcome news to Katerine, for it meant that the woman would be around for a while, and she scowled only to pout with false sympathy when she spotted a bruise upon Tavis's jaw. "There was a wee bit o' trouble on the raid?" she asked, lightly touching the spot.
    Even Tavis laughed. "Nay." He rubbed his jaw and winced a little. "The lass and I have a wee argument. She was making a point and I was not really on my guard. The vixen," he murmured.
    There was a tone to his voice that grated on Katerine. "Ye must needs show the wench who is the prisoner and who is the captor. Her arrogance is unpardonable."
    "I insulted her," Tavis said curtly.
    "Aye, ye did that, laddie. I ken ye made a promise. She didnae look too willing to me." Colin chuckled as he recalled the sight of his eldest son sprawled on the floor. "The lass still has her spirit." He signaled to his man Malcolm. "I am to bed. 'Tis past time I can make a night o' it." He sighed.
    Tavis watched his father leave. The man continued to grow weaker, his color was bad and he ate nothing, for it was near to impossible for him to keep the food down. It was hard to watch a strong man fade away, let alone his own father. He refilled his goblet, scowling at the way Katerine cuddled up to him, her touch far too possessive.
    Throughout the evening Tavis continued to drink heavily, his mind on his father's ill health as well as Storm Eldon. He was mostly oblivious to Katerine's many subtle and then not so subtle attempts to stir his ardor. His desire for her had never been very fierce, merely convenient, despite her unquestionable talent in bed. It had even occurred to him often, once past the first six months of their affair, to be rid of her, but convenience proved a hard thing to forgo. Since there was little chance of his partaking of her charms during this visit, he felt she would soon understand that their affair had come to an end.
    As the liquor ran through his veins, he grew angrier at Storm as well as himself for his promise to his father. Tavis convinced himself that he would not seduce Storm, merely reveal to her how much she did want him. It was inconceivable to him that he could burn so strongly for her and she not feel the same. He felt sure that, once he got her into his arms, her repulses would prove to be a sham.
    Katerine ceased trying to stir Tavis. A more direct approach was needed, but that could not be put to use before an audience. She allowed Janet to take her to her room, although she had no intention of staying there. As soon as Janet was gone, Katerine made her way to Tavis's