Free Jake (The Highland Clan Book 4) by Keira Montclair Page B

each other. She felt so good in his arms. Did she not feel the same about him? They ascended the staircase, slow steps, but she managed them on her own. Once inside her chamber, Aline stood on the far side of the bed and said, “My thanks, Jake, but I’ll be leaving on the morrow. Good eve to you.”
    She turned her back to him.
    What in hell would he do now? He’d find a way to keep her here. He had to.
    ***
    A light rap echoed in her room a bit before dawn. Aline had already completed her ablutions and dressed for the journey. She tiptoed over to the door and peeked out, surprised to see Ashlyn standing there. Unsure of what to do, she hesitated.
    Ashlyn whispered, “I’m here to help you leave.”
    “Why are you here so early?” She knew Ashlyn had offered, but she was surprised to see her standing in her doorway, ready to travel.
    “Because I do not think my cousin will allow you to go. He’s trying to come up with a way to keep you here, and I believe you must be allowed to do what you know to be necessary.”
    Aline whispered, “My thanks,” and ushered Ashlyn inside, closing the door softly behind her.
    “Here,” Ashlyn said, “I brought a few things for you to pack. I have some fruit, some oatcakes, a small dagger, a couple of candles, and a sliver of soap.”
    Aline fingered each of the items as she tucked them into her satchel. The dagger she kept in her hand, staring at it, wondering if she could ever use it. She’d never had one before.
    “‘Tis not big enough to kill a man, Ashlyn said, “but ‘twill slow one. You’ll have time to get away.”
    “Ashlyn, you have been through something similar?” She lifted her gaze to Ashlyn. Her long dark locks had been plaited, and her brown eyes sparked with intensity. Aline was quite sure they were eyes that had lived through much.
    “Before my father died on the firth, we lived a wonderful life, but once he was gone, many bad men came after my mother. She protected me, and I protected my sister Gracie. I remember more than my mother realizes, more than I can tell her without breaking her heart. I will never marry, but I will help every lass I can. ‘Tis a goal of mine. ‘Tis wrong the way many men treat women, though believe me when I say that Jake is not like that. You can trust him.”
    “I know. Jake is a fine lad.” She knew every time she thought of him, a sadness would wrench her heart for what could have been between them, but she could not think of that now. “There is a horse I may borrow?”
    “Aye. My da said I am to travel with you until you almost reach your destination, then I’m to bring the horse back. Does that suit you?”
    Aline considered her words, then replied, “Aye. ‘Tis best if you do not travel to the keep. Once I am on his land, his men will find me. I think ‘tis a sound plan. Truly, I need your help because I have no idea where I am. I was not alert when Jake found me, so I did not pay any mind to where we were headed. We may wander a bit until I figure it out, but I think we shall find it.”
    “My da gave me some directions. He believes it to be in one of two places that are not far apart. He’s familiar with most of the surrounding lands, and though he does not know Hew, he does recall his sire. He recalled the compound being small, and the chief being unfriendly, but of no threat. He’s requiring me to take two guards, but they will not follow you, only stay to the rear for protection. This early in the morn should be safe. He thinks we should be there before the sun is high.”
    “I am ready. Lead the way.” She had donned a warm gown that Maddie had given her, paired with a mantle for the cold winds of autumn and a thick pair of woolen socks. Determined, she set to leave, but then stopped. “Make sure you tell Jake that I am sorry.”
    “Aline, I’d like to return to check on you occasionally. Would you approve of that? I want you to have a way out, or a way to get a message to us if you need