Free Her Highlander's Promise by B. J. Scott Page B

mysteries of her mouth as he deepened his kiss.
    “That will have to hold me over until I return,” he said, then nipped at her lower lip. “Dinna fash, Laurel. I will find Elise and return in time to stop the wedding, avenge your parents’ deaths, and make certain Deirdre pays for her sins. But most importantly, we will be married. A long time ago I asked you to wait for me. Will you wait for me again?”
    “Aye.”
    After stealing a brief, but passionate, kiss, he slipped out of the room as quietly as he entered.
    Laurel found it hard to contain her excitement at the idea of marrying Blair and seeing Deirdre punished. She wanted to hug Isla again, then spin her around with glee. But reality reared its ugly head, putting a quick end to her euphoria. While the plan had merit, time was not on their side. If there was any hope of stopping her union with Allan, they had less than three days for him to find Elise and convince her to come back to Thistledown Castle. Something ominous prompted the maid to leave in a hurry the day her mam died, and she was not sure she’d return.
    “What if he doesna make it back in time or Elise refuses to help?” Laurel bit her bottom lip, to keep it from trembling.
    Isla clasped both of Laurels hands between her own. “You must have faith, m’lady. And pray with all your might. Pray that Lord Cameron is successful in his quest.”
    “I will,” Laurel replied. “But best you be away.
    “I’ll go, but I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.” With that, she opened the door, peered into the hall, then left.
    Laurel heard the door lock behind her friend. It would not due for Deirdre to find it open. She returned to her pallet before releasing a deep sigh. So much was at stake, and time was of the essence. For the first time in days, she held out hope.
    No sooner had those thoughts crossed her mind when the door opened and Deirdre stomped into the chamber. Judging by the sneer on her face, she was not pleased.

Chapter 10
    Deirdre halted at the foot of the pallet, her glower speaking volumes. “What is going on?”
    Laurel’s chest tightened and her heart pounded. Had her cousin seen Isla leaving the chamber? “I dinna know what you mean,” she replied, her gaze focused on the floor.
    “Dinna play games with me. Mairi said you refused to eat when she brought your tray. And Andrew told me you tried to send the meal back last evening as well.”
    Laurel shrugged. “I wasna hungry.”
    Deirdre lunged forward, then pinched Laurel’s chin between her bony fingers, tugging until their eyes met. “You’ll look at me when I speak to you,” she hissed. “Whether you eat or not after you and Allan marry matters not. However, I willna have you fainting from hunger before the priest.” She released her grip before turning to face the door. “Andrew!”
    “Aye, m’lady.” Andrew entered the chamber, carrying a tray. He placed it on the table beside the pallet, then bowed. “Will there be anything else, Mistress?”
    “You may wait in the hallway.” She dismissed him with a curt wave of her hand, but before he left the room, she inquired, “where is Mairi? I told her to meet me here.”
    “I come anon.” The maid stumbled into the room, then offered Deirdre a dark purple gown and a pair of matching slippers.
    Deirdre snatched the items from the maid’s hands. “Leave.”
    Mairi curtsied. “Aye, Mistress.” She cast Laurel a sympathetic glance, then exited.
    Deirdre pointed to the tray of food. “Eat.”
    “I have no appetite,” Laurel replied.
    “You’ll do as I command or I will force the food down your throat if need be.”
    Ire twisted Laurel’s stomach. A person could only take so much abuse before they burst with anger, but she did her best to hold her tongue. She had no intention of consuming the food or drink, but was aware that if she lost her temper, it would not bode well. At this moment, her cousin held her captive and governed not only her fate, but