Free Fraser 02 - Highland Quest by B. J. Scott Page B

do as you’re instructed shows me that you are not to be trusted.”
    Fallon’s stiffened her posture, but continued to stare over Dungal’s shoulder. “I think it deplorable that you willna allow me to say goodbye to my uncle.”
    “I dinna care what you think.” Dungal nipped at her neck, then drew his head back when he got no reaction. “You have roused my curiosity among other things. I may have to rethink my decision to let you go.” He dragged his finger along her cheek. “Unless you see fit to warm my bed. Then mayhap I can be persuaded to look the other way. You’re a feisty lass, and I must admit, women with spirit are more entertaining to break.”
    Fallon pressed her hands to his chest and shoved with all her strength. Caught unprepared, Dungal stumbled backward, but quickly regained his balance.
    “You try my patience, lass. I’ve already told you what a shame it would be to see you swing from the gallows. But give me any more trouble and you will join your uncle.” This time Dungal used his brawn to wedge her against the door. He dropped his head, and despite her attempts to break free, he captured her lips in a brutal kiss.
    Trapped by the bulk of his weight, she found it difficult to draw a breath. Her heartbeat thundered in her ears. Her stomach roiled and her skin crawled when he tried to force his tongue past her pursed lips. While she was not experienced in the passionate exchanges between men and women, she knew what it was like to be kissed by a man she cared for, and how his touch had made her feel.
    When she kissed Bryce, her heart fluttered like a bevy of butterflies were trapped in her chest. Her breath caught, but in a pleasant way. Her pulse raced with excitement, followed by a sense of pleasure and euphoria she didn’t want to end.
    The vile impact of Dungal’s unwelcome advances was different on every level from her brief, but intimate, encounters with Bryce. She tried to resist, but the more she struggled to break free, the more persistent he became. Taking intimate liberties, his large calloused hands roamed her body.
    Relief washed over her when he finally lifted his head, but she could not hold her tongue. “Execute me if you see fit, but I’ll not go willingly to your bed. I’d rather die.” When Dungal laughed, she wiggled her arm free and lashed out, her nails connecting with his cheek.
    Dungal cursed, quickly covering the welts with his hand. His eyes darkened and his face contorted with anger as he reached for the dirk at his side. “You’ll pay for your defiance.”
    Brandishing the weapon in one hand, he wrapped his fingers around her throat with the other and shoved her against the wall. Her head snapped back, striking the stone. For a moment everything went dark. When her vision cleared, she met his hostile glare. Certain her life was over, Fallon closed her eyes and awaited the final blow.
    “The men are assembled and await your instructions,” one of the MacDougall clansmen called out. “A messenger has arrived with word from the Earl of Pembroke. He wishes to meet with you as soon as possible.”
    “We are not through with this by any means,” Dungal growled in Fallon’s ear. He released her and took a step back, then slid his dirk into its sheath and approached the man. “What news is so important that it canna wait?”
    “There has been a turn of events you need to know about. Mayhap we should discuss this in private.” The man glared at Fallon.
    Dungal nodded and the two men moved away from where she stood. But despite the effort to lower their voices, she could still hear their conversation.
    “A few days ago, the Bruce launched an attacked against English cavalry near Clatteringshaw Loch with his small force of Western Islanders. Rumor has it he is returning to his earldom of Carrick and as he goes, he is amassing a large following of those sympathetic to his cause.”
    Dungal cursed. “Stopping him has become even more important than ever.