Free The Highlander's Runaway Bride by Terri Brisbin

watching still cheered loudly, banging their cups and spoons on the wooden tables, calling out for more.
    â€™Twas expected at a wedding feast, but hers, theirs was not the usual marriage or feast. He blinked several times and then looked at those calling out to them. He leaned down once more, and she thought he would kiss her again. Instead, he lifted her into his arms and nodded to a servant to show him the way to the chamber her mother had mentioned. He carried her with a tenderness she did not deserve from him.
    Eva wanted to put her head down and hide, but that would mean touching more of him than she wished to. So, she let her body relax as he climbed the steps and took her away from the cheering and yelling of those in the hall. She did not fool herself into believing that they were actually happy for her—Eva knew quite well that they were happy to be rid of her and the shame she’d threatened to bring on their clan with her behaviour.
    The MacKays rid themselves of her and got a wonderful new treaty with the powerful and wealthy Mackintosh clan, all with just a few words uttered and a few secrets hidden. On the morrow when they left, her father would rejoice in his newfound friend, the Mackintosh, and in seeing his biggest problem on her way out of his gates forever.
    She had not realised she’d moaned out in pain and misery until he first cursed under his breath and then whispered some words of comfort to her as he carried her down the corridor. After tomorrow, she would lose her daughter forever.
    And her new husband had no idea.
    The servant girl opened the door to the chamber, stepped out of the way as Rob carried her inside and then closed it softly after they’d entered. When he stopped, Eva looked around the room.
    A fire burned in the hearth in the corner and candles lit the chamber. The large bed was covered with plump pillows and blankets and the linens lay turned back, ready for someone to rest beneath them. A pitcher and cups sat on a tray on the small table near the bed, along with a bowl of fruit and cheese.
    The chamber looked as it would for an honoured guest’s arrival. Certainly, Robert Mackintosh was that. He carried her to that bed and set her down with her legs over one side. She sank into the feather-filled mattress on the rope-strung bed. Before she could say a word, he walked to the door, lifted the latch and left.
    Surprised by his actions, she wondered about what he meant to do. To sleep elsewhere this night would be an insult that she was sure not even her father would allow to go unmet. Eva pushed herself back a bit and wondered what she should do. It took only moments, lying on the soft, warm bed to fall asleep.
    It could not have been long before she woke to someone saying her name.
    â€˜Lady? Eva?’ He stood over her, peering down with a serious gaze and a frown. ‘Are you well?’
    She struggled to sit up, her gown and chemise rubbing over her sore skin. He held his hand out and she took it. ‘Your pardon, I fell asleep.’ He stepped back and ’twas then she saw her maid behind him.
    â€˜Here now, Nessa,’ he said, as he helped her to move to the edge of the bed. ‘See to your lady’s needs. Did you bring the unguent for her injuries?’
    â€˜Aye, sir,’ Nessa said, moving to his side. ‘And some of the healer’s brew to help with the pain. And a fresh shift to... To sleep...’ The young woman blushed fiercely and could not meet her gaze then. Everyone knew what they should be doing this night, and it should involve little or no sleep.
    â€˜Just so, lass,’ Rob said as he stepped away. ‘I will return soon.’ He’d reached the door, and still she was unable to speak. He surprised her at every turn, and she could not predict his next word or action. And then, he was gone.
    Nessa did not waste time, moving a stool close to the bedside and helping her to sit on it. The maid’s movements