Free My Captive Highlander (Highland Adventure Book 7) by Vonda Sinclair Page B

yelled, his sword pointed at Shamus. Three armed men on foot stood at the ready beside him.
    'Twas the MacDonalds , of course. The bastard on horseback was the chief's war leader.
    "Go, hide in the bushes," he told Maili.
    Instead, she leapt in front of him. "Do not hurt him, Hamish!"
    Shamus pushed her behind him but she wouldn't stay put. She moved around his other side, flattened herself against his chest and wrapped her arms tightly around him.
    "Maili," he grumbled. How did she expect him to fight like this?
    "Step aside, m'lady," Hamish ordered. "I'll not kill this kidnapping bastard until your brother gives me leave to do so, but I might teach him a lesson or two." He sent Shamus a malicious grin.
    He would love to fight this whoreson, one on one. But this clan wouldn't give him that opportunity. He was constantly outnumbered. In fact, three more MacDonalds materialized out of the bushes. Seven to one.
    "Nay!" Maili shouted. "You will not touch him! He didn't kidnap me. I left of my own free will."
    "I didn't ken your brother allowed you to make such decisions." Hamish smirked. "But you can take that up with him."
    "I shall."
    "Disarm him and tie him up," Hamish commanded the other clansmen.
    They rushed to do his bidding. Shamus had little choice but to give up his weapons without a fight. He did not want Maili hurt in the ruckus. And she refused to turn him loose.
    "Step aside, m'lady," Hamish ordered in a more forceful tone.
    "Do not hurt him or you will regret it!"
    One of her clansmen pried her arms from around him, picked her up and carried her away.
    "Leave her be!" Shamus growled.
    "You're not the one giving orders, you whoreson!" Hamish said.
    The man set Maili on her feet some distance away. When she tried to escape, he held her in place.
    The men yanked at his arms, causing his shoulder—which had been healing—to twist painfully as they tied his hands behind his back. He grimaced but refused to allow them to know of the pain.
    "When your horse returned to the castle afore dawn, we kenned you were close by," Hamish said with a smug grin. " 'Twas only a matter of finding you."
    Damnation, he'd known the horse would give them away.
    One of her clansmen led Ruairi from the bushes.
    "Mount so we can be on our way," Hamish told her.
    When she hesitated, the man restraining her lifted her into the saddle.
    "Master MacKenzie will ride with me," she announced.
    Shamus was proud of her boldness and bravery but he feared it would get her into trouble, especially where her brother was concerned. In fact, he feared her brother might punish her for helping Shamus escape. He cursed under his breath. How could he have let this go so wrong?
    "Nay, MacKenzie will be walking," Hamish said.
    "Then I will, too." She dismounted.
    Hamish released what sounded to be an exasperated breath. "Suit yourself, m'lady. But you must keep up."
    Shamus considered various methods of escape on the way back to the castle, but he knew none of them would work. Not with Maili so close by. He would do naught to cause her injury. Now and then, he glanced at her, walking beside him. Every time her blue eyes met his, he could not fathom why his heart pounded and excitement raced through him. What magical powers did she hold over him? Did it have something to do with the standing stone circle? And the most difficult question of all—how could he escape the MacDonald clan and make her his wife?

Chapter Nine

    Once they reached the castle, Elrick awaited them in the bailey and a frisson of fear raced through Maili. His glare darted between her and Shamus. Sleat stood nearby, scowling. Elrick strode toward them and threw a hard punch into Shamus' stomach.
    "Stop!" She launched herself at her brother, but the large guard behind her caught her around the waist, her arms and legs flailing.
    "You bastard!" Elrick said to Shamus. "How dare you kidnap my sister?"
    Shamus was doubled over, gasping for breath.
    "Leave him be!" Maili shouted. "He didn't kidnap