Free A Gentle Feuding by Johanna Lindsey Page B

front of him as the horse charged into the shallow river, crossing to the south side. Sheena’s boots and long skirt were soaked, but she wasn’t thinking of anything except how distraught her aunt would be. What would she make of Sheena’s disappearance? She would send word home, of course. Poor Niall. Would he think she had run away? And her father? He had denied her his protection, and this had happened because of his decision. He would be so upset! She could find nothing soothing in that thought, however.
    “Where are you taking me?” Sheena shouted over the wind.
    “To my home.”
    “For how long?”
    “Why, forever.”
    Absurd! The Highlander couldn’t just keep her like a stray dog. Was he insane? Keep her forever? Nonsense! It was just boasting. She would find her way back to Aberdeen, or her family would find her. The Highlander couldn’t get away with this. He couldn’t.

Chapter 10
    T hey had traveled less than a mile when the rain descended, finally, in a fury. The storm felt ominous to Sheena, as if it portended her destiny. As one mile turned into many, that thought haunted her.
    The Highlander unwrapped his plaid as the storm began and gave it to her. She took it gladly, and used it to cover her head.
    After that, she couldn’t see where they were going. The lad was in a hurry, appearing to race the storm. The miles melted away, and more than twenty were gained before the rain stopped and he slowed down.
    Sheena threw off the wet plaid. It had rained so hard that she was soaked clear through despite its protection. It was undoubtedly afternoon, but so gloomy she couldn’t be sure just what hour. On either side of them were mountains, big gray masses with dark clouds surrounding them. They were in adeep valley between two mountain ranges, riding along the river’s edge. Sheena shivered as she began to understand that they were in the Highlands, going deeper into them. She wanted to cry. Tears stung her eyes, but she held them back fiercely. She wouldn’t show her young captor how helpless she felt.
    They were moving along slowly, for the horse was winded from his long journey. Sheena turned around to face her abductor, then turned back to stare straight ahead.
    “You’ve no right to keep me. My family will be very angry about this.”
    “You’ve already admitted you’ve no one,” he said smoothly.
    “I didna say that! You did!”
    “Well, no matter,” he said cheerfully. “A beggar’s family can have no power. You’re mine to keep—and lucky you are I’m having you.”
    “Lucky?”
    “Aye,” he boasted. “’Tis fine clothes I’ll be giving you, and jewels to match your deep blue eyes. You’ll never have to beg again. Can’t you see how glad you should be?”
    Sheena felt her frustration mounting. “Does it no’ occur to you that you have stolen me?”
    “When we’re wed, you’ll be glad of it,” he laughed.
    “Wed?” she gasped, turning again to look at him.
    “Of course, wed,” he replied. “You dinna think I’ll shame you with less than marriage?”
    “You dinna know me! You canna want to wed me!”
    “But I do. You’re special, and no mistake. I know that well enough.”
    “Well, I’ll no’ wed you, and that’s that!” Sheena said, furious and helpless to do anything about it.
    “You’re stubborn now, but you’ll change your mind,” he said confidently.
    Her fear had been overcome by anger, but fear returned as she saw a great stone castle appear ahead, dark clouds floating around its tall towers. They had traveled fifteen to twenty miles since midday, but at a much slower pace. The last mile or so before they reached the castle was straight up into the mountains. It was now nearing night, and the Highland fortress ahead was a gloomy place indeed.
    “Your home?” Sheena asked, her voice tremulous.
    “Aye,” he declared proudly. “It looks cold, I know, but ’tis pleasant enough inside.”
    “But such a big castle,” she said, awed. “Are you