The Valiant Highlander (Highland Defender #2)
Page 29
Though, blast it all, they weren’t supposed to fail. Thank God he hadn’t worn anything to reveal his peerage. He’d even kept to the rear beside his cousin William. But someone had shot him. Be it a stray musket ball or the keen aim of a musketeer, he had no clue. After being thrown from his horse, the skirmish had raged on and the clan’s men charged ahead, leaving Geordie for dead.
Once he’d dragged himself into the brush, he must have lost consciousness until that fiery wisp of a healer found him. He thanked the stars it had been she and not a redcoat. His lands would be forfeit if Queen Anne discovered he’d ridden against the English crown to support the Act of Security passed by parliament one month past.
Anne, not the true King James, entitled to the throne by birth and recognized as king by Louis XIV. James Francis Edward Stuart may be exiled, but he is the only king to whom I will pay fealty.
But alliances were the least of his worries. Geordie’s leg throbbed—ached like someone stabbed him with a firebrand. Worse, he’d been bled within an inch of his life. Holding up his head for the lass to pour a tot of whisky down his gullet had sapped every lick of strength he could muster.
He must have dozed again, because Akira returned in the blink of an eye. “Who saw you?” he demanded, forcing himself to sit. God’s teeth, everything spun. The stabbing pain made his gut churn.
“Pardon?” she replied in a tone mirroring his own. Never in his life had he seen such a haughty expression come from a commoner. She thrust a fist against her hip. “’Tis a bit difficult to conceal a horse beneath my arisaid. Besides, I didn’t steal the beast.”
He eyed her sternly, as he would a servant. “Did the stable master ask questions?”
“He asked where I came up with that kind of coin.”
Gordon licked his lips with an arid tongue. “How did you reply?”
Akira’s fist slid down—a better stance for a wee maid. “I told him I’d received handsome payment from his lordship for tending his cousin.”
“His lordship?”
“The Marquess of Atholl, of course.”
Smart lass. “Do you ken the marquess?” Bloody hell, he hoped not.
“If you call paying him fealty, then aye. So does everyone around these parts. He’s lord of these lands.”
And he supports the Government troops, the bastard.
Geordie needed to mount that damned horse and ride like hellfire.
He leaned forward to stand. Jesus Christ, stars darted through his vision. Stifling his urge to bellow, he gritted his teeth.
The lass caught his arm. “Allow me to help.”
His insides clamped taut. Geordie needed help from no one—usually. And holy hell, must she look at him with such innocent allure? He’d sworn off women for life. No bonny face could melt through the iron casing around his heart even if she did have blueberry eyes and incredible dimples.
He nodded, but only once. “My thanks.”
Clutching both hands around his forearm, she gave him a firm tug, managing nothing. Och, he should have known a wisp of a lass couldn’t help a man his size. Clenching his teeth, he slid his good foot beneath him. Akira tugged his arm while he pushed up with the other.
“Christ Almighty,” bellowed from the depths of his gut before he had time to choke it back.
She slung his arm over her shoulder. “If they didn’t ken you were here, they do now.”
“Ballocks,” he cursed. Then he looked at the damned nag. “No saddle?”
She held out a few copper farthings. “There wasn’t enough.”
“Damnation, this is why one should never send a lass on a man’s errand.” Bloody hell, he hadn’t planned on buying a horse when he’d left Huntly—and there was no way he’d sign a note.
The urchin stamped her foot. “Pardon me, but I’m trying to help you and I’ll not be cursed at like a doormat.”
Geordie grumbled under his breath, removing his arm from her shoulder. “Lead the beast to the fallen tree, yonder.”
She didn’t budge. “Oh my,” she said with a gasp. “Your leg is bleeding something awful.”
He swayed on his feet. Good God, he couldn’t lose his wits. Not until he rode to safety. “Can you staunch it?”
“Mayhap with the use of your belt.”
He slid his hands to his buckle when a twig snapped behind them. Lead sank to Geordie’s toes.
“Who goes there?” demanded a stern voice.
Akira’s eyes popped wide.
The beat of Geordie’s heart spiked. With a wave of strength, he grabbed the lassie’s waist and threw her atop the horse. Taking charge of the reins, he urged the beast into a run, steering it beside the fallen tree. Agonizing pain stabbed his thigh, but the dire need to escape shot herculean energy through his limbs.
Haste.
In two leaps he landed astride the gelding right behind the lass. Slapping the reins, he kicked his heels into the horse’s barrel. Stabbing torture in his thigh punished his every move.
Musket fire cracked from behind.
Geordie leaned forward, demanding more speed. He pressed lips to Akira’s ear. “Hold on lass, for hell has just made chase.”
Other Books by Amy Jarecki:
Highland Defender Series/Highland Lords Series:
The Fearless Highlander
The Highland Duke, March, 2017
The Highland Lord’s Stolen Kiss, June, 2017
The Highland Earl’s English Lass, October, 2017
The Reckless Highlander, 2018
Guardian of Scotland Time Travel Series
Rise of a Legend
In the Kingdom’s Name
Highland Dynasty Series:
Knight in Highland Armor
A Highland Knight’s Desire
A Highland Knight to Remember
Highland Knight of Rapture
Highland Force Series:
Captured by the Pirate Laird
The Highland Henchman
Beauty and the Barbarian
Return of the Highland Laird (A Highland Force Novella)
Pict/Roman Romances:
Rescued by the Celtic Warrior
Celtic Maid
If you enjoyed In the Kingdom’s Name, we would be honored if you would consider leaving a review. ~Thank you!
About the Author
A descendant of an ancient Lowland clan, Amy Jarecki adores Scotland. Though she now resides in southwest Utah, she received her MBA from Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh. Winning multiple writing awards, she found her niche in the genre of Scottish historical romance. Amy loves hearing from her readers and can be contacted through her website at www.amyjarecki.com.
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