Marti Talbotts Highlander Series 1 - Anna Rachel u Charlet

the servants. When we do something that displeases him, he punishes my mother.”
    Kevin hung his head.
    “We have tried everything to save her. We even sent a plea to the king, but my father is a very clever man. He does not hurt her where it will show and if she does not obey him in front of company, he threatens to kill one of us. The king even came, believed she was fit and dismissed our plea.”
    “Was it your father who beat you?”
    She hesitated, wondering if she should admit it. Kevin was guessing, but if she said ‘no’ he would find out and hate her for lying. Besides, it was too late to stop now. “Yes.”
    “I will kill him.” He watched her carefully to judge her reaction , but she remained calm.
    “I have often vowed to do the same.” She took a deep breath, “God help me, I have thought about it far more often than is fitting for a woman.”
    “What stopped you?”
    She turne d back to look out the window. “Fear. He is a strong man and if I failed, he would kill me and that could hardly help my mother and sister. Harold, the man who came here, is my dearest friend...my only friend. He once found me...” She decided not to elaborate on that. “He does not live on our estate, but when I can, I go to him. Many are the days Harold and I have plotted to kill my father. His guards will not let any man near him or Harold would gladly do it.” She shook her head in sorrow. “God will never forgive me for these evil thoughts.”
    “I have a hundred lads who would be glad to have the honor.”
    “Can your men get to him before he kills my mother?”
    “Aye, they can.”
    “If only it were that simple.”
    “Why is it not that simple?”
    “We would never find Rachel. He has given her to someone and I have searched my mind, but I cannot think who. She could be anywhere.” Anna abruptly grabbed Kevin’s arm. “Do you hate my father?”
    “I do.”
    “Why?”
    “Because he hurt you.”
    “Yes, that is exactly what he hoped. He broke no bones and my insides are not harmed. He wanted only to disfigure me enough to make you hate him.”
    “But why? I have given him no cause.”
    “I do not know. He said, but I cannot remember.” She started to bite her lower lip and hurt herself. “I suppose I should not do that for a while.”
    They were both lost in thought for several minutes before he asked, “Are you tired enough to sleep now?”
    “I believe I am.” She surprised him when she reached up on tiptoe and briefly put her bruised cheek against his. Then she let go, stood back and narrowed her eyes. “You appear to be a kind man, but so did my father once. I warn you now, no man will ever chain me to a bed.”
    He took hold of her hand. “I assure you, my followers, both lads and lasses, would never let such a thing happen. They seem to think you belong to them now.” With that, he walked out of the room, closed the door and quietly went downstairs where his pacing wouldn’t bother anyone.
    Angus was the inside sentry for the night and he soon got dizzy watching him. If Kevin wanted to talk, he would. Until then, it was Angus’ job to be on guard and to alert his laird if there was trouble outside.
    Kevin was so enraged, he wanted to tear Anna’s father apart and make him suffer before he killed him. Anna had been beaten before and probably more than once. No wonder she was so brave, she was accustomed to it. Then he remembered how she wanted more wine to dull her pain. He wanted her to eat something first , and forgot to give her more wine before she we nt to bed. At least , that was one mistake he could do something about. He grabbed a goblet, quickly filled it and went back up to her room. When he went in, she was trying to unbutton the top of her gown in the back. H er arms were raised, the bottom of the cut out square in her gown was touching her lower rope burn , and she was softly moaning.
    He handed her the goblet and watched her greedily drink. Then he walked behind her and began to unbutton her gown. “Do you want me to stay until you sleep? I will turn my back whi le you undress and get in bed.”
    She had terror in her eyes when she answered, “No. ”
    He finished with her buttons and walked back around to see her face. “You promise not to fall if I leave?”
    “I promise.”
    “I meant to give you more wine earlier. Please forgive me for neglecting it and wake me if you need more.” It wasn’t easy to read her expression through all that swelling, but he