My Highland Warrior (Warriors of the Highlands Book 1) by Miriam Minger

Author:Miriam Minger [Minger, Miriam]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Oliver Heber Books
Published: 2021-01-18T18:30:00+00:00

Chapter 14

“It’s not the curse!” Gabriel shouted, though Magdalene had gone so limp in his arms that he felt cold fear. “She’s not eaten much of late—I shouldna have brought her out so soon! Grab my horse, man! Grab my horse!”

At once a villager brought Gabriel’s steed to him, snorting and prancing, while he handed Magdalene to another man so he could climb into the saddle.

“Hand her up—and take care with her!” he commanded, wanting her in his arms again, wanting to feel her breathing against him.

Magdalene wasn’t conscious, he could tell as much when she was lifted into his embrace, her head lolled back and her long hair streaming down.

What could have happened? One moment she’d seemed fine, though he had seen her falter in front of him, a catch in his gut. He had thought she might bolt down the road to reaffirm she was indeed a lunatic after the telling comment from that woman.

Why, she doesna look mad at all!

Aye, he’d heard it, too, bracing himself for what else she might choose to do. Spin around in place and cackle like a madwoman? Try to snatch the reins of her horse from him so she might jump into the saddle and ride away?

He had been expecting as much since the moment they had left the castle together, riding side by side with Gabriel almost certain that Magdalene couldn’t wait to catch him off guard.

Yet that moment hadn’t come, even when he had dismounted to greet the children—and still she hadn’t set off on her horse and left him choking on dust.

Gabriel gathered her close against him, staring into her face so beautiful that his breath caught in his chest.

Surely she wasn’t feigning her collapse? Was this what she’d intended to do? God help him, scaring everyone to death—including him?

Now he kicked his steed into a gallop, the villagers scattering out of his way.

Anger blurred his vision—all thoughts of patience and gentleness flying from his mind.

He could feel her breathing steadily. Was that a hint of a smile upon her face or had he imagined it?

Och, there was one way to find out—the lough only a short ride away. A good dunking in shallow water would tell him if she had truly fainted. Holding her close, his own breathing came hard as his chest tightened that she would cause such a ruckus in front of his people.

Men, women, and children thanking her right and left with such earnest gratitude that she should have been moved by it and not spurred to upset everyone!

Did the woman have no heart? Was she so determined to return to her blasted convent that she would do anything to achieve it?

Gabriel’s jaw so clenched now, matching the fierceness of his embrace, that he wondered if the discomfort alone might encourage her to wake from her feigned swoon.

It didn’t, but what did that matter? He was already to the lough, the surface of the dark water sparkling in the sunlight. He reined in his

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