Part 5 (1/2)
”Holden.”
Instantly his friends were at his side.
Brice handed them the weapons.
”See that these are kept away from the lady.” He emphasized the word ”lady.”
Angus nodded toward Meredith.
”Angus Gordon, my lady.”
Meredith studied the man who stood beside his friend. Smaller by a head, sandy hair fell in a riot of curls over his freckled forehead.
His blue eyes danced with the promise of laughter lurking just beneath their clear depths. In her state of anger Meredith refused to acknowledge him, except for a slight nod of her head.
”Holden Mackay,” Brice said by way of curt introduction.
”Of the clan Mackay to the east.”
Meredith studied the burly man. At first glance he appeared to have no neck. His head seemed to rest upon his ma.s.sive shoulders. His upper arms, like his chest and shoulders, were corded with muscles. As he lifted several weapons with the ease of a seasoned warrior, he turned and, for the first time, stared directly at her.
”My lady.” He inclined his head slightly.
”Your stay at Kinloch House should prove to be most interesting.”
Meredith s.h.i.+vered at the suggestion in his words. But it was his eyes that frightened her. They were cold, lifeless. Like his soul? she wondered.
”I will join you below stairs,” Brice called to his friends.
When the two men left, Jamie continued to stand in the doorway staring with fascination at the beautiful woman who was Brice's captive.
”Jamie. Be gone, lad.”
The boy blushed clear to his toes before rus.h.i.+ng from the room.
When they were alone Meredith lifted her head a fraction and faced her captor.
Again he felt the pull and had to force himself to step back, away from the heat of her.
He deliberately turned his back on her and walked to the adjoining sitting chamber.
”I will have food sent to you. My servants will see to your comfort.”
At the door he turned toward her with a look that struck terror in her heart. His eyes were dark, dangerous.
”If you try to leave this room you will find yourself most uncomfortable.”
”Do you think I fear death at your hand?”
He gave her a chilling smile.