Beneath a Highland Moon (The Highland Moon Series 1) Read Online Free Page B

is very young and in much need of guidance if he's to succeed as the Baron of Lochstorm. Being his closest male relative, I'm, of course, the most qualified to provide that guidance."
    Even though she'd known all along that the title was the reason he'd come, it both shocked and angered her to hear him make such a ridiculous suggestion. Jillian took a deep breath to steady herself before she spoke, refusing to allow Gordon to see her tremble. "If this is the proposition you spoke of, 'tis rejected. Ian has no need of your guidance. You and these men are free to leave here at once."
    His lips twisted into a cynical smile, and icy contempt flashed in his eyes. "I've no intention of shirking my duties, Jillian. Now, bring the lad to me so that I may introduce myself, as he is to immediately become my ward."
    As panic set in, she trembled and her throat constricted. " Jilly," her father used to say, " never let your enemy ken you're afraid. If you do, you've already lost the battle." Remembering those important words, Jillian stayed strong. "He's not here," she stated as calmly as she could manage, hoping he couldn't hear the fear in her voice.
    Gordon slowly came toward her, reminiscent of a wolf sizing up its prey. He stopped within a hand's length from her face.
    Roderick lunged toward him, but the man standing beside him jerked him back before he could get his hands on Gordon.
    J illian held her ground and refused to waver, even whilst believing he might strike her. Instead, he leaned in so close she could smell the unpleasant scent of his breath.
    " I ken for certain the lad is here," he growled. "Bring him to me now. Is that clear?" he demanded, striking the oak table beside him with his fist.
    Jillian flinched, but continued to look him squarely in the eye and calmly repeated, "He's not here." Gordon sounded so assured that Ian hadn't left Lochstorm, Jillian wondered if perhaps someone had betrayed them. Surely no one she knew would do such a thing—certainly not one of her own clan.
    Gordon sighed. "Very well. If this is the childish game you wish to play, I'll find the lad without your help." He turned to the group of men. "Find him," he ordered, "and don't stop looking until you do."
    Whilst they searched, Jillian paced back and forth in front of the fire, holding onto the hope that Winnie had made it into the tunnels and hidden Ian well. Her nerves on edge, she prayed he'd not be found. If only her father hadn't died and left them in such a predicament. Of course, Jillian didn't blame him. She just missed him and felt so helpless without him. Time stood still whilst she waited, listening to the thundering of the men's boots as they stomped up and down the corridors, opening and slamming doors, while they searched the castle from top to bottom.
    After some time had passed and her brother had still not been found, Jillian began to relax a bit, believing that perhaps he'd remain hidden after all. Then Ian's terrified screams echoed from some distant part of the castle. She ran to the stairs. Fear and anger knotted inside her upon seeing a large man tramping down the stairs with Ian tossed across his shoulders like a sack of oats, with Winnie on his heels pounding on his back with both fists.
    " Leave the lad be, ye big oaf!" Winnie screamed at the top of her lungs.
    The giant of a man ignored the old woman's blows as if she were but a tiny midge.
    J illian raced across the room. "Put him down! Do you hear me? Put him down!" she shouted, but he refused to do so until he stood in front of his benefactor, only then did he set Ian on his feet.
    Before either his captor or Gordon could grab him, Ian ran back to Jillian. She picked him up and he threw his arms around her neck, sobbing, causing her heart to ache. "Don't fret so, wee brother. I'm here."
    He soon stopped crying and rubbed his eyes, wiping his tears and his nose, on the sleeve of his nightshirt.
    " Trust me?" she whispered. "Then do as I say."
    He nodded.
    "Good