Her Highland Rogue: A Wild Highland Guardian Novel Read Online Free Page B

instead lifted the bowl to his mouth, sucking down the broth. He emptied the vessel and grunted with approval, holding it up.
    “More,” he commanded.
    Without hesitation, she did what was expected, and rushed to refill the bowl. Although the cave was located at the top of a mountain, Sgùrr had managed to make it feel as comfortable as any cottage. The iron pot hanging over the fire was the main thing she used to cook with. She also had a metal skillet for meat.
    “What’s taking so long, lass?” Errol asked gruffly.
    “Sorry for the delay, milord.” She joined him again, presenting the broth. “There’s more if you want it.”
    This time he used the spoon. “Thank ye,” he said, not sounding friendly. “Wine.”
    She filled his cup from a skin hanging on the nearby wall. “Do you need anything else?”
    “Yes. An explanation.” He looked up at her. “Go where I can see you.”
    She moved around the table, standing across from him.
    “Why did you flee the safety of the keep?”
    Aileana wrung her hands together. In the eight years she’d been around the laird’s son, they’d never spoken this much. And if she slandered the good name of one of his closest friends, she feared the reprisal. Only a few years older than Errol, Broc was never far away from him. They ate and trained together.
    “Please don’t make me tell.”
    He took a deep drink, then set the cup on the table. “I wouldna force you to do anything, lass. But out of respect for me being the future laird, I expect you to be forthcoming. I willna punish you—no matter the reason for your lapse in good judgment.”
    Words formed in her mind, but she couldn’t speak.
    “Are the rumors true? A man took liberties?”
    She nodded shyly. What else had the wicked women in the kitchens told him?
    “Did ye welcome his affection, lass? Are you ashamed of bedding him?”
    Again her cheeks flushed. Did he have no feelings for her situation? “I did nothing wrong. Believe me.”
    He swallowed a mouthful of bread before he spoke. “There’s nothing wrong with a comely maid warming a man’s bed.”
    Aileana covered her face with both hands and took a deep breath. “I remained in the kitchens after the other women went to sleep. Several men were still in the hall, and I served them ale and meat. After I returned to the kitchen, Broc cornered me and attempted to kiss me and…”
    Errol slammed his fist on the table, grinning. “You’re the lass he’s been carrying on about? The fool. Why didn’t he just tell me? I salute your future happiness.” He raised his cup. “My father will be pleased. You couldna pick a better husband.”
    Had the wine polluted his mind? “Sir,” she said. “Save your wishes of good fortune for the day your friend finds a woman who welcomes his affection.”
    Errol’s mouth dropped open. “What are ye saying, lass?” His eyes narrowed, so Aileana couldn’t read his emotions.
    She shifted on her feet, anxious and fearful her very existence was slipping away. What little she owned in this harsh world was in her tiny chamber back at the keep. Slandering the name of a captain would cost her dearly. “For months I’ve discouraged his attention, even begged him to find someone else. But the captain refused to listen.”
    “Did he rape you?”
    Her vision blurred.
Please, dear Lord, spare me this interrogation.
But she knew Errol wouldn’t give in, even if she swooned.
    “Answer me,” he demanded.
    “No, he didn’t rape me.”
    He sighed with relief, his big hands on the table. Surely carnage would follow in his wake if she stoked the beast inside him.
    “Please forget about me,” she pleaded. “I will find another place to go.”
    “You’d give up your home so easily?”
    “I wish to avoid scandal, sir. Who would believe me over a respected warrior? I am but a woman, and a bastard at that. Though I’ve found happiness under your father’s roof, there are some who never let me forget what and who I