Kill or Be Kilt Read Online Free Page A

that her sister was trying to make her feel better for once, but Grace’s words only made Elizabeth think about the future even more. Of course, no one lived forever, but Uncle Walter had been a strong man. She was reminded that life could be stripped away without reason or warning.
    As the carriage slowed, a part of her was thankful they didn’t make it to the inn. Although a soft bed would’ve been welcome, she needed to breathe fresh air after being confined all day. The last time she’d slept under the stars was when she’d moved to the Highlands with her sisters.
    Kat was helping Torquil secure a post in the ground, and Ravenna and Grace were seeing to Mary. As the men were setting up tents and taking care of the horses, Elizabeth was becoming restless. She needed to occupy herself. Spotting one of Ruairi’s guards, she closed the distance between them. She held out her hand for the reins he had just untied.
    â€œLet me help you with that. I’ll water them. I don’t mind.”
    He hesitated, looking at her as though she had three heads. “This is nay task for a lady. Why are ye nae over there with the women?” He abruptly flinched and took a step back, a strange look flashing in his eyes.
    She whipped her head around at the same time the reins were shoved into her hand. Ian towered over the guard and was giving him a steely gaze as if he’d run the poor man through right where he stood. From the look of apprehension on the guard’s face, Elizabeth felt sorry for him, especially when he didn’t linger.
    â€œLaird Munro, did you threaten him?”
    Ian released the stern gaze he cast upon the fleeing guard, and his expression softened. “I did nae say a word. If ye want to water the horses, have at it, lass.” He lowered his head and spoke in a whisper. “Speak in truth. Is Lady Grace driving ye mad?”
    The corners of her lips lifted into a smile. “You have no idea.” She couldn’t believe Ian read her thoughts, but her sister’s candid behavior wasn’t exactly a secret.
    When his eyes widened, Elizabeth’s cheeks flushed when she discovered her hand resting on his arm. She quickly removed her fingers from Ian’s solid body. Not only was she embarrassed for her brazenness, but the man felt like a rock beneath her touch.
    * * *
    Ian volunteered with one of Ruairi’s guards to take first watch. It wasn’t as if he could sleep now anyway. In a few weeks, he would set foot on English soil, something that took a piece of his soul every time he made the journey. At least Ravenna had been able to stay their yearly trips to England for a few years. Who would’ve thought knowing a retired spy for the Crown could have its advantages?
    He leaned his head against a tree trunk and watched the flickering flames dance well into the night. Everything was silent except for the occasional popping sounds of the wood in the fire.
    Something moved out of the corner of his eye.
    Elizabeth smoothed down her skirts and walked quietly into the brush. When she returned to the glade, she stood on the other side of the fire, gazing into the glowing embers as if they told a secret. He didn’t think she saw him sitting there until she stepped around the flames and approached him.
    â€œIsn’t one of the guards supposed to relieve you? You’ve been keeping watch for hours.”
    â€œI did nae want to wake them. Besides, I’m nae able to sleep. What are ye doing up and about?” When she gestured to the trees, he added, “Why can ye nae sleep? Is the ground too uncomfortable for your liking?” He had a difficult time keeping the sarcasm from his voice because he knew the women were disappointed they didn’t make it to the inn this eve. Heaven forbid the lasses had to sleep in the open air.
    â€œNo. If you must know, I was thinking about Uncle Walter,” she replied in a clipped tone.
    â€œWhy donna ye