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shift about the cloaks she wore, she also sucked in a few calming breaths, hoping to ease her heightened awareness of the fierce Highlander who’d rescued her.
    The ride to Eilean Donan Castle was proving more treacherous than she’d ever foreseen. And it wasn’t because they were in constant danger from Ross and his crew. Indeed, ’twas her own soul that was under attack, and from one very charming warrior.
    A yawn caught her unawares, and she tried to stifle it, but even still , her breath puffed out as did a little noise.
    “I promise ye, as soon as we arrive at the castle, I’ll personally see to it that ye’re given a bedchamber, a bath, and whatever else ye desire to keep ye rested.” Brandon spoke the words over his shoulder, and she was touched by his concern.
    “There will be no need to pamper me, Laird Sinclair.” As much as his concern moved her, she had to put some distance between them. Had to concentrate on how she would get away from these warriors and return to the man she’d been pledged to—King Edward. The thought was thoroughly abhorrent, but what else could she do? She ’d been disgraced in France, and had prayed that when the king tired of her, he’d make her a match that was at least somewhat agreeable. But beyond that, she couldn’t stay with these people. Couldn’t witness the slaying of more innocents, for surely Ross and the king would come after her.
    But wasn’t it true that they were coming after Wallace and his comrades anyway? Indeed it was. Precisely why she had to return—to mislead them. She’d give them false direction. There was no consequence in that. The king and Ross had been on Wallace’s trail for so long, constantly being evaded, so they wouldn’t second guess her. At least, she prayed they wouldn’t.
    The rest of the group mounted up, Julianna and Ronan seemed particularly close. Julianna appeared weak, yet relieved, but Ronan looked as though he’d seen a ghost. Mayhap she’d had a close call during the battle. There had been no signs of her at camp when Mariana returned from hiding in the woods.
    Brandon issued a command to his horse, his thighs squeezed around the animal’s middle—his buttocks tightening between her legs. Mon dieu , how was she going to survive such sweet torture? Checkmate followed his master’s command, following the line of warriors as they made their way out of the camp. Mariana grasped the blanket beneath her with both hands. She dared not put her arms around him, even though she’d moved to clutch him several times already. Riding behind him without holding on was a tricky business. But one she’d best get used too. Touching him was too dangerous. Made her feel things she shouldn’t. She wanted more than anything to wrap her arms around his waist, and breathe in his woodsy male scent. That, however, wouldn’t do. Already, she tread on a thin line.
    She gasped again and stopped herself from grabbing onto Brandon’s back. Her thighs were tightly clamped to the horse’s middle, and she could tell by the way he stomped his feet and made irritating snorts that the animal was annoyed with her and Brandon’s differing commands.
    “I know for propriety’s sake, ye may be trying hard not to put your hands on me, or maybe ye simply find me repulsive, but for the love of all that’s holy, grab hold, lass, else Checkmate tosses us both.” Brandon’s tone was filled with humor.
    If the situation had been different, and Mariana in a humorous mood, she may have teased him back, but the simple fact was, she was ready to toss herself from the horse into the nearest loch. They’d only been riding nigh on a quarter hour and her body was steaming hot. There wasn’t a sensible thought in her head, and every nerve ending bristled. Had she caught a fever? Because surely, Brandon couldn’t be the only reason her body was reacting this way. Men didn’t have this effect on her. She had this effect on them . It must be a fever. There was no