The Highlander Who Stole Christmas - Eliza Knight Page 0,5
their lives that the dragoons were back and ready to murder them all. Father Christmas was the only one who could get away with it. But Thane Shaw was not the man she’d hired to play the part.
At the barn, she let her hand drop, and when he faced her fully, his thoughts shuttered from his face.
“I am ready for my lesson.” There was a teasing note to his words that she found surprising, given the intensity of how much she knew he disliked her family. That had been evident at Thea and Jon’s wedding, and even more so after her death.
“Father Christmas doesna grant wishes to souls,” Sarah mused. “Ye’re confusing too many ideologies.”
Thane wiped his hand down the neck of a sleek black horse that did not belong to the Campbell clan. She guessed it was his, judging from the familiar way he stroked the mane.
“He’s a beauty,” she said, adding her hand to the mix. “My brother had one just like it. Though truth be told the horse preferred his wife.”
He stiffened beside her, catching on that she spoke of Thea. Oh, how she missed her. Wanted to talk to Thane about his sister, but knew that broaching the subject now when he was trying for anonymity would likely be the wrong course of action. Then again, if she was going to get what she wanted, there was no time like the present.
“What is it ye wished to speak to me about?” he asked.
“I know who ye are.”
“Then ye must know why I’ve come.”
“I have an idea, but I dinna think it will work,” she said.
His gaze met hers, steel blue. “Just what is it ye think I’m here to do?”
“Lay siege.” She shrugged. “Some sort of revenge.”
“Ye have the latter right, but I’m afraid ye’ve got the execution wrong.”
The way he said “execution” with a bite to it had her flinching. Was that what he thought had happened to Thea? No doubt.
“I dinna deny that our clan likely is in need of some sort of punishment for what happened to your sister, but if ye should die too, ye will be of no help to your people.”
“I think ye’re wrong,” he said, a menacing undertone. “I think what I’ve got planned will be a massive help.”
Sarah sighed. “What is it ye have planned then?”
He winged a brow in challenge. “Climb onto my horse, and I’ll tell ye all about it.”
“Climb onto your horse?” She let out a short laugh and narrowed her gaze, the realization of his plot dawning. “Ah, so ye wish to abduct me.”
He pressed his hand to his chest. “That is my Christmas wish.”
Sarah sucked in a heady breath. Here was a gift placed right before her. The means to her escape. And he had no idea. They could kill two birds with one stone. He’d get his revenge, and she’d get her freedom.
She didn’t even bother putting up a fight. “Can I get something from the barn first?”
Thane looked taken aback. “As I’m certain ye’ve no’ been abducted before, I feel obliged to let ye know that will no’ be possible.”
Sarah leaned in close enough that she could smell the stink of the rotting wool beard. “But, you see, I have already packed a bag.”
“What?” he sounded exasperated.
“I…” She licked her lips. “I was going to run away.”
“Why?”
She glanced around, wondering if anyone had taken note of just how long she’d been talking with Father Christmas, but everyone was enjoying the drinks and food and paid them no attention. At least not yet.
“My brothers have arranged for several men to make offers for my hand this evening. One of whom is English. Nay, thank ye.”
Thane groaned. “Fine. Get your bag, but I’m coming with ye. And just so we’re clear, this is still me taking ye, no’ me saving ye.”
“Aye, of course,” she nodded emphatically, grateful he was letting her get the satchel.
They entered the barn, and she spoke to the same wee lad Thane had given a coin to. “Just getting a sack of gifts for Father Christmas,” she explained.
Thane tossed the lad another coin, which quickly distracted him from their task.
A second later, she emerged with the satchel, beaming a smile at the lad and avoiding eye contact with Thane.
“Here we are. Thank ye, Georgie, for all ye’ve done with the horses tonight. I know it’s been quite an ordeal with Harry sick.”
The lad blushed and kicked at the barn floor. “Thank ye, my lady. I’m more than happy to