Hiding Katherine by GG Shalton (reading women .txt) 📗

peeked around the guards hoping for a look at Dorian. She saw him approach, a bit weathered and dirty, but whole. She could not stand still another minute and ran swiftly to him. He smiled and held his arms open as she embraced him. “Thank God you are well.”

Dorian smiled and looked down at her. “It was successful! Sir Ian Travis lived up to his reputation and we have punished Clan McGregor for their attack. We were also able to negotiate peace. His name alone gave us what we needed. He has accomplished tasks in less than a week that would have taken us years.”

“Oh Dorian, that is wonderful news.” Dorian’s sisters rushed behind Deanna and hugged him tightly. “Good to be home, Brother.”

Dorian laughed in joy. “We must feast tonight, and Sir Ian will be the guest of honor. His only request is to see your sister. They say he doesn’t speak much, but I can attest that his few words were always about her. I am happy she was here, as I think that is the reason he helped us. Our lands and gold were hardly enough to temp a warrior of his skill to align with us.”

Deanna’s face paled. “I am sure he would have helped without Katherine.”

“Perhaps. But no matter. Where is she? He will be looking for her. He even bought her a gift in one of the villages we went through.”

Deanna panicked watching Ian approach. Ian wore mail armor and removed his helm. His hair dripped with sweat, and he cocked a brow looking around the keep.

“Where is Katherine?” He finally met Deanna’s eyes not finding her in the crowd. Men assembled behind him listening to the conversation, one looked like Ian.

Dorian took her hand and introduced her to the men. “Sir Jakub, this is Deanna Williams. Deanna, this is Ian’s brother Sir Jakub the laird of clan Dranber and his men. We met up with them on our journey.”

Sir Jakub was full of smiles and leaned down taking Deanna’s hand kissing her knuckles. Deanna blushed as he was much more refined and handsome than his brother. “Where is the famous Katherine? I want to meet the woman who has ensnared my brother. We thought him immune to such charms, but she seems to have brought out the human in him and I never thought he would ever mention a woman with any regard. She must be a sight to behold.”

Deanna paused looking down not able to meet him in the eyes. “Sir, she is not here. Katherine went back to England with my brothers.”

Ian’s face drew into an angry scowl, his jaw clenched and temples throbbing. “England? Are you jesting? If you are, it’s not funny.”

Dorian looked concerned. “Deanna, stop. Where is she?”

Deanna wrung her hands. “My brothers showed up to the castle the day after you left. They never really said how they found us. My father signed betrothal papers to the Earl of Delbert for Katherine. They came to fetch her as the deal was done.”

Ian threw his helm and it bounced off the ground causing people to scatter to get out of its way. His face was beat red. “She just left with them? You let them take her?”

Deanna trembled afraid of his wrath. “No. She told us she wanted to marry you. We were shocked she made such a claim. My brothers argued with her and then grabbed her. After they subdued her, they took off to England. They threatened to siege the castle with their men if I interfered.”

Ian gritted his teeth forcing words to come out of his mouth, “They hurt her?”

Deanna shook her head. “I don’t believe they will hurt her. She is normally submissive with them although they had never seen her fight back like she did. She was screaming to let her go.” Deanna cried. “I was helpless. My brothers may not beat her, but they would beat me. It’s my father who will be rough with Katherine. I was frightened and did not interfere. Hopefully, her new husband will not be abusive. She has no choice but to marry and pray her husband is kind.”

Ian’s world blurred in front of him in anger and despair. Katherine was gone.

Leaving the group, he turned to walk toward his helm and picked it up. Holding it against his hip, he went to a few of his men and whispered some directives. Everyone was watching him in silence, afraid of his wrath.

He regained his composure and rejoined the group. “We ride in a few hours. Katherine belongs to me and I am taking her back.”

Deanna’s voice cracked as she said, “She will already be married by the time you arrive.”

He snarled at her comment. “I will kill any man who touches her.”

Jakub touched his brother’s arm. “I will join you my brother.”

Dorian echoed, “As will I.” He looked Deanna. “You will leave us detailed instructions on how to get to your father’s lands and any secret to the access.”

Deanna nodded slowly, leery of Ian’s temper.

Ian walked away to the castle. A few servants went to attend him as he barked out more orders to his men. They would leave later that night without delay.

Deanna excused herself and went back inside, Dorian following. She gave him explicit instructions of her father’s properties and the layout of the castle.

“Please do not engage in any conflict with my brothers. I could come with you.”

“Nay, Deanna. The conditions would be too harsh the next few days and hard traveling would not be easy.”

He held her in his arms. “I want to bathe and catch an hour’s nap before I ready myself to depart. Will you lie beside me?”

She wiped a tear that had escaped. “Of course. I will let you freshen up and join you later.”

Chapter 12

Katherine could not sleep. She thought back to the day her brothers had abducted her from the castle. Being forced to ride with Drake