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

kissing her neck, then her mouth. Before long they spent the next few hours making love.

Chapter 16

When they returned to the keep, Ian spotted his brother outside of the gates. Many of the men set up camp on the other side of the village. Katherine looked at the masses and asked in wonder, “Are they all here for the celebration tonight?”

Ian shook his head. “That looks like a private army. Some dignitary has probably come to the castle.”

He jumped off his horse and offered his hand to help Katherine down. It looks like an extra space with the What’s.

A look of concern crossed his brother’s face. “We have visitors—The Earl of Barragan.”

Ian scowled. “That old man. What does he want?”

“That old man died a few months ago. His son is now the earl and a favorite of the king who is also his second cousin. He is a lot more strategic than his father and has many alliances, including England. He is not a stranger to battle, like most of the other noblemen. His men respect his battle skills, and I think you would as well.”

Ian grunted. “I doubt that.”

Jakub ran his fingers through his hair, seemingly trying to find words that would not upset Ian. Rubbing his chin, he spoke matter-of-factly. “It seems he is here on a diplomatic issue. He received a missive from a very important earl in England to ask for assistance. The king himself sent his own messengers.”

Katherine’s legs felt weak at the mention of an earl who is friends with the king. In her heart, she knew this was not good. Ian reached for her hand and squeezed it in comfort. “What is the message?”

Jakub took a deep breath. “According to the missive, they are missing the earl’s betrothed. Rumor is that her father is also very distraught about losing his beloved daughter. Her fiancé claims they were both looking forward to the union when she was kidnapped from their holding the night before the betrothal ceremony. The brothers of the woman thought the great Cold-Heart may have had something to do with it because he had fancied her when she was in Scotland. The brute as they called him in the missive is uncivilized and they believe may have taken her against her will. They are willing to pay handsomely for her return and pay even more for his punishment.”

Ian cracked a crooked smile and spoke through his teeth, “They should come and get me.”

“Ian, please. Our family has already confirmed that Katherine is here. But they told the earl that she came willingly and plans to marry you.”

Katherine finally found her voice and asked, “What does he want?”

“He wishes to speak to you.”

Ian shook his head. “No.”

“I think it’s a good idea,” Jakub argued. “That way he can clearly see that she is not here against her will.”

Ian narrowed his eyes suspiciously. “What if they try to take her?”

“Then I will join you in stopping them.”

Ian looked at Katherine asking, “Do you wish to speak to them?”

Katherine nodded. “Your brother is right. I will tell them that I came with you on my own free will and don’t wish to go back.”

Ian paused and took a second to respond. “We will go change in my tower. Have her maid bring a change of clothes for Katherine there. We will meet you in the solar in one hour.”

Katherine was nervous and tried to settle her breathing. Ian escorted her to the main castle and stayed closer to her than usual. When they arrived in the solar, it was already filled with men she didn’t recognize. Ian’s mother came to greet her, and Katherine was happy that she was there to help support her. It gave her a certain amount of comfort to have another woman close by. Ian’s brothers stood behind the couple as a sign of force. The earl was present along with a few of his men dressed in his colors. A strikingly handsome man, he was well built and a lot younger than Katherine expected. He was not as tall as Ian, but he still filled the room with a strong presence.

“Miss Tolland?” He took a few steps closer to her, his eyes showing a hint of admiration that could not be hidden from his face. “I am the Earl of Barragan.”

She curtsied still holding onto Ian’s arm.

“May we speak privately?”

Ian’s stoic expression could have scared any mortal man. “No.” The room became silent and everyone looked at him like he had lost his mind. For a moment, the earl stared at him before a smile spread across his face. “I am afraid, that I must insist.”

Ian’s brother touched his shoulder. “Ian, please.”

The earl wiped some lint off his gloved hands before addressing Ian. “I was told that your brother explained the nature of my visit. I only request a short walk with Miss Tolland to speak to her alone without outer influences. My only wish is to get to the bottom of this matter. I will not bring any weapons or guards with me. I assure you on my honor as an earl that I will return her personally back to you.”

Katherine looked up at Ian awaiting his decision. He locked eyes with the earl silently challenging him. “If she is not back here within a half hour, then I will personally take matters into my own hands, earl or not.”

The earl’s eyes grew a bit wider at the threat. Trying to appease Ian, he cracked a feign smile without saying a word. Turning his attention to Katherine, he held out his elbow. “Shall we, Miss Tolland?”

Cautiously, she slowly accepted his elbow and they left the solar. They walked in silence until reaching the terrace doors that led outside into the garden. “May I say that after meeting you today, I am now more aware of why powerful men are trying to get you back.”

Katherine slowed her pace and stopped walking.