Highland Sparks: Logan and Gwyneth (Clan Grant Series Book 5) (4 page)

Gwyneth opened her eyes, wanting to see Caralyn’s smiling face once more. How she treasured their friendship. When she had traveled to the Kirk in Ayr with her brother, she had been sitting in the back during a service when Caralyn had come in and sat next to her with her two lassies. Ashlyn had stared at her cautiously, but Gracie, sitting on her mother’s lap, had held her arms up to Gwyneth right away.

Living in a man’s world, Gwyneth had never held a bairn before, but Caralyn handed her over without a word, settling her on Gwyneth’s lap. Gracie had plopped her thumb in her mouth and leaned back against her, falling asleep to the lulling voice of Father Rab. After service, Caralyn had said, “She doesn’t go to others easily.”

Ashlyn had nodded. “You must be special.”

Gwyneth had never forgotten how special she felt that day, and how her friendship with the trio had grown since then.

She needed to see her brother, see her boss, and find two bairns. She would do this for Caralyn, Gracie, and Ashlyn. Tomorrow would be a busy day.

Chapter Four

Logan followed Robbie up the priory staircase. As soon as they stepped outside, he peppered him with questions. “Who’s the woman, Grant, and what is she to you?”

“She’s naught to me. Caralyn is a woman I found on the coastline south of Ayr. A Norseman was dragging her to his galley, and battered her along the way.”

“Hellfire, good thing you were there to stop it. Had to be enjoyable taking the Norse on. How do men beat defenseless women like that?”

“Caralyn wasn’t defenseless. She fought hard and got a few blows in, but he overtook her.”

“And now?”

“Now he’s a dead man.” Robbie glanced at his friend, a smirk on his face.

“And the two lassies?”

“They were hiding in the rocks. Their mama trained them well. I found them the next day after I brought Caralyn back to my camp. Since we were almost ready to skirmish and their home was destroyed by the Norse, I brought them to the priory here. A man who says he’s her husband took the three of them out of the priory back to his keep and has now hidden her girls to control her. I promised to help.”

Logan quirked his brow at his friend. “And?”

“And naught. That’s it. I don’t like the man, and I cringe when I think of where the wee lassies could be. The youngest, Gracie, reminds me of Lily.” He paused, watching Logan for his reaction. “You don’t have to follow if you have other plans. Tomas and I can handle it.”

“Aye, I’ll go along. What do you know of the one in leggings? What is the relationship between Caralyn and Gwyneth?”

“I have no idea. I met Gwyneth for the first time when you did. Caught your eye, I see.”

Logan scowled. “I suppose she has. She’s got spirit, but I can’t help but want to help a battered woman.”

“Doesn’t look like she wants your help.”

“True, but she has a sweet arse.” Logan smiled. “And she’s plotting revenge on her captor. I think she might need some help there. You know I’m all about helping defenseless lassies.”

“She doesn’t look defenseless to me.” Robbie gave Tomas a knowing look. “Where were you headed? Back home?”

“I was searching for you. Hadn’t made any further plans. Do you want help finding the lassies?”

“We could use your help. Do you know Glasgow?”

“Nay, not well. You’ll need someone as guidance. ‘Tis a big town.”

Logan stared at Robbie. “You are going after the wee ones now, are you not? You can’t ignore where the lassies could be.”

Robbie nodded. “We need a plan.”

“Aye. Do you have any idea where to start?” Logan asked.

“Nay. I don’t know Glasgow any more than you or Tomas. I suppose we’ll start by questioning people, or spending time in the market talking to local vendors. What ideas do you two have?”

A fourth person joined the group without a word of greeting. “I’ll go with you,” Gwyneth announced, hands on her hips as if daring someone to disagree.

Robbie asked, “Do you know Glasgow?”

Gwyneth nodded. “I know Glasgow and I’ll find the lassies. I have a hunch as to where Murray would hide them within town.”

“Then I welcome your assistance,” Robbie said.

Logan glanced between Robbie and Gwyneth. “What? Are you daft, lass? You belong on the pallet resting.”

Gwyneth retorted, “Like hell I do. You think just because I’m a lass, I’m not strong enough to join you?”

Logan argued. “Nay, I think someone did an exceptional job beating you, and you’re bruised from head to toe.” He checked her over as he spoke, though he knew she wouldn’t like it. What a fine specimen of a woman she was—the very sight of her almost took his breath away. But at the same time, seeing all her bruises fired him up in an entirely different way.

Gwyneth didn’t slow for a second. “That has naught to do with it. Those lassies need to be found, and I’m the one to find them. Or is your cock so small you fear women just because they might find out the size?”

Logan smiled as he grabbed his crotch. He would banter with her; there was naught he would enjoy more at this point. “Would you like to see my cock and judge for yourself?” He judged that her sense of pride was not far different from his brothers’. Piss her off, and she wouldn’t have time to think about her bruises or what had happened to her on that boat. He’d keep her focused on this new mission…and he would enjoy every moment of it.

Fire burned in Gwyneth’s gaze. “Aye, bring it out, but let me grab my dagger first. I’ll take one of your sacs as a trophy. The last one I cut off, I flung into the firth.”

Dead silence hung in the air. Logan waited to see if anyone else would approach that comment. He thought his comrades’ thoughts no doubt echoed his own. Was she telling the truth? Someday, he would ask her. The rotten bastard who’d attacked her had picked the wrong victim. He stifled his grin so as not to antagonize her any more. She was already good and fired up.

Logan whispered, “I don’t doubt your strength on a good day, lass. But the Norse knocked the wind out of you. I can see the fine tremor in your hand. The only thing you need is rest.”

Gwyneth took a step closer to Logan. “Fortunately, what you say doesn’t mean anything to me. I do as I please, not what some man orders me to do.”

Robbie held his hands up. “Och, lass. No one is trying to order you. You came to us, remember?”

“Aye,” she said, her gaze never leaving Logan’s. “And I’m going with you.”

Logan’s hands settled on his hips as he continued to meet her stare. No way would he allow her to go. She needed rest and food to keep herself healthy and whole. “Give me one good reason why we should take you with us. I see you as a detriment to our mission. You’ll be slow, and we’ll have to cater to your needs.” He wouldn’t be able to handle it if she were hurt on their travels. As strong as he guessed she was, he could see she wasn’t at her best. He didn’t want her to risk her life. They could—and would—find Caralyn’s bairns on their own.

Gwyneth moved her face a few inches closer to Logan’s—the threat obvious, and strangely enticing. “I won’t be slow, and you won’t have to cater to my needs.”

Returning her stare, Logan said to Robbie, “Hmmph. Did you hear a reason for us to take her, Grant? Because I surely did not.” Could Grant not see she would be at risk herself if she joined them? Or was he too desperate to help Caralyn to judge the situation impartially?

Gwyneth crossed her arms in front of her. “Because the lassies know me. They’ll never go with you. And I don’t think any of you wish to deal with a two-year-old’s rags once you find them.”

Logan had cared for his niece and nephew through rags and vomit. He had forced himself to remain strong because his brother had needed him. The memories of how ill they had been were painful to him. He didn’t need them fresh in his head during this mission.

Stepping back, Logan peered at Tomas and Robbie for a long moment, a frown on his face. Then he finally dropped his hands from his hips and stalked away. “Guess she goes with us. Saddle up and let’s move.”

From behind him, he heard Robbie say, “Let’s go before sundown.” With that, Gwyneth traipsed in front of him and jumped onto his horse before he had the chance.

Logan growled, “Lass, find your own horse.”

“I did.” She smiled and took off down the path.

Turning to his friends, who were both holding back smiles, Logan mounted Tomas’s horse in a flash and headed down the path after her. God’s teeth, but this woman was going to give him a worthy ride. He loved the fire in her. Watching her bum in breeks bounce on his saddle was worth every moment of aggravation. Hell, he would
have
to have this lass someday.

When he was close enough, he grabbed the reins, winked at Gwyneth and said, “You better hang on.” With that, he whistled, and his horse came to a screeching halt. Gwyneth almost flew off the front, though she somehow managed to hang on.

Gwyneth yelled. “Och, stop! I’ll get off. Have your foolish horse.”

Hellfire, he smiled again. She’d held on. He tossed his reins over a nearby branch and hopped off Tomas’s horse. When was the last time he had seen a lass handle Paz the way she just had? A horsewoman and an archer—he definitely would have to get to know Gwyneth better.

She started to dismount, but he caught her around her waist, tossing her back up in the saddle, then climbed behind her. A string of curses flew out of her lips. “Lass, didn’t you say your brother was a priest? My dear, I hope you don’t talk like that around him.”

She whirled in the saddle and clubbed his arm with her fist. “Let me go.”

“Lass, there are only three horses. You want to fight with me, do it later. I relish the battle. But for now, we need to find the bairns, so stay where you are.”

By that time, Tomas and Robbie had caught up with them. Tomas jumped off and grabbed his horse. Robbie’s face let Gwyneth know he wasn’t in any mood for arguing, so she settled. Gwyneth whispered and slapped his hand. “Don’t touch me, you brute.”

Logan chuckled and took off, whispering in her ear. “Should have thought of that before you stole my horse. Now you ride with me.” He held her back against him in a death grip while he yelled over his shoulder. “Move on, Grant.”

Hellfire, but her curves fit him just right. This was the best ride he’d had in a long time.

Chapter Five

Gwyneth took the lead since she was quite sure she knew where they might find the lassies. The surprising thing was that Logan did not raise an objection. He was such a beast she hadn’t expected him to listen to her. Originally furious she’d been forced to ride with him, she was grateful for it at present because his heat warmed her insides. She probably should have eaten something before joining them outside the priory, but she’d worried they would leave without her. Her brother had warned her many times of the importance of keeping yourself strong. How in hell had Logan noticed her tremors?

She knew Glasgow very well after searching for Erskine for seven years. Unfortunately, she had always been a bit behind him. The scum moved quickly. After they had ridden for a bit, they found themselves in an area that looked a bit suspicious; tight rows of unkempt huts filling the area with no one visible because the townspeople preferred to stay hidden. Once Dougal Hamilton had officially hired her as a spy for the Scottish Crown, she had made it her business to know all of Glasgow. This area was the most likely area for Malcolm to hide his lackeys. The area was very poor and no one would pay attention to them here.

Gwyneth signaled for the group to stop and investigate. This had been an early haunt for Duff Erskine, but now that his wealth had grown, he would never be caught in a section of town like this. Her nose wrinkled at the odor of sewage and waste piled in front of the huts. A creek ran behind the rows of ramshackle shelters, probably their only source of water. Given the amount of sewage nearby, it was a wonder anyone managed to live here. This section of town was just the area she had guessed they would find the two lowlifes who held Ashlyn and Gracie.

Logan dismounted, sliding Gwyneth slowly down his body, his grin heating Gwyneth’s anger. Fie, but the beast must learn to keep his hands to himself. He would pay for touching her. As soon as her feet hit the ground, she swung and clobbered Logan in the side of his head with her fist. To her surprise, Logan spun her around immediately, as if expecting her attack, and held her in a vise grip in front of him. Gwyneth struggled to free herself but couldn’t move the brute. Logan was big, broad-shouldered, and built with solid muscle. Robbie stood to the side with Tomas, watching the two of them battle without moving to stop them. No need for them to interfere, she would handle the animal herself.

“Leave me be, you rutting bull.” Gwyneth tried to kick him, but he held her fast. Powerless. Hellfire, but she was powerless again, just as she had been with Erskine. Just as she’d been on that boat until the Norsemen boarded it. Duff had drugged her enough so she couldn’t fight. This was worse because she was completely alert, yet she was still powerless against Ramsay. It was not to be borne.

Logan squeezed her back against his chest and spoke into her ear. “Now, do I have complete control of you, lass?”

“Aye, leave off, you surly brute!” She fought until her face was beet red, spitting and kicking at anything she could.

“Remember that. I have complete control over you. You have no power over me without your weapons. Agreed?”

“Aye,” she hissed.

“Then learn something. I will never hurt you or force you. If I wanted to, I could throw you down on that ground and rut all I wanted. But I won’t. Do you know why?”

The only sound from Gwyneth was a low growl as she fought to free herself from Logan’s grip.

“Verra well, I’ll tell you though you’re not inclined to listen, please hear me and heed me.”

Gwyneth managed one kick to his shin as she squirmed in place.

“Lass, I will never hurt you. I don’t hurt women. ‘Tis not part of me nor is it in my friends. You need to accept that. There are two kinds of men, those who hit lassies and those who don’t. ‘Tis unfortunate the only men you have met are rutting snipes, but I’m not. I like my lassies willing and I never hit.”