She heard Jack’s steady voice just as her heart started to race.
“I want her back,” he said to whomever he spoke to.
Hearing him instantly sent a wave of relief through her.
He came for me…she closed her eyes again and swallowed hard. Jack kept negotiating with the captor and she listened intently.
Jack’s presence made her relax a bit. Knowing he had come for her was relieving. It also softened her heart toward him and increased the tender feelings she already had for him.
“We have been allies for many years, Master Calloway. It is indeed sad that ye break faith with my Clan.”
“It isnae my intention. But my people need more than just some peasant offerin’s of wool and farm produce. Our waterways fetch yer Clan much more profits especially now that ye have what every Highland clan would ever want… Gold.”
“I am betrothed to the Lady. Joining our houses by marriage isnae up for discussion. I have already committed myself to the woman I am betrothed to. I cannae break my word.”
“Betrothals have been broken before. Especially when it happens with outlanders. We are from great clans, My Laird, and it is true that our men are yet to take wife from the outlands. Certainly, nay an English one.”
“A laird in yer history took an English wife once.”
“And look how that ended for us.”
Isla wished she could shut out the conversation at this point.
Whatever Jack decided to do should not affect her or make her feel this tightness in her chest. It was the best decision for him, and he had to make it.
She squeezed her eyes shut as if that would help, but it didn’t.
“I amnae sayin’ ye should break yer betrothal immediately, My Laird. I am sayin’ take my daughter and consider her as a match. One week and if ye still decide nay, then I am open to discuss other negotiations.”
“My decision will remain the same even after many weeks pass, Master. I chose who I take to wife, and the English woman is mine.”
The Master said nothing else, and next thing, Isla heard footsteps resound closer to where she lay, and she stiffened.
Someone grabbed her and hurled her over his shoulders while she pretended to be unconscious, then he dropped her on the ground again and she instantly felt warm hands touch her.
She recognized Jack’s touch even though she didn’t open her eyes.
“I must say Laird Humphreys that I had nay intentions of hurtin’ the Lady. I had to draw ye out here. But this isnae over. Ye will accept my terms of gold or wife my daughter. Our borders will be closed to yer clan until then.”
“How much gold do ye want?”
“150 troy ounces every time yer shipments arrive.”
“That is outrageous.”
“The choice is yers.”
Jack lifted Isla off the ground and in the next second, she felt cold breeze touch her skin. She opened her eyes finally and whispered his name.
“Jack—”
His gaze dropped to her, and his eyes widened. “Put me down, Jack. I can walk on my own.”
He slowly set her on her feet then instantly ran his hands down her arms and touched her face. “How are ye feelin’?” he asked in a panicked tone. “Did they hurt ye in any way? If they did, I will go back in there and—”
“I’m all right, Jack,” she interrupted and put a hand on his chest. Isla stared deep into his eyes and added, “They did not hurt me.”
“Isla—”