Surrender to Me (The Derrings #4)(43)

The laird wrinkled his nose. “You’re not to be trusted, then. That much is clear to me.”

“No,” she quickly denied.

“Aye,” he nodded, leaning forward and plucking a slice of bread off the platter before them. Wadding the thick slice into a ball, he took a considerable bite. Giving her a conspiratorial wink, he asked around a mouthful, “Come now. A starchy Sassenach like you doesn’t have a few friends with blunt to spare?”

Her spine stiffened at his description of her, however true…however much she had cultivated that very image of herself. “No. None that can be relied upon for assistance.”

“No relations?”

For a moment she thought of her in-laws. Thinking of them, she replied honestly, “I don’t inspire that sort of devotion, I’m afraid.”

Chewing, he measured her with keen blue eyes before answering, “Nay. I don’t believe it.” With a firm nod, he added, “You will supply me with the names of these friends. And you will remain here until they pay the price of your freedom.”

She drew her shoulders back. “I cannot supply you with names I do not have.”

“Very well.” He shrugged and took another bite of bread. Flakes and crumbs flew into his beard as he spoke, “Then you’ll be with us a long time.”

Frustration burned a bilious trail up her chest. She swung her furious gaze to Griffin.

He gave her a smug, knowing look before turning his attention to Gallagher. In all mildness, he asked, “Since we’ll be here awhile, how might we occupy ourselves? Is there a library perhaps?”

“Of course. We’re not unlettered barbarians here,” the old man replied, wiping a rough wool sleeve against his mouth. “Just know the guards have orders to stop you or your woman from passing the outer gates. Otherwise, make yourselves at home.”

Griffin nodded his assent, his look all innocence.

Until he glanced back at Astrid. And she knew there was nothing innocent in his request, saw it in the glint of his pale blue eyes. He meant to investigate the castle and plan a method of escape. Suddenly such a measure did not seem extreme in the least. It seemed utterly sensible. Their only choice.

Chapter 16
A hard hand on her shoulder shook Astrid awake.

“Make haste. Dress yourself and gather your things.”

Rubbing her eyes, she sat up, her eyes adjusting to the dim chamber. Embers from the fireplace provided minimal light. Griffin moved about the room quickly, a dark shadow collecting his saddlebag and swinging it over his shoulder.

Astrid dressed herself in her striped poplin gown. Out of necessity, she had learned to dress herself without the assistance of a maid several years ago, but even long practice did not stop her fingers from stumbling over the buttons.

Looking up, she stated rather obviously, her voice still scratchy with sleep, “We’re leaving.”

“Yes.”

She shook her head. Laird Gallagher ran a lively household. That much she had observed in their brief stay. Even at this late hour, someone would be found lingering in the hall. They could not simply stroll unnoticed into the bailey.

“How can we?”

He stopped before her, his stare cool, unmoved. “I’m aware that you don’t trust me.” His lips twisted wryly at this. “But if you wish to leave here, you will follow my instructions without question. Do you understand?”

The without question part rankled. She was not the sort to follow blindly. She had been forced to look to herself for too many years to blindly follow anyone.

He must have read her hesitation. He stepped so close their noses almost touched. “If not, then we might as well remain here.” He gestured toward the door. “If you badger me with questions out there, if you so much as hesitate, we will be caught.” His eyes glinted darkly. “With you, it’s a certainty. And I assure you that once we’re caught, an opportunity to escape shall not come again.”

Astrid gave a tight nod, disregarding her stinging pride. “Fine. I’ll do as you say.”

“Good.”

Griffin moved to the chamber’s lone window and pried the stained mullioned glass open, its ancient hinges creaking in protest. Sticking his head out into the cold night, he looked below. Taking his bag, he dropped it.

Looking back at her, he motioned her near. “Is your valise ready?”

Despite her curiosity and the questions that burned on her tongue, she handed over her valise, wincing as he dropped it out the window, grateful for the well-worn leather that likely would not crack.

Griffin moved toward the bed then, and she took advantage of the moment, peeking her head out into the frigid night air.

A pale smudge of face looked up at her from below, their bags waiting at his feet.

Turning, she watched Griffin secure a rope around one of the thick bedposts. Positioning his foot against the bed, he yanked hard to make certain it held fast.

Dread sinking into her belly, she shook her head. “You cannot mean—” She stopped cold when he tossed her a dark look, his warning clear. Recalling her promise of moments ago, she bit the inside of her cheek.

Striding past her, he flung the rest of the rope out the window. Presenting her with his back, he squatted. “Hop on.”

Astrid blinked. Tucking a stubborn strand of hair behind her ear, she hesitated for so long that he looked over his shoulder. One look into his steady blue gaze and she knew he was deadly serious. He meant for them to climb out that window.