Page 51 of Highlander’s Mercenary Lass

Paton inched closer. "It's true, lass," said Paton. "I'm yer only hope here."

Paton leaned in to embrace Grace, and as he did so, Grace recoiled. The feel of his clammy palms against hers set off a panic inside her head.

All she could hear was her own noise, the sound of her heart pounding so hard that she wondered if it would explode.

Slowly, she backed away.

"Nay," she protested, but she wasn't ready for Paton's resolve. Out of nowhere, he turned around, swiping her with his arms.

"Kiss me, ye ingrate!" he hissed, yanking her back by the head, causing her headdress to fall into the undergrowth. "But dinnae fash, lass. Ye were happy enough afore when ye thought ye were getting something."

Before she could fight back, Paton's thick hands were around her neck, pushing her down to the ground as he kissed her.

Grace struggled but could not break free. Panicked, she thrashed about. There was no getting free. She almost resigned herself to his attentions, but then, a strong arm fastened itself around hers.

"Dinnae fash, lass," said a voice.

Grace turned around and looked amazed. There, right in front of her, was Andrew, his silver sgian-dubh right in front of Grace's eyes.

Then, he spoke to Paton.

"Ye release her now, or else!"