Page 24 of Marry the Highland Villain
“And if I refuse?” Conall stalked closer.
Brigid tilted her head back and continued to look him in the eye.
“Then I’ll have to go out and find what I need for myself.” She forced herself to stand as tall as she could, arms crossed and chin tilted upward, daring him to argue with her.
“And if I forbid ye?”
“Then I’ll do it anyway.” Brigid raised an eyebrow. “Do ye truly think ye’re the first person to ever forbid me from doin’ something? Or the first I’d defy?”
“Defiance wouldnae be wise—ye can trust me on that.” Conall’s jaw tightened, his stormy gaze darkening in warning.
“I heard the same from my father and my sisters. I didnae listen to them either.”
Conall’s hand came up to her cheek. “I’m nae yer father, or yer sister, Brigid, an’ ye’d be wise to remember it. I’m the man who’ll be yer husband.”
“Doesnae change the truth. If I’m to live the rest of my life here, then I want to be as happy as I can. And I’ll nae settle for ‘whatever I can make do with.’ The rest of my life is a long time.”
“Ye’re a stubborn wench.” The corners of Conall’s mouth twitched in amusement.
“That I am. I’ve always been so, and I have nay intention of changin’ to suit ye, Conall.” She smiled up at him, a challenge in her eyes.
“I can think of many ways to make ye heed me.” His voice was low, but it was hard for Brigid to pay attention, with the heat of him so close to her.
“I dinnae care.”
Conall’s touch was firm, his eyes sharp with an emotion she couldn’t quite place—anger or… something else that made his eyes burn hot.
“Do ye nae?” He leaned closer, and she went still.
His lips claimed hers, mouth firm and lips tasting of mead and meat. His tongue caressed the seam of her lips, and she opened her mouth, leaning into him as the kiss deepened.
She felt his hand slide into her hair, holding her as his other hand went around her waist and pulled her flush against him.
Brigid moaned softly, enjoying the warmth and strength of his tall, powerful frame.
Then, she remembered what they’d originally come to discuss and forced herself to pull back.
“Conall…”
“I’ll nae let ye send my servants all over the Highlands lookin’ for whatever it is ye deem ye need.” Conall’s low growl made her heart sink, her soul aching with hurt.
His next words wiped the hurt away as swiftly as it had appeared.
“I will, however, let ye go with Emily to the village tomorrow.”
Brigid started and stared at him. “Ye’ll… let me go to the village?”
“Aye. Just be sure the two of ye return afore sundown an’ supper.” Conall brushed a thumb across her cheek, then bent to kiss her again.
The second kiss was soft, sweet, and gentle. Then, he stepped back. “Ye should get some rest. An’ I have work to do.”
“Aye.” Her head was swimming, happiness at his concession and a pleasant heat from his kisses making the world feel hazy. “Aye… thank ye.”
With one final kiss, Brigid turned and left Conall to his work, her heart singing.
CHAPTER 9
Brigid wokeup the next morning to a knock on her door. She managed to shrug into a slightly too-small robe before Emily came in, her eyes bright with excitement for the day ahead.
