Page 24 of In Love With the Wrong Highland Sister
She looked so utterly desirable in her rage that he felt himself begin to stiffen as he gazed at her, and he quickly shifted his position so that she would not notice. What was she doing to him?
“We will cross that bridge when we come to it,” James replied, shrugging as he pretended a nonchalance he did not feel. “But I am sure I can persuade you that I am a good man, one who will treat you as you deserve to be treated.”
“Really?” Laria said mutinously, her eyes dark with fury. “Please do not even try. Away with you. I have better things to do than waste my time with you!”
She marched off, leaving James to stare after her, smiling. She was like a wild horse, but he would tame her—not with force, but with kindness.
* * *
As James went back into the castle, he met Gavin, who was coming the other way. His brother grinned as he saw him. “Did she hit you?”
“Does it show?” James rubbed his chin, smiling ruefully.
“It does not look too serious, but you may have a bruise for a while,” James replied. He looked concerned. “Jamie, do you know what you are getting into? It seems to me that Laria is about as loveable as a wildcat. I don’t think I have seen her smile at you since you arrived here, and as well as that, she cannot give you children.” He looked worried.
“She is the one I want, Gavin,” James replied firmly. “If I cannot have Laria, then I want no one.”
“Are you sure, Jamie?” Gavin asked again. His tone indicated that he was doubtful.
James looked into his brother’s bright blue eyes, so like his own, and saw the love and concern there that his brother had always had for him. They would protect each other with their lives, but now Gavin was not trying to shield his body but his heart. However, that was a battle he would have to fight on his own.
“I am. I have never felt this way before, as if I have been given everything that makes me happy all at once,” he replied.
“Does she feel the same?” Gavin asked.
“She says she does not, but I think she might be unsure as yet.” He was thoughtful. “I will not force her.” Then he brightened up. “And you? Have you said anything to Ellie yet?”
Gavin shook his head, looking sheepish. “I am too afraid, Jamie. What if she laughs at me?”
“Perhaps you both need a little while longer,” James suggested, putting his arm around Gavin’s shoulder. “And you must learn to believe in yourself a bit more.”
“Perhaps, but sometimes she seems so distant,” Gavin said despondently.
James drew his brows down in astonishment. “I have never noticed it.”
“I mean, if I ever bring up love or marriage in a conversation, she immediately changes the subject.” He sighed. “She does not want me.”
“If that is what you think, then I suggest that you be a little more forthright,” James suggested. “Tell her how you feel. Do not be afraid of rejection. Do you think I have not been rejected before?” It was sort of a lie but a convenient one.
“Have you?” Gavin asked in disbelief.
James nodded. “Indeed I have—several times!”
“I thought all the ladies found you irresistible!” Gavin said, amazed.
“Laria doesn’t,” James said sadly.
* * *
Dinner that evening was a strange affair. Laria was very quiet, although she had obviously made some effort with her appearance, as she was wearing a pale pink linen dress instead of the muted colors she usually wore.
The laird was absent, and no one seemed to know why, although they suspected that Lady Margaret did since she looked furious and excused herself halfway through the meal.
“My goodness, she looks as if she could kill you with a glance!” Eloisa remarked as the door slammed behind her. “What has upset her so much?”
Laria shrugged. “It was probably something I did,” she answered, with a hint of a smile. “It usually is.”
Eloisa giggled, then Laria joined in, and in a moment, they were all laughing, but when James smiled at Laria, she turned her head away, unable to bear the sight of him.
