Page 37 of Desiring the Highland Laird
They paused there, which gave her enough time to examine the interior room. There was a large hearth on one end that warmed the room with a blazing fire. A dais on the other with a long table and four chairs on one side. In the middle of the room, several long tables and chairs, as though they were expecting a large crowd. Colorful tapestries were along the walls and rushesalong the floor to warm the place and give it a sweet-smelling aroma.
The guard returned with a man trailing behind him. He was tall, broad shouldered with a shock of red hair that reminded her of her own fiery locks. His face was covered in a faded red beard with a sprinkling of gray. Eyes the color of a winter morning paused on her. Eyes that reminded her of her sister Brianna’s. There were crinkles at the corners of his mouth and eyes. He wore a long tunic, a plaid over one shoulder, breeches and black boots that had seen better days.
He paused in front of them a few feet away, giving Callum first a once over, then peering at her with mild curiosity.
“I’m Angus Sinclair, laird of this castle. And ye are?”
“Callum MacLeod. I’ve come to return yer…” He paused, turning to her and motioning his hand toward her. “The lass.”
Angus Sinclair stepped closer and looked her over, that wintery gaze boring into her. “I dinnae seem to recall missing a lass. ’Tis a beauty, though.”
“She’s of yer clan,” Callum said.
Still peering at her, he said, “What’s yer name, lass?”
She shoved off the hood of the cloak and lifted her head higher, jutting out her chin and looking down her nose at the man who was laird of Clan Sinclair.
“Evangeline,” she said. And she was proud her voice was strong and sure. Not weak and emotional like she was with Callum on the road here.
He continued to stare at her.
“She’s yer kin,” Callum said, trying to be helpful.
She wanted to punch him. Her hand balled into a tight fist, but she managed to refrain.
“Is she?” Angus grinned at her, as though she were the best thing that had arrived on his doorstep all day. “A bonnie lass, to be sure, but I dinnae ken who she is. I’ve no seen her before.”
“See?” The word burst from Evie as she glared at Callum.
“She is a Sinclair,” Callum insisted.
“And what do ye wish for me to do with her?” Angus asked. He folded his massive forearms over his massive chest. There was a humorous glint in his eyes.
“She belongs here with ye,” he insisted.
“I don’t,” Evie said, her voice high and taut.
They both snapped their gazes at her. Callum’s was full of ire. Angus’ was full of humor.
“Aye, well, she can stay here if ye wish to be rid of her,” Angus said. He reached a hand to her. “My lady?”
“No.” Evie took a step back away from both of them. “I’m not staying here and you can’t make me.”
“She doesna sound like my kin,” Angus said, one chestnut brow raised.
“That’s because I’m not!” she insisted.
“Evie—” Callum began.
She put a hand up to stop him. “You haven’t listened to a word I’ve said. Now, this man…thislaird… is telling you I don’t belong here and youstilldon’t believe. What’s it going to take, Callum?”
Angus chuckled. “She’s a fiery lass, aye?”
“What is the trouble here?” A woman’s voice echoed throughout the great hall as she entered.
She was a beauty with auburn hair in a thick braid hanging over one shoulder. Her gown was a rich crimson, her hands clasped in front of her as she moved with an elegant grace to stand next to Angus.
Evie gaped as she realized the woman looked like Chloe. She had the same facial structure as her sister and the same emerald eyes. She took another glance at Angus and his wintery colored eyes that reminded her of Brianna. Perhaps thesewereher ancestors. Callum may not have been too far off bringing herhere, but still, she didn’t want to stay. She needed to remain with him no matter the cost to get that stone back and go home.
