Page 8 of Highland Hero
Margaret grinned at that. “I’ve nae intention of allowing that, either.”
A glimmer of hope rose. “Then you will help me escape?”
The grin faded. “I canna do that. Neal has a fierce temper when he is crossed.”
Juliana took her hands. “All the more reason that I get away. Please.”
Margaret withdrew her hands. “I canna.”
“Why not? Surely, you do not want to have me in your family when you know I will always resent you?”
“Ye will change your mind eventually.” She shrugged. “Besides, your sister is married to the MacGregor. That makes ye a sister-by-marriage to him. And when ye marry Neal, ye becomemysister-by-marriage.”
“What difference does that make?” Juliana asked.
She smirked. “’Twill give me a chance to see Devon at clan gatherings.”
“Ian’s brother?” For a moment she was confused, then she widened her eyes. “You fancy Devon?”
“Aye.”
“He is half-mad. I could tell you things…” Juliana paused. “Now is not the time, but think of how your children may turn out.”
“Och, I doona want tomarryhim or have his bairns.” Margaret gave her a sly look. “Devon kens how to please a woman, if ye get my meaning.”
Juliana stared at her. “You cannot be serious.”
“Oh, I am. Why should men be the only ones to enjoy a tumble? Ye have to admit, the MacGregor men are verra braw and strong.” She sighed. “And all of them have that inky-black hair that makes them look a wee bit dangerous.”
That might be true, Juliana supposed, remembering the first day she’d seen them. All five had been standing on the front steps of Strae Castle when Emily’s carriage had rolled to a stop. Although they all had different-colored eyes, they had looked rather fierce and barbaric with that long, dark hair flowing around their shoulders.
“Actually, I found them to be more annoying than dangerous.” Especially Rory. That very same day they’d arrived—she’d barely been out of the carriage—one of the large wolfhounds had nearly knocked her over. Rory had stopped her fall by catching her, but he’d also held on to her well after she’d regained her feet. She was sure it had been a gesture to let her know who was in control. And the irritating man seemed to enjoy making her temper rise at every occasion…although, she had to admit, she didn’t mind sparring with him. As long as she won, of course.Andwhen he was wearing clothes. The image of him standing in the burn still lingered in her mind, as much as she tried to ignore it.
“Annoying?” Margaret asked. “But—” Her sentence was cut off by loud voices from below. “What in the world?”
She rushed to the door with Juliana on her heels. The guard that had been outside was nowhere to be seen, although he might have gone downstairs to see what the commotion was about.
The rectangular house had a rather odd design. There was a foyer with a central staircase that led to the second floor. Instead of hallways leading to the right and left, chamber doors opened onto walkways with railings, allowing someone standing on the second floor to look down into the open area below. Juliana wasn’t sure if the design had been influenced by London town houses or if the builder had thought the occupants might fend off intruders by firing arrows or muskets from this position.
Either way, her mouth dropped open when she saw Rory MacGregor standing below, one hand on his sword hilt and his eyes flashing blue fire.
…
Rory supposed he should consider himself lucky that the fae hadn’t decided to intervene again. The holding in which the Cameron laird had taken refuge was owned by a MacLean—they had enough trouble with the MacDonalds not to want to clash with the newly un-proscribed MacGregors—and he’d been granted safe entry.
And the fact that the MacLean owner was standing in the entryway was keeping the very angry Cameron laird and his son at bay. Not that Rory would have minded drawing his sword on Neal. His fingers itched on the hilt.
“I suggest we take this conversation into my library,” MacLean said.
Cameron nodded curtly while Neal scowled at Rory. “I ken ye are lying.”
“Nothere,” his father said.
Rory managed not to grin at the chastisement, but his humor faded quickly when MacLean suggested that Juliana be present. He had hoped he could convince the Camerons that he was handfasted to Juliana and therefore had the right to claim herwithouther being present. Without her actually being a part of his ploy. It would make his task much simpler if he could simply tell her afterward that he’d been able to persuade them to see reason and that he was taking her back to Strae Castle. She might even consider him a bit of a hero, although that was most likely stretching the truth.
“She is well aware of the situation,” he said, not specifying what kind of situation. “There is nae need to subject her to this discussion.”
“I would think she would want to hear it,” MacLean said mildly.
