Page 13 of A Virgin for the Highland Beast
He knew that it was an impossible request and understood what he was asking of them. But he had to at least try.
Katie’s expression softened. “Ye’re nae the monster ye think ye are, Hunter. Maybe if the lass accepts, ye’ll see that nae everyone is bad-natured. But marriage isnae somethin’ ye can take lightly. It’s commitment and dedication. And I just dinnae want to see ye get yer heart broken. Just be certain that ye thought of everythin’ that these girls bring to our door. War could break out between the clans if they think ye kidnapped them and forced one of them to wed ye.”
Hunter scoffed. “I willnae let that happen.”
Suddenly, the room brightened as Violet, his sister, entered, her infectious high spirits immediately lightening the atmosphere. “I heard we have visitors!” she exclaimed excitedly, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. “I thought I’d come and greet them.”
“Violet, there ye are,” Katie said, overly exasperated. Violet’s eyes widened with wonder as her attention shifted from Hunter to her mother. “I was just on me way to see ye.”
“What did I do now?” Violet asked, her shoulders dropping and the joy in her face dimming.
“Ye said ye wanted to paint me, remember?” Katie asked, looping her arm through Violet’s.
“Can that nae wait?” Violet asked. “I came to see who called.”
“Leave that to yer braither,” Katie said, pulling Violet away from the door. “I’m certain we’ll all get a chance to greet them in due time.”
Violet peered over Katie’s shoulder, eager to catch some glimpse of the people within the room. “Oh, she’s lovely.”
“Who?” Hunter asked, intrigued by his sister’s opinion.
“The tall one in there,” Violet answered. “Although, they could use new dresses. What are they wearin’? Rags?”
“All right,” Katie said. “Ye’ve had yer fill. Let’s leave yer braither to his business and pray he makes the right choice.”
“Choice? Oh, Braither, ye’re nae goin’ to send them away, are ye? They could die out there in this weather.”
“They willnae die. A little rain never hurt anyone,” Hunter retorted, but Katie was quick to interject.
“Hunter’s not going to send them away—at least not yet. He’s actually proposed marriage to one of them.”
Violet’s eyes widened, and she turned towards Hunter instantly, a wide grin spreading across her face. “Really? Which one?”
Hunter sighed heavily, his patience wearing thin. “I’ve left it up to them. Now, will ye please be on yer way and let me handle this.”
“But if ye could choose, which would it be?” Violet asked, her eyes wide with eagerness and hope.
Hunter shot her a withering look.
“Yer braither, as the Laird, kens what he’s doin’. Let’s leave him to handle this,” Katie interjected, steering Violet away.
Alone once again, Hunter straightened his back, steeling himself for the impending confrontation. He had to go back and face the girls. He didn’t know whether he wanted them to accept his proposal or not, but he was going to get an answer, one way or another.
Hunter pushed the heavy oak door open and stepped into the room, where Emma, Lydia, Isobel, and Nora stood near the fireplace. The room fell into an uneasy silence. He could tell they had made a decision.
Emma turned slowly and stepped forward. “May I speak wit’ ye in private, Laird MacRoss?” she asked, her eyes meeting his with a determined look.
Hunter felt both irritation and intrigue at her request. He turned towards Archie. “Arrange food and drinks for the others. See that they are well taken care of and inform me the moment dinner is ready.”
“Aye, M’Laird,” Archie answered and quickly rushed off.
Hunter drew a deep breath as he returned his attention to Emma. “Follow me,” he commanded, leading her away from the curious eyes.
As she moved past him, a scent caught his attention—wildflowers and heather. It was a scent he remembered well, one that had smothered him during his escape and a scent he treasured more than any other.
He couldn’t help but notice how intoxicating Emma was, but he reminded himself to remain focused. This was not the time to let his guard down or allow distractions, no matter how pleasant they might be.
6
