Page 34 of A Virgin for the Highland Beast
“Love is the only thing worth fightin’ and dyin’ for,” Archie replied as a gentle smile curled the corner of his lips. “Ye’d lay down yer life for yer maither and sister, would ye nae? ‘Tis the same when ye find the right lass, only it’ll be even more so because she’ll bring ye hope for a future, too.”
Could I open me heart to Emma? Would that be such a bad thing?
Hunter glanced at Archie and then let his attention drift back to the game.
Hunter’s troubled eyes flitted across the chessboard, his distracted state clearly evident in his haphazard moves.
“Are ye sure ye want to do that?” Archie asked as if answering Hunter’s unspoken question.
Hunter glanced at him, perplexed by his question. Before he could open his mouth, Archie leaned forward and moved the white queen.
“Checkmate,” Archie announced boldly as a cunning grin stretched across his mouth.
Hunter looked up, surprised. He hadn’t seen the attack coming, too consumed with his thoughts and worries. Archie’s victory wasn’t one of superior skill, it was the victory of a focused mind over a distracted one.
“Perhaps next time, yer head will stay in the game,” Archie said as he winked at Hunter.
“If I werenae distracted…”
“Excuses,” Archie countered. “If ye run the clan wit’ the same sort of distraction, ye’ll miss vital points. Me suggestion, if ye’re open to hear it?”
Archie paused and studied Hunter, waiting for him to give him a nod.
Hunter leaned back and nodded as he steeled his heart against whatever advice Archie was about to give.
“Bed the lass and get yer affairs in order. Right now, ye’re too distracted to make any choices. It’s clear ye like the lass, and the sooner ye accept that fact, the better a laird ye’ll be.”
“It’s late,” Hunter grumbled, refusing to admit that maybe Archie was right. “And I have a council meeting to attend.”
“Aye, got to inform the people of yer decision to wed. Suppose they’ll be happy about that, at least. Nae to mention yer position willnae be in question anymore. But heed me advice. The sooner ye get yer head back on straight, the better it’ll be for all of us.”
Hunter nodded as he stared at the chessboard. All the moves he could have made to secure victory and he fumbled. Running his fingers through his hair, his thoughts drifted back to Emma.
“I’m turnin’ in. I suggest ye do the same. From what I hear, plannin’ a weddin’ is nay easy feat. Although, I reckon yer maither and sister will be more than eager to take up the reins on that venture,” Archie said as he rose from his seat, gave Hunter a swift bow, and left him brooding over his next move.
As Archie disappeared into the labyrinth of castle corridors, Hunter couldn’t help but wonder if Emma was feeling just as tormented as him. Their kiss had ignited a storm within him, and he found himself magnetically drawn to her. He yearned to continue what they had started, to lock the world out, and lose himself in her.
Hunter found himself drifting through the chilly halls of the castle, pulled by some unseen force that guided him. He didn’t need to be told where he was going, he already knew by the wildflowers that caught his nose as the scent carried on the breeze through the halls.
Stopping before Emma’s door, he studied it for a moment, contemplating his next move. He had no clue how she would receive him or if his longing would be met with a hard slap.
Before he could act on his longing, a noise within the room halted him in his tracks. Unseen footsteps grew closer to the door, and panic gripped him. He moved swiftly, taking cover in the shadows just as the door creaked open.
Emma appeared in the doorway, her silhouette breathtaking against the dim light. His heart pounded fiercely within its confinement as he stole a glimpse of her.
“Hunter?”
The sound of his name drifting to him made his ears pulse and his body tingle. She whispered his name like a soft plea that seeped into the silence of the night. The sound of his name in her voice pulled at his heart, but he remained silent, hidden in the corner.
As the door closed, Hunter let out a sigh heavy with longing and frustration.
I should go to her. She wants me.
He stepped out of his hiding place and stopped.
What am I doin’? I cannae go to her whenever she calls. I’ll nae be led around as if I’m a stray pup in need of a home. I’ll nae take her virtue. Nor can I ever allow meself to get this close again. It’s a fool’s dream. For what could I offer her but a lifetime of anguish and heartache? I came here to satisfy me desires, and I would gladly take her, but then what? She deserves better.
With a final look at Emma’s door, Hunter turned and walked away, making his way back to the solidarity of his room. Plopping down on the bed, he ripped the leather mask off his face and traced his fingertips over the scar.
