Page 14 of The Icy Highlander's Bride
"Aye," Alexander admitted. "Yer clan's prowess on the battlefield is impressive. But I hope ye have a gentler approach to the running of yer household."
Daniel heard the question in Alexander's voice, a gentle accusation he wanted Daniel to deny.
Daniel had grown up with a cold and distant father, but there was no abuse in his household. His father saw his mother as a puzzle piece in his empire, a woman he could use to improve his political dealings, so even though there was no great love between them, there was respect.
"I wasnae raised to hit women, and I daenae condone such behavior in me household," Daniel responded evenly. "If that is what ye are askin', Laird Gunn."
Alexander paused, as if uncertain how to continue.
It was clear that Daniel had guessed correctly. Perhaps Alexander was starting to second-guess his decision. Perhaps he heard of Daniel's reputation as a cold and cruel man.
"I dinnae think so," Alexander finally answered. "After all, ye went out of yer way to protect me sister."
"Quite right, Laird Gunn," Daniel said.
He was starting to feel restless sitting here, under the scrutiny of Alexander. He didn't like feeling out of control, with this man able to pull the wedding out from under him with a single word. He needed to regain the power.
"And if ye will remember, I also went along with yer sister's deception." He forced an even, casual tone. "I ken ye must be grateful that I saved ye from that scandal. A lass running around, announcing she is betrothed to the first man she sees, is hardly a good look for Clan Gunn."
He sensed the tension immediately, a crackling of the air between them that told him he had gotten Alexander's hackles up.
"If ye hurt her in any way, I'll kill ye meself," Alexander threatened.
Daniel was pleased to hear the man's voice raised in anger. It meant he had regained the power he so desperately wanted. And, more importantly, he had gotten the confirmation he needed. He had secured a wife.
"Since me faither died, it's been me responsibility to care for Lana," Alexander continued. "I ken ye can give her a stable life.But that cannae be all ye give her. I want her to be happy. She has so much love to give."
His expression was wistful, showing the affection he had for his younger sibling.
"I understand," Daniel said. "I wouldnae expect any less."
He took a last sip of his whiskey before he noisily pushed his chair back from the table. He stood up, letting his shadow fall across Alexander, who was still seated.
"I want to be married within the week," he stated. "Ye can send her to me castle at yer convenience. We'll have rooms prepared."
Alexander stood up, and he held his hand out to the man as he regained his composure.
Wanting to maintain a positive relationship with his future brother-in-law, Daniel shook his hand in return and clapped a hand on the man's shoulder.
"See ye at the wedding," he said.
The creaking of a door and the slamming of wood against the wall made both of them jump.
"I daenae think so!"
7
As soon as the men's eyes were on her, Lana regretted her actions. Her heart pounded in her chest as they stared at her with conflicting expressions. Alexander looked mortified, as if she were about to destroy everything he had created. Daniel fought the urge to smirk at the feisty, little thing.
"Nay one taught ye nae to eavesdrop,me love?"
"I am nae yerlove!" she cried, storming into the room.
Now that she had made her presence known, she might as well join the conversation, no matter how terrified she was.
"Lana, what are ye doin'?" Alexander asked, but she kept her eyes trained on Daniel.
"Ye cannae speak of love if ye daenae believe in it."
