Page 10 of The Heart of a Highlander
“So,” the MacLean said with a smirk, “Brodee has found he likes the wife the king thrust upon him well enough?”
William chuckled. “Ye could say he’s rather fond of her.”
The MacLean paused at the main castle door and faced William. “Then it seems to me, that if ye should find yerself rewarded by the king this day and taking a wife happens to be part of yer reward, ye can all be at ease kenning how pleased Brodee and I both are.”
“I’ve heard many more stories where it did nae turn out so well,” Lannrick muttered.
“Aye,” Thomas agreed. “I’d rather nae be the recipient of such a gift.”
Alex chuckled. “William, ye’re being awfully quiet. Would ye mind much if the king gifted ye a wife?”
Yes, he would. He did not want a wife. Most women were not to be trusted. Like his mother. Hell, most men were not to be trusted or counted upon, either. Too many people whom he had thought he could rely upon had left or turned their backs on him.
“Aye, I’d mind,” he said, choosing not to say more.
Alex assessed him for a long, silent moment, and William half expected his laird to ask why, but the man surprised him with a nod and a look that bespoke of understanding. “Come,” the MacLean said. “Let us end yer suspense.”
