Page 35 of An Allusive Love
The previous clan chief took advantage of the Highland lore. When the English came too close to the MacNaughton castle, he let loose his canine bodyguard, Black Angus. While no one knew for certain if any Sassenach died, no soldiers made it to the castle.
These days, the dog was more protection against unruly or drunken clan members.
“By the time Ian returns, Brodie should have a date set for his wedding.” Brigid smiled sweetly at her brother. “I can prod and push as much as I like, for a bargain is a bargain.”
“Aye, but ye still canna make a proper dish,” he groused.
“Yet,” she quipped. “There was no deadline set, so beware, oh brother mine, I’ve no’ yielded.”
“I dinna ken why ye procrastinate,” Glynnis said. “Ye love the lass, and she feels the same. Why wait?”
“Because he’s a mon with some pride and wants to decide himself when the time is right,” Lachlan said in defense of his brother.
“Finally! Someone understands me.”
The three women snorted in unison.
Chapter Twelve
Startling Twists and Succulent Turns
Mid-August 1819
Kirstine stretched outon the plaid and watched the falcon’s nest across the small loch. Charlie’s ears perked up at the bird’s shrillcaw,and she scratched his neck. Her dark skirtswishedas her feet jiggled. It was August and still no betrothal. Should she be worried? Her mother made that annoyingtsknoise each time Kirstine returned from a tryst and shook her head.
“Ye’re lost in thought,” boomed a voice from above.
She grinned as Brodie settled beside her and motioned for Charlie to move away. The dog moved to a sunny cliff but stayed within sight of the couple. “I’m thinking of my true love and how slow he moves.”
“Dinna start haranguing me too.”
She flinched at his grumpy tone. “I meant ye’re late. And who stepped on yer toe?”
“Brigid.” He blew out a loud sigh. “I’m sorry, love. The females in my family badgered me all morning about marriage. I explain—for the hundredth time—it was our business and none of theirs. For the love of saints, we’ve the rest of the summer.”
She chewed on her lip and studied the falcon, sneaking a sideways glance at his handsome profile. “So, another month of courtship?”
“Are ye pressing me too?” His jaw clenched.
He was irritated. Over making a commitment to her. Heat rose up her neck, and she blinked back angry tears. “Never. I’ll no’ have a mon who doesna want me.”
Truth be told, she didn’t mind waiting. As long as she knew they would be together. Yet, her heart hurt every time he brushed off the subject. If he loved her, why did he wait? “I’ve allowed ye to touch in me ways only a husband would,” she whispered.
“Och, I’ve been a perfect gentleman.”
“Is that what ye call it?” she huffed. “And I’m harassed just as badly by my mother. She says ye’re leading me to the edge of a cliff, and I canna turn back and I canna jump.”
The back of his hand stroked her cheek, and she resisted the urge to lean into it.
“Kirsty, I’m sorry,” he said softly. “Look at me.”
Regret shone in his eyes as he bent to kiss her, his lips soft and persuasive. She opened to him and caught her breath when his tongue tangled with hers. His thumb rubbed a light circle just under her ear lobe, sending sweet, torturous tremors through her limbs. Without thinking, one hand curled around his neck. Kirstine could not refuse him. Her love was pure and her heart obstinate. Still, it galled her that she’d give in so easily.
“I’ve hurt yer feelings.” His breath was hot against her skin. “I’d rather cut off my own hand than hurt ye.”
She nodded against his chest. In her soul, she knew this. But her mother’s words of caution echoed in her head. A tear escaped. She clamped her lids shut, refusing to let any more leak out. Brodie brushed the lone drop away with a knuckle.
“Marry me, Kirsty. They’re right, I just hate being pushed. I love ye with all my soul, and there’s no one who would put up with me better.”
