Page 17 of Tempting the Highland Devil
“Someone needs to go in there,” he said to Elspeth. “Just because Duncan has opened his door to the Highland clans doesnae mean that every man who walks in here should be trusted.”
“I shall take care of that,” Elspeth insisted then entered the hall. “Walk away, Arran; go find something else to do now.” Elspeth had been the only motherly figure in his life for many years since his own mother died when he was seventeen summers.
He had been friends with Duncan two years before then. They first met when his faither had journeyed to MacLennan to ask for his alliance and offered a loan to Duncan’s father to help with his clan issues.
Arran and Duncan’s father had been allies for a while after that until Arran’s father started the unjust war. Arran spent his years after the war traveling and each time he was back to the highlands, he spent his time here in MacLennan.
Spending so much time in Duncan’s castle allowed Arran to be close to her as well as the rest of the MacLennan clan. He respected her, and so her order held weight even though he struggled to obey.
“But… these lairds cannae be trusted…Their intentions may be….”
Elspeth smiled at him before pushing him out the door gently and closing it in his face. He stood there for a moment, considering walking away or insisting on being in the room while Yvaine entertained the men she wished to compete for her hand.
This is what I wanted. I need her to be married, so I will not desire her anymore.
Arran reminded himself that this was the right thing.But why is it hard to see her smile at that man?Elspeth was right. He had no right to be here.
Rubbing the back of his neck, he decided to spend his time with Duncan’s men training on the field instead. The last thing Arran needed was to keep thinking of Yvaine when he had other matters on his mind.
Like my clan.He wondered what was so important that his men came to find him here. Arran could not recall the last time he set foot in his own castle. There was nothing to miss there.No memories, no people.Everyone he had ever loved was dead.
My father killed them for power.And Arran intended to deny himself that power until the very end.
He still trained with the men when he saw Yvaine strolling out with another man towards the fields. She wore a different dress, and her hair was held up in a more stylish manner. Some curls fell down the sides of her face, and she walked with her hands lifting her dress to show off the lace stocking on her legs.
Growling inside, he missed a step while fighting, and his opponent’s blade cut into his arm. Arran yelped from the shocking pain and twisted around to the man.
“I am sorry, Laird MacGregor,” the soldier apologized and bowed his head to show his remorse.
“It isnae yer fault,” Arran said, eyeing him cautiously before he glanced towards Yvaine again. She still did not look his way, so he sheathed his sword and marched towards where she stood with the laird, ignoring the wound on his arm.
“Arran,” she gasped when he got to her and interrupted her discussion with the Laird. “What are ye…Oh my goodness ye are bleedin’.”
Her eyes widened, but she did not reach out to touch his arm.
“Ye should find Amelia and let her and Lily put some herbs on the wound.”
Usually, Yvaine would have offered to do it as she spent most of her time with Amelia learning the healing arts, but today, she seemed more engrossed in the time she spent with this…
His thoughts trailed off before he finally looked at the laird standing with her. The man with the fair blonde hair and brown eyes seemed young enough to be Arran’s little brother.
Is he even old enough to be married?
“Laird Loughty,” he introduced himself and extended a hand to Arran. “I am pleased to meet ye, laird…?”
Of course, the man did not know who Arran was. Many of the Highland clans did not know he was the late Laird MacGregor’s son, and he liked to keep it that way.
“Arran,” he answered then shook the man’s hand firmly. “Are ye even old enough to take a wife?”
The question shocked Laird Loughty and also Yvaine, who drew in a sharp breath. Her eyes widened, and she paled. “Arran! It is rude of ye to question Laird Loughty’s age.”
“But I can question his intentions,” Arran answered, shifting his gaze to hers for a second to take in her sweet look.
“Arran…” she scolded.
He ignored her when she called him again as he tightened his grip on Laird Loughty’s hand. “Ye do ken that ye will need to compete with other lairds for her hand? Charmin’ her with wits only isnae the winnin’ criteria.”
“Do ye intend to compete in this contest for the lady’s hand?” Laird Loughty asked with a confident voice and a smile that made Yvaine turn to him.
