Read Online Her Highland Rogue: A Wild Highland Guardian Novel by Violetta Rand - Free Book Online Page A

grinned.
    “Ask him what uncivilized tactics he’s used to woo the girl.”
    This seemed to interest his father, his gray eyebrows shooting up. “Tell me.”
    Broc’s cheeks turned red, a silent admission of his guilt. “A stolen kiss or two in the kitchen.”
    “I hardly see the fault in such an innocent—”
    “ ’Tis a lie.” Errol stood, then addressed his friend. “Doona make me speak the words. Withdraw your suit and we will forget this ever happened.”
    Laird MacRae looked from one man to the other. “Is there another willing to claim her?”
    Errol’s heart thundered. “Let the lass choose.”
    “No,” his father said. “ ’Tis better to decide her fate now. I’ll not have my captains and son fighting over her like stags in rut. A husband is the only solution. Aileana is a lovely girl. If I were a younger man again, I’d happily overlook her birthright and pursue her with unbridled joy.”
    Was his father trying to tell him something? When Errol was a lad, his sire had always promised him the privilege of choosing his own wife. The laird didn’t wish his only son to be burdened with an unhappy union the way he had been. Eventually his parents had fallen in love. A rare thing in the Highlands, where arranged marriages were as common as dunghills.
    “Blessed Virgin,” Errol said as he started to pace. “I see no reason to rush the decision. The girl is hardly settled. When I found her, she told me she didn’t wish to return here. Forcing her to wed isna going to renew her faith in our family. If anything, it will make her run.”
    “If the good Lord said a married woman is anxious about worldly things and how to please her husband, then I’ll trust His wisdom,” Laird MacRae said. “Do ye still wish to marry the lass, Broc?”
    “Aye.”
    “Errol? If you can’t think of another, I will bless…”
    Errol didn’t envy any man trapped by the bonds of matrimony, but he respected the institution for what it was. Suddenly the remembrance of soft red curls and bright blue eyes stole his breath. Hungry lips met his and opened willingly, her tongue as curious to explore the depths of his mouth as he was hers. The fullness of her breast in his palm, how her pert little nipple teased his fingers. She gasped with shock when he pinched it, and her tiny hands explored his body appreciatively. It felt right. So perfect. She might be a virgin, but desire flowed like a river beneath her virtuous skin. That moment of mutual attraction had captured more than his attention.
    Furthermore, if they were betrothed, he could shield her from men like Broc.
    “I claim her, Father.”
    Laird MacRae smiled and folded his hands on the desk, then leaned back in his chair, appearing triumphant. “Cameron?”
    “Yes, milord?”
    “I expect a marriage contract by tomorrow evening, when we will announce my son’s betrothal.”
    Broc grimaced at Errol, contempt burning in his eyes before he whipped around to Laird MacRae. “Am I excused, milord?”
    “Do you wish to challenge my son’s claim?”
    “No.”
    “You may go, then.”
    Broc stood and left the solar.
    “Congratulations, Errol. I pray you find happiness with Aileana.”
    Humbled by his decision, Errol nodded, his mind and heart filled with conflicting emotions. “I suppose I should share the good news with the lass.”
    “Yes,” his father agreed. “The sooner she knows, the better for all of us.”

Chapter 10
    Aileana returned Leah’s cloak to the peg by the door, determined to find a way to keep her hands busy. Just as she entered the main room of the kitchens, she heard a familiar voice that always made her smile.
    “Come here, Aileana.” Margot stood in front of the long worktable, her hands on her hips. “Where have you been?”
    She needed to feel her auntie’s arms around her. “I-I…”
    “Speak up, lass.”
    Drawn into a tight hug, Aileana let her head rest on Margot’s shoulder. She shivered with sadness. The careful control