The Highlander's Destiny (Highland Rogues #2) - Mary Wine Page 0,19

to go with the light fading?”

Cora came to her senses in a rush. Heat flickered in her checks as she drew in a stiff breath and released her grip on his arm. Faolan took a moment longer before he opened his hand.

“Best for ye to return abovestairs, lass.”

His tone was low, but there was no missing the ring of authority in it. He’d straightened up from where he’d been leaning against the wall. Now, his bulky frame was completely blocking her path to the kitchen.

“That is yer chamber.” Cora detested the way her voice came out in a near squeak. She swallowed and tried to gather up her composure. “I will sleep on the bunk in the kitchen.” She nodded. “Aye. Pray, forgive me for not thinking the matter through.”

There were two bunks built right into the thick walls of the kitchens. It was a common enough arrangement for whoever was expected to rise first and begin making the morning porridge. A good position for many who didn’t want to worry about being warm, for the cooking fires would make certain the kitchens remained cozy throughout even the bitterest of winter nights. A roof overhead and a full belly. Common blessings in a world where life was often very harsh.

“For now, ye will sleep abovestairs.” Faolan made his decision clear. He lifted his hand and pointed behind her. “Do nae appear down here until first light, Mistress.”

His words were resolute. As was the hard bulk of his body placed so very solidly between her and the kitchen.

“I cannae take yer chamber from ye, Chief McKay,” Cora argued. “I will sleep in the kitchen and be grateful.”

“Ye are Laird Mackenzie’s sister,” Faolan spoke gruffly. “Propriety will be observed.”

“Sleeping in yer bed is no’ precisely correct.”

But she’d been there the night before.

More heat blazed across the surface of her cheeks. She discovered herself immensely grateful for the growing darkness. Something about Faolan reduced her to a bundle of impulses. It was frustrating, to say the least.

“It is the only bedchamber we have for the time being. So…” Faolan stepped closer to her.

Too close, for her heart started hammering away.

“Ye will turn about and return abovestairs now, Mistress.”

Cora had to tip her head back to meet his gaze. Even in the poor light, she caught a flash of determination in his eyes. The awkwardness gripping her dissipated as something else flared up inside her.

“I was out riding with me brother’s Retainers,” she explained firmly. “So, the kitchen will serve plenty well enough. Thank ye.”

“Having women in close quarters is troublesome,” Faolan replied. “I do nae need to have reason to discipline one of me men.”

There was a bluntness in his expression that she wasn’t blind to. Still, she just couldn’t find agreement in her.

“I will no’ sleep in yer bed.”

One of Faolan’s dark eyebrows rose. So close to him, Cora saw it clearly. A moment later, he was leaning over. She was still standing on the steps, which allowed him to put his shoulder against her belly. He captured her right arm and gave a firm tug. She tumbled over his shoulder before he straightened up.

“Ye are going, Mistress,” Faolan declared as he took to climbing the steps with her hanging over his shoulder. “And ye are going now.”

“Have ye gone mad?”

Her words were half-muffled against his back. But her head was swaying as he moved, making her reach out and grasp his waist to stabilize herself.

“Put me….” Cora landed on her back in the bed before she finished. The bed ropes creaked, and the mattress swayed as Faolan looked down on her. She started to struggle to sit up, but he reached out and clasped her wrists before pinning them to the surface of the bed.

Christ, he was strong.

Cora gasped, struggling against the knowledge of just how completely she was in his power. They were so close. Her senses felt keenly alert, as though she’d been going through her life only half aware until that moment. Now, her heart was pumping harder, her breaths coming faster, as she noted a hundred little details about him that she’d never really seen before on other men.

“Yer brother indulged ye by allowing ye to ride with his men, and ye see what happened when circumstances became dire. Ye ended up fighting for yer life against the river,” Faolan spoke softly. There was emotion in his eyes that warned her he was being very serious.

“Out here, I can nae afford ye the same leniency, lass,” he