The Highlander's Destiny (Highland Rogues #2) - Mary Wine Page 0,32

and no’ moved it until the sun was up and ye had plenty of maids to stand as yer witnesses. Betrothal or no’, there will be no wedding if yer reputation is tarnished.”

Cora propped her hand onto her hip. “As if there is anyone in this stronghold who would go against the laird and lady of their clan.”

His lips twitched. For a moment, his lips settled into a grin. It was one that told her he was enjoying her display of stubbornness.

Lord, what that knowledge did to her.

Like tossing oil onto open flames. She felt the response flare up inside her, burning away at her resolve to remain aloof and cool beneath his hard stare. For a moment, their gazes locked. Cora felt like the very ground she stood on shifted. Her insides twisted in a crazy little motion, which made her gasp.

The sound seemed overly loud. Or perhaps it was better to say it unmasked her. Betraying her lack of composure. Something flickered in his eyes, which made her roll her lips in because they were suddenly too dry and sensitive.

His gaze lowered to her mouth.

Somehow, Cora had never really realized how long a single moment might last. She felt suspended between heartbeats. Waiting for something. Anticipation gripping her so tightly, she might well be crushed by it, but she found herself craving to know just how much more intense her feelings might become.

*

“Ye are the finest-blooded mare in me stable.”

Malcolm grinned on his way out of his wife’s chambers. Noreen was indeed blue-blooded. One of her relatives had even been a royal princess. Such was one of the many reasons he’d wed her. For the advantage her family line would add to his. Making his claim on the lairdship stronger than his half-brother, Faolan.

But Noreen had disappointed him.

Twice.

Malcolm ground his teeth as he opened the outer door and found two of his Retainers standing there. Both were loyal to him and the best men to have watch his back when he was distracted. They reached up and tugged on the corner of their caps before falling into step behind him as he made his way down from the tower Noreen lived in.

Of course, loyalty had limits in any man. It was something to be traded for position and security.

His daughters were a growing source of discontent among his clansmen. There were plenty of them who had favored Faolan as laird. Malcolm had emerged victorious when the time had come for votes to be cast, but now, some of the men were rethinking the matter. Five years was a long time, and as no sons arrived, there were doubts rising. The whispers in the dark passageways were growing stronger that his lack of a male heir was a sign of God’s disapproval. The source of his clan’s worry was that he’d leave the clan in a bloody fight when he died because there was no clear heir.

Malcolm wasn’t planning on vacating the position any time soon.

He chuckled as he made his way through the dark passageways of his stronghold.

It was his.

Noreen had helped him secure it. Malcolm grinned. She was ambitious, with just the right amount of ruthlessness in her. Of course, he had more. But such was the nature of a man.

Cora Mackenzie was strong. The red hair on her head matched the fire in her eyes. She might not boast royal blood, but as the only sibling of the Mackenzie laird, she was a fine candidate for a bride.

Malcolm felt his member stir.

She’d give him a son.

In the darkness, there was little to hold back his desires. Were they sinful? Aye. Yet he didn’t much care, and even the faint flicker of hellfire he felt on the back of his neck was welcome, for it cut the chill.

Aye, Noreen, had failed him. Why wait for her to deliver another daughter? Such would be another nail in his coffin as his men looked to replace him with Faolan.

Fortune favored the bold, after all.

Cora was in his stronghold without any of her kin to watch over her. Her brother Buchanan should have kept her on a tighter leash, for the world was full of men who were looking for an opportunity to get ahead.

Malcolm was one of them.

He didn’t spare a thought for apologizing either. Cora was a prize mare and had been since her birth. Cormac Grant was a fool for not having claimed her while he had the chance. Malcolm would not make the same mistake. Now,