Highlander's Guardian (Highlander Heat #4)

Colin stepped through the doorway. The antechamber’s gilt-encrusted walls, carved ceilings and lavishly upholstered furniture gleamed, and at the window overlooking the inner courtyard, Rory stood, his dark blond hair trailing over the tip of a massive claymore holstered to his back, his tunic and breeches damp from training.

James MacDonald palmed the hilt of his sword as he continued, “My brother is happily married, and to a MacLeod no less. All I ask is for some time with Annie, to see if we might make a good match.”

“Your request is denied,” Colin bit out as he stormed up to James. “I’ll never allow you to wed Annie. She deserves far better than the likes of a MacDonald.”

James snorted. “Of course you’d say that, but she’s been given the choice to decide.”

“She’ll never choose you. She needs her kin close by and you cannae provide that.” He stood side by side with Rory, the MacLeod chief nodding in agreement with him.

“I would never prevent her from visiting Dunvegan,” James glanced between them. “As I’ve already told Rory.”

“And what of when she wishes to visit Duart on Mull? She is a MacLean, as much as she is a MacLeod.”

“Should she wish to visit the Isle of Mull, I wouldnae stop her.”

“The hell you wouldnae.” He grasped his sword.

“Colin, remember where you are.” Rory laid a restraining hand on his shoulder. “As much as I detest his request, I’ve still left this choice to Annie. Thankfully, we both know she’ll never agree to such a match, so this discussion is moot.”

“And if she does agree?” James countered.

“Then I’ll convince her otherwise.” Rory walked to the door, pulled it wider and gestured for James to leave. “Our conversation is done.”

“You believe so, but for peace to prevail, you and I still have much to talk about.” James left, but not before sending Colin a look over his shoulder that spoke of a man intent on his mission. The glint of determination in James’s eyes was one warning Colin would certainly heed.

“We’ll need to keep an eye on him.” The hair on Colin’s nape stood on end. “He’s up to no good.”

“Lord Sinclare also spoke to me last eve, although I couldnae find you after he had.” Rory scrubbed a hand over his face. “He too put in a formal offer. He needs to take a young wife in the hope of replacing his heir. He lost both his sons last year.”

“I’m aware, but Annie has no intention of marrying that man either.”

“I agree Sinclare is no’ for her. Watch over her for me today. The king has requested my attendance and he willnae accept an apology. I have no choice but to go.”

“I too have business to attend to in the city. Arthur will guard her. I’ve already given him that order, and when I return, I’ll watch over her. I’ll never allow James MacDonald to court her. On that, I give you my word.”

“Rory, there you are.” Annie breezed into the room, her full red velvet skirts brushing the floor and her sweet rose scent engulfing Colin. He wanted to drown in that scent. “I hope I’m no’ interrupting either of you.”

“Nay, never.” Rory smiled at her. “Did you sleep well?”

“Very. Will you be around and about this day?”

“No’ until this eve. What did you need?”

“I wish to go riding.”

“Then take Arthur and Elizabeth as escorts. I’ll speak to my captain and ensure he arranges a sufficient guard for the ride. I’m sorry, but I must be away, lass. The king waits for no man.” He kissed her cheek and strode out the door.

Annie turned her mischievous gaze on him. “Well, well. We are all alone again, and at a time when I didnae expect to see you.”

“Where do you intend to ride?” He crossed his arms in the hope that action would prevent him from reaching for her.

“Around the park.” She stepped closer, slid her hands over his crossed arms and dipped her fingers into the gap between. “You look dark and dangerous in full black attire. Would your current business be an activity in which you wish discretion?”

“I’m a warrior. I prefer to wear dark clothing. It aids me in blending into the shadows.”

“And you’ve shaved.” She kissed his chin. “Mmm, ’tis so smooth.”

“Cease distracting me. This morn, James approached Rory with a request to court you.”

“Aye, I’ve already told you of his wishes.” She winked and sashayed out the door.

“Annie.” He followed her down the passageway. “Where are you going?”

“To break my fast. If you have time, come and join me.”

“I’ll make time.” His business with Ian could wait a little longer, and he had yet to find Arthur who should have been up and about by now and standing sentry outside her door. He led Annie into the great hall where he found the very man he was after sitting at a trestle table in the far corner. He joined Arthur and scraped a wooden chair out for Annie.

“How are you this day, Arthur?” Annie smiled at Arthur as she sat.

“Very good. Did you sleep well?” He munched on an oatcake.