My Reckless Love by Melissa Limoges

Author:Melissa Limoges [Limoges, Melissa]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Romance, Historical, Fiction
Publisher: Dragonblade Publishing, Inc.
Published: 2017-10-24T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fifteen

Despite the ache in his sore muscles, Calum urged his mount onward through the village with one thought in mind—seeing Arabella.

After their outing in the glade, he’d ridden out the following morn with Liam and a handful of his clansmen, but not before he sent a missive to Fraser demanding his return. How could the old fool have left his niece without a care for her safety? Not that Arabella’s welfare had been in question with his absence. In fact, Calum assigned two of his best men to shadow her every step. Until the matter with Longford was resolved, he would accept no less.

The last three days he’d thrown himself into his work, distributing food, firewood, and supplies to the clan living outside the village. He and his men repaired cottages to withstand the approaching winter and secured the borders, checking for any disturbances. Even as he toiled hard during the long, exhausting days, his mind often drifted to thoughts of Arabella, or rather, his failings where she was concerned.

Too much hung over his head like a dark cloud—his growing desire for the lass, the words he’d left unspoken between them, a missed opportunity to tell her of their upcoming vows, the bride price Fraser bribed him with. Guilt ate at his conscience. Why had he not simply announced his feelings and his intention to wed her?

’Twas cowardice, fear she’d outright spurn him. Especially after she spoke of her desires to choose a husband and wed for love. How, in God’s name, could he tell her of the agreement he’d struck with her uncle? As matters stood, everyone knew of the wedding but her. Thanks to Fraser, a fact Calum was not likely to forget any time soon.

As for the dowry, he wanted naught of it. He would not have Arabella believe he sought her wealth as others had done. Nay, Fraser could keep the land. Calum and his clan had managed this long without it.

He rode through the bailey and into the stables. The sight of Fraser settling his horse in a stall grabbed his attention, and his anger rose in a swift peak. Days had passed, and the man just now returned?

Calum barked out, “Where’ve you been?”

Fraser ignored his question and retreated from the enclosure without a backward glance.

Not easily hindered, he threw a leg over his stallion and dismounted. Rushing after the other man, he grabbed the man’s shoulder, but Fraser lurched from his hold. He spun around to face Calum with a fierce scowl plastered across his ruddy features.

The stench of soured whisky assailed Calum’s nostrils. For as long as he remembered, his ally had sworn off drink. At present, the man smelled as if he’d swam in a dram of it.

He frowned. “What the devil’s the matter with you?”

“Leave me be,” Fraser muttered. His bloodshot eyes stared over Calum’s shoulder.

“Leave you be?” he asked in affronted surprise. “You take your leave without a word—”

“I said leave me be.” Fraser slurred and feebly pushed at his chest.

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