The Highlander's Claim (Highland Romance) by Jessica Knight

Author:Jessica Knight [Knight, Jessica]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Ancient Civilizations, Historical Scottish-Irish Romance, Historical Romance, Women's Fiction, Regency & Victorian Era, 16th Century, Forever Love, Bachelor, Single Woman, Medieval & Ancient World, Thrillers & Suspense, Mystery & Intrigue, Protection & Safety, Action & Adventure, Dangerous & Deadly, Romantic Suspense, Life-Changes, Second Chance Reunion, Highlander, Rough & Tumble, Fantasy, Lifetime Love, Romantic Schemes, Mysterious Scottish Highlands, Dark Ages, Beautiful & Feisty
Publisher: Jessica Knight
Published: 2020-01-27T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nineteen

Malcolm

“So why do you choose not to live in Weykirk?”

“I grew up in that house,” I tell her. “It’s my home.”

We ride along the path through the woods, having finally received word from Catherine’s father that he’d accepted our meeting. It’s a cold, wet day − which suits my mood perfectly. The sky overhead is a dark, mottled gray, and a fine mist falls down on the world around us − though we’re spared the worst of it thanks to the high, thick branches overhead.

We ride in silence for a while, the weight of what we must do today pressing down on the both of us. She doesn’t want to go back any more than I want to send her back. She understands the necessity of it. She knows what’s at stake for my people and is willing to do what is necessary to prevent the slaughter of innocent Scots.

But I can’t lie to myself − watching her ride away is going to be a kick in the arse for me. We’ve grown close in our short time together. I have let my feelings for her bloom despite knowing what has to happen − as has she. More’s the pity for the both of us. And the fact that she chose to give me her maidenhead only makes this more difficult since it isn’t something I take lightly. That she gave me her virtue makes the emotion of this even more complicated.

“Do not be troubled,” she says.

I look over at her. “What do you mean?”

“I am skilled at reading people,” she tells me. “I can see you questioning everything that has happened between us these last few days.”

“It’s hard not to,” I admit.

“Nothing happened that you need to feel guilty about or ashamed of,” she replies. “Nothing happened that I did not wish to happen.”

“I have a feeling your father won’t share those sentiments, love,” I state. “Nor will whoever you end up married off to.”

A small frown creases the corners of her mouth, and her expression darkens for a moment. But just as when the clouds part, allowing the sun to shine through, her face clears, and she gives me a small smile and a shrug.

“Who says he has to know? In my experience, most men are not very observant − especially when it comes to intimate relations,” she states. “And if I say I am unspoiled, they will likely not know the difference anyway.”

I laugh and shake my head. “Seems you’ve gotten a wee bit cynical in your time up here.”

“Just realistic,” she replies, her tone serious. “I must begin facing reality, and that means finally accepting things I wish I did not have to.”

“Such as?”

She sighs. “Such as the fact that after this episode, my father will likely redouble his efforts to find me a suitable match,” she replies, her tone bitter with a hint of sadness. “I have a feeling that regardless of how it happened, he will insist that I no longer be left alone and unprotected here in the north.

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