The Pirate's Temptation by Tara Kingston

Author:Tara Kingston
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Publisher: 0
Published: 2018-10-29T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TWELVE

I f ghosts did truly haunt the halls of Castle MacArron, they likely roamed aimlessly, lost amongst the sprawling labyrinth of chambers and corridors of the centuries-old stronghold. Days after she’d arrived, Leana was still learning the layout of the place. Fortunately, most of the family’s activities were confined to several rooms which were meticulously maintained to Mrs. Davidson’s exacting standards.

Leana peered up at the portrait of James MacArron’s pirate ancestor, the dashing privateer who’d used the strategies and daring he’d honed as a pirate to earn a knighthood for his service to the crown. Tall and lean, possessing a chiseled jaw and a firm, sensuous mouth, Captain Seamus MacDougall had posed for his portrait with a sgian dubh tucked into his hose and a cutlass in his hand. A look of arrogance played on his lips, a boldness in his posture, both traits captured to perfection by the artist. MacDougall’s hair had been a shade or two lighter than his great-grandson’s, a fine golden hue, and his intriguing eyes were more blue than green. Still, the resemblance between the men was undeniable.

Her mind wandered to thoughts of James MacArron. She’d been foolish to challenge the man. What in heaven had she been thinking, insinuating he’d been bested by his younger brother—and with her help, no less?

He’d certainly shown her what’s what when he asked her to dance. Moving across the floor with one warm, strong hand at her waist and the other gently clasping hers, she’d lost herself in his arms. At least for a moment. Perhaps two. What would it be like to dance with the man while an orchestra played, to feel at home in his arms as he held her, night after night? Morning after passionate morning?

Ye dinna know me—nor what I am capable of.

He’d murmured the words against her ear, his warm breath a wisp against her lobe. Had he issued a warning? Or a challenge?

Ah, what a delicious challenge that would be.

A little sigh escaped her. Pity she could not soothe her heart’s longing. She’d know better next time. She’d protect herself and steel her heart. There was no place in her life for a dalliance with a man—any man, much less the handsome pirate who expected proper dignity and decorum from the woman he’d entrusted with his bairns.

Pulling in a breath to shore up her courage, she continued along the shadowed corridor. Portraits of Scots who’d lived centuries before she’d taken her first breath gazed down at her. Coming to a room she’d yet to explore, she tested the door. The hinges squealed as the stout panel swung open. What would she find in the dimly lit space? Would cobwebs drape the corners of the ceiling and a phantom or two peek out from their hiding places? She smiled to herself. My, she was becoming fanciful. It wasn’t like her to let a child’s imaginative fears get to her.

She stepped inside. A light creak beneath her feet seemed to announce her entry.

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