To Steal a Highlander's Heart(17)

“I dinnae want to hurt ye,” he told her sincerely. “I feel no affection for yer da but if I can spare ye pain, I will.”

“Ye promise?”

“Aye, I’ll no’ hurt him. But I cannae say the same for the rest of my clan.”

Alana nodded slowly. “Ye have my thanks, Morgann. Though I dinnae see why ye have to go to such measures.”

“‘Tis something I have to do. I cannae explain my motives but ‘tis no’ for something as petty as revenge, I promise ye.”

Shaking her head, she inched closer. “Why cannae ye explain? Ye used to tell me everything, remember?”

“Not everything.”

A hand thrust out, he pressed it to her shoulder in an attempt to hold her back. She could hardly think when she got nearer but the heat of his body seemed to suck her in. They were speaking in riddles. Dancing around one another. Both trying to understand what the other wanted. She’d intended to manipulate him, to bargain her freedom. Yet somewhere along the line the past had caught up with her and the burning desire know what had happened those years ago snared her.

And then another kind of desire swept her up.

Alana curled her fingers around his wrist and drew his hand away. She glanced at his arm and paused. Bringing her other hand up, she gently rolled up his sleeve, skimming her fingertips over his skin.

“What did ye not tell me then?”

His throat worked as he swallowed. “I’d hardly tell ye now.”

“Ye are a stubborn man, Morgann MacRae.” She settled her hand on the scar on his arm, tracing the shape of it—a brand in the shape of a dagger tip. She winced as she considered the pain he must have felt.

Aware her gaze was full of sympathy as she looked back up at him, his flinch didn’t surprise her. His jaw clenched again and she saw the anger consume his once more. Would that she could erase it and bring back her friend.

“I am sorry for what happened. The men told me afterwards what they did to ye. My father had no right to punish ye as he did.”

Before he could protest, she brought her lips to the scar, dancing them over his skin. He coughed uncomfortably and she savoured the feel of the dark hair on his forearm as it tickled her mouth.

“‘Twas no less than a thief and a traitor should expect,” he said gruffly.

“Yer no thief and no traitor. I know ye didnae take that ring.”

Straightening, he stepped sharply back. She wavered and he tugged her hand from around his arm. Her stomach dropped as his reserve slipped back into place. What had she done wrong? Alana shrank toward the bed. Ach, but she could not understand the man. Here she was apologising and defending him and he behaved as if she had offended him.

He glanced out of the window and sighed. “‘Tis late and I am weary after yer escapades. Get into bed. I’ll be sleeping on the floor.”

Alana eyed the pallet intended for a maid, imagining Morgann’s large form sprawled out on it. And then she pictured him elsewhere.

In the bed.

Heat rose in her face. Lord, she couldn’t let him stay here. She wouldn’t get a moment’s rest. For some reason Morgann MacRae made her think all kinds of wanton thoughts. She certainly didn’t recall feeling like this during their years growing up together.

Oh aye, she’d wanted to kiss him. Even imagined marrying him. But an ache never developed between her legs whenever she thought of him like now.

As if knowing where her thoughts were leading, he watched her carefully, gaze roaming her body as she curled a hand around the bed post for support.

“Well, are ye getting into bed then, lass?” he asked impatiently.

“I cannae. ‘Tis nae proper. I refuse.” She forced strength into her voice, determined to find her courage once more. The soft approach was not going to work so she needed to figure out another escape plan.

“Ye’ll do as I say. Just because we were once friends, Alana, doesnae mean I willnae force ye to do my bidding. I’ve been too soft on ye already and look where that lead me. Climbing up the side of my damned keep!”

She huffed. “Well I must relieve myself first and I’ll not do that in front of ye. At least take me to the garderobes.”

Morgann faltered at this and thrust a hand into his black hair. “Aye, as ye will.” Yanking open the door, he motioned for her to step through.

She glanced along the hallway. Should she try and make a run for it? Strong hands snatched her arms and she struggled against his hold, crying out in frustration as he shoved her back into the room and slammed the door firmly shut behind him.

“What are ye doing?” She rubbed her arms where he had grabbed her and saw the flicker of remorse in his gaze.