A Hellish Highlander

by McQueen, Hildie

  “She lives in the north, a Munro.”

  “We shall go then,” Ewan announced.

  Kieran started to say no, then surprised himself. “Aye, we should go.”

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Gisela’s mother had accepted an invitation to the tavern in the village and dragged her along. Protests had not worked and, finally, Gisela decided that perhaps if her mother found a husband, the woman would leave her be.

  At the moment, Gisela was leaning back, wishing there was a way to get further from the man who sat next to her. Besides constantly staring at her chest, he breathed heavily through his mouth, which was a pity since his breath reeked.

  Her mother, on the other hand, was delighted at the attention he and his father now gave them. “Tell me, Hamish,” she gushed at the father. “How is it we have never met ye and yer handsome son?”

  Gisela studied the younger man. Handsome was not a way to describe him. He had a short nub for a nose, round cheeks and lips that drooped down at the corners. How in the world had her mother thought she would ever find anything about the man attractive?

  “Jonah and I have been traveling extensively,” the elderly man stated. He smiled down at her mother’s cleavage. “I would never have put off this meeting if I’d known such beauty existed in my own village.”

  When Jonah placed a hand on Gisela’s knee, she pinched it. Hard. He frowned and leaned closer to her ear. “I can hire a room upstairs.”

  Gisela considered if slapping the idiot would ruin her mother’s chances at finding a new husband.

  When Jonah’s leg pressed against her thigh, she elbowed him in the ribs with force.

  The man grimaced, but his lips curved and he leaned close to her ear. “I do prefer my women fiery.”

  Had the man actually bedded women who weren’t paid to be with him? She felt sorry for them. Both the paid and unpaid.

  “Get away from me,” she hissed under her breath. “I am not interested.”

  “Both ye and yer mother seek husbands. Why not us?” His gaze moved over her as if assessing what she looked like without clothing.

  Gisela stood abruptly. “I need to see about…something.” It wasn’t far but she hoped to make it out the front door.

  Unfortunately, Jonah stood as well. Did the idiot think she was actually interested enough to go upstairs with him. She glared at him. “Alone.”

  “Nonsense, I will accompany ye.”

  Her mother smiled widely up at her. “Enjoy yer walk, darling.”

  Gisela stalked toward the front of the small tavern but stopped when a large man blocked her exit. He stood with his arms crossed and a wide grin on his face. “Ye seem to be in need of rescue.”

  Unfortunately, the abrupt stop meant Jonah came up behind and bumped against Gisela. He did not move backward. Instead, he breathed at the back of her neck.

  Perhaps in the future, being squashed between two men would be comical. At the moment, it was not.

  Gisela had to tilt her head back to see her would-be rescuer’s face. “No, I do not require rescue. What I require is for ye to get out of my way.”

  There was a hint of surprise at her lack of being overcome by his size and handsome face. She’d had enough handsome, or grotesque for that matter, to last her a lifetime.

  “Kindly step aside,” Gisela said. Then jabbing her elbow backward, she spoke over her shoulder, “If ye do not get away from me, I will kick ye to death.”

  This time, the stranger began to laugh. He stepped aside. “Ye are right, Cousin. She is breathtaking.”

  Kieran entered and stood just inside the doorway. His face was expressionless as always, but there was a calm about him. His brow was as smooth as a loch in the winter.

  Everyone in the tavern watched him, fascinated by the beauty of the man. There were murmurs as everyone took notice of Kieran and the man who’d called him cousin. The room became deadly silent.

  “Ye’re back,” Gisela said and let out a breath. She stepped up to him and looked from his face down his chest to his feet. “Looks like ye healed well. I’m glad to see it.”

  She rounded him and walked outside. Gulping air, she couldn’t stop the hammering of her heart. Why had he come? It was impossible to move on since he’d decided to appear out of nowhere.

  “Gisela?”

  His deep voice pierced her skin, making her entire body vibrate. Gisela didn’t respond. Instead, she reached for the wall of the tavern. It wouldn’t do for her knees to give out and make a fool out of herself by swooning.

  “Why are ye here?” She grimaced at the trembling of her voice. Hopefully, he would mistake it for annoyance.

  She did not want to appear weak and definitely not overcome by the fact she’d been harboring a deep desire to see him again. She’d not admitted it to even herself, but now it was impossible to deny it. She’d missed him terribly.

  “My cousin, Ewan, who ye just met and I are headed to Munro Keep.” He studied her for a long moment. “How are ye?”

  Ignoring the question, she looked past him to where the large blond man stood. “Why come through the village?”

  Before speaking, he took a step forward. “We wanted to stop and drink at the tavern before going to the keep.”

  For some reason, it didn’t sound convincing. Gisela shrugged. “Very well then. Enjoy.”

  “Where are ye going?”

  She looked to the sky. Fluffy white clouds floated in the bright blue expanse. A gentle breeze blew, giving just a hint that perhaps it would be a chilly night. It was interesting that outwardly the world continued normally, while hers was spinning.

  “Home.”

  He started to say something and then cleared his throat. “I hoped to see ye.”

  She met his gaze, the thickly lashed hazel gaze that she’d dreamed of nightly since last seeing him.

  The ever-present scowl appeared at her perusal. He was so utterly beautiful and now he seemed lighter, more approachable. To anyone but her. Gisela felt the urge to cry.

  Physically perfect and yet so inwardly imperfect was who Kieran was. She doubted he would ever change. He was the man she could envision spending the rest of her life with, the one who’d shelter her, providing a safe haven just with his presence alone. He’d shattered her heart and at the same time made it full.

  “Why?”

  He blinked as if taken aback by her question. “To see about ye. How ye fared…” Kieran looked over his shoulder to the now empty doorway. Obviously, his cousin had become bored and had gone inside.

  “Would ye come to the keep with me?”

  Munro Keep had been her home for the last few weeks. She’d been staying there and spending time helping with one event after another. Lady Munro never seemed to tire of hosting and, unfortunately, had decided she and her mother were indispensable. As annoying as it was, the constant activity had been the perfect distraction.

  “I live there now.”

  He nodded. “I see. Is that man at the doorway yer…”

  “No,” she replied much too quickly, noticing Jonah glaring at them from just outside the doorway.

  “Wait here,” Kieran said, holding a hand out as if afraid she’d leave. “I will inform yer mother as well that ye go with us.”

  “There is no need…” she called, but he ignored her.

  Gisela let out a breath and waited as Kieran went into the tavern to fetch Ewan. Moments later, the two formidable warriors made their way toward her. Ewan resembled his cousins in size and had the same hazel eyes. His hair was blond.

  Upon approaching, Kieran motioned to her with his right hand. “Cousin, this is Gisela Munro. Gisela, my cousin, Ewan Ross.”

  Ewan’s right eyebrow arched, and a hint of a smile played on his lips. With a slight bow, he met her gaze. “Ye’re a lovely lass. I can see why my cousin is so fond of ye.”

  “Fond?” Gisela looked to Kieran who pretended not to hear. “Thank ye, Ewan.”

  Gisela was flanked by the two men. E
veryone stopped and gaped as they passed by. No doubt, people thought she was being escorted off to a dungeon or something. Gisela waved at a group of women who stared. The women did not return the gesture. Instead, they began an animated conversation, motioning in their direction.

  “I can hardly wait to hear what people will make of this,” Gisela murmured. “I do not require an escort. I have my own horse and cart.”

  Before she could step away, Kieran took her arm. “I will go with ye.” It was best to go along than to fight him at the moment. Not only was his cousin there, but the women continued to watch them, whatever was in their baskets forgotten.

  Moments later, seated side-by-side on her wagon, they rode toward the keep. Kieran’s horse was tethered to his cousin’s, who rode just ahead of them.

  “Why are ye living at the keep?” Kieran asked, his gaze forward.

  Gisela let out a sigh. “Lady Munro and Mother have come to an agreement that I am indispensable and must assist in the planning of every occasion.”

  “Is it enjoyable?”

  “What?” She looked at him.

  “The planning of every occasion.”

  “I have yet to plan one. Yer mother, my mother and Lady Munro take over.” She couldn’t help but smile. “I have, however, gotten to know yer sister quite well.”

  This time, he did turn and study her. “How do ye and Verity get along?”

  “Well. She is quiet, but kind.”

  “I am glad to hear that my mother and sister are doing well.”

  Gisela wasn’t sure what to make of Kieran’s insistence to ride with her to Munro Keep. He seemed different and then again not so much. Although the same feeling of comfort filled her with him there, at the same time, she’d not gotten through the high, thick walls erected around him.

  “How are yer injuries? Ye look well healed,” she prompted.

  Eyes remaining on the road, his right shoulder lifted and lowered. “I am well.”

  “What now? Have ye considered what ye’ll do now?” she prodded.

  There was a spark of interest in his gaze when he slid a glance at her, brow lowered.

  As he seemed to be waiting for whatever she’d planned to say next, Gisela continued. “He’s dead. Ye must feel vindicated. However, life goes on, as they say. So ye should have a new quest in mind,” she finished, willing her tone to remain even, cheerful almost.

  “I,” he looked to his cousin as if to ensure he was out of earshot. “I have many duties to the clan.”

  “I see. What else?” Gisela replied. “Yer father, I am sure, would be proud…”

  This time, he pulled the reins tight and her horse came to an abrupt stop and protested the jerk at its bridle. When Ewan turned back, Kieran motioned for him to continue forth.

  “I do not wish to discuss my father,” Kieran scowled at her.

  “And I do not tolerate any mistreatment of animals.” She jumped from the wagon and hurried to soothe her horse who gave her a hurt look. The animal was pampered and rarely chastised even when acting inappropriately.

  “There, there.” Gisela ran a hand over the animal’s nose and kissed the mare. Kieran waited in the cart, stubbornly looking straight ahead.

  She took her time walking back to the cart. Then she climbed up to sit beside the brooding man. “If ye promise to treat Rosebud well, I will allow ye to continue to guide her. Otherwise, hand me the reins.”

  “I apologize,” he replied and then continued speaking, to her surprise. “I have not spoken of what happened other than to inform everyone he is dead.”

  “Ethan McLeod was a madman. He had no true reason for his hatred of yer family other than a misguided cause to kill everyone based on jealousy. He could not stop speaking of how much he hated ye and how ye and yer brothers thought yerselves above others.”

  Kieran remained quiet, his jaw clenched. “Did he speak of my father?” he finally gritted out.

  “No. It was as if he’d forgotten about it.” Gisela placed a hand on his forearm. “He planned to kill his own family as well. He said he hated his father for preferring Alec over him.”

  “He was truly mad then.” Kieran finally looked at her. For the first time, there was vulnerability. So many questions. She had no idea what he was thinking. However, she understood that his entire reason for being since his father’s death was gone now.

  “Ye have done well,” she said. “Yer father would be proud of how ye vowed to avenge his death and fulfilled the promise. I know I am very thankful to ye for saving my life.” Her eyes welled and she leaned forward and kissed his jaw.

  Kieran grunted. “Tis good to know ye soothe me the same as yer horse.”

  Gisela couldn’t help it. She giggled and then turned his face. Once again, she kissed him. This time, on the lips. It was a quick kiss, like that of friends or lovers familiar with each other enough to share soft, sweet kisses.

  “I do not kiss Rosebud on the lips. That, I promise ye.”

  A smile played at his lips. Gisela watched, hoping for a full smile. Finally, when the corners of his mouth inched up, she grinned back.

  Satisfied to see he was no longer brooding, she once again placed a hand on his forearm. “I have something to show ye tonight when the stars come out. I think ye will like it.”

  He snapped the reins gently and they continued on their way. “I hope there are no celebrations planned this week. I am hoping for some quiet.”

  “Then ye came to the wrong place. Yer mother and Lady Munro are hosting the Mackenzies who came with about twenty.”

  He groaned and Gisela laughed. “I am sure ye will find plenty of places to hide.”

  Kieran gave her a side look. “Can I hide with ye?”

  Her cheeks burned hot and she looked away toward an open field. “Perhaps ye can go for walks or practice with the archers. I am sure that upon yer arrival, my uncle and the Mackenzie will insist there be a competition.”

  “So ye won’t allow me to hide with ye then?” he insisted.

  Was he flirting with her? Gisela’s eyebrows rose. “If I do, will ye promise to behave like a gentleman?”

  “I am not sure I can,” he replied. He leaned over and kissed her just below the ear. A shiver went through her and she swallowed. “I see.”

  He straightened as they’d arrived at the gates. The familiar scowl returned. Although some of the wall had been chipped away, it remained strong and stubborn. It would take years to scale the fortress that surrounded the man, but Gisela considered that she may have found a doorway.

  Not one she’d carved out, but one he had opened. Just for her.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Clan McLeod

  Alec McLeod stormed from the keep. When angry, it was best to walk away rather than to remain in a room and argue. Especially now that it was his own father he was furious at.

  It had to be hard for a parent to lose a child, but his father was acting as if Ethan had been a great son. Ethan had never done one thing to make the family proud. Instead, he had been the cause of hundreds of clanspeople perishing. His killing of the Ross Clan’s laird had brought rifts that would take years to bridge.

  To this day, small clashes and deaths occurred weekly between the clans. Everyone knew that just because a truce was called, it didn’t mean sentiments or ill will were magically erased.

  He exited the courtyard through a side gate and walked to the edge of the woods. It was then he noticed one of his hounds, a newly acquired pup, had followed at his heels. The animal was delighted at the new surroundings and began to explore, his nose to the ground and tail wagging.

  He wished he could be like the pup with the only cares being when to be fed and where to sleep.

  Keeping an eye on the dog to ensure it didn’t wander too far, Alec continued walking until he came to a shallow creek. He lowered to sit on a fallen tree.

  Just then, his wife, a beautiful vision, came into view. She walked toward him from the water.

  Later, he would admoni
sh her for going out alone. It was dangerous for the wife of the laird’s first-born son to be out and about without escort. But for now, he admired her and watched as the pup rushed to her, yapping and wagging not only his tail, but also his entire body.

  She smiled and ran her fingers through the dog’s fur before realizing that the pup must be with someone. Paige looked up and met his gaze. Her lips curved and she opened her arms to him.

  Alec neared and wrapped his arms around her. He lifted his wife off her feet so he could bury his face in her hair.

  “We cannot help how people grieve, dear one,” Paige said, holding him tightly. “Especially when it is one’s child. A father would rather his son be remembered as a good man.”

  She must have heard the argument between him and his father and had come out here to get away from it.

  When his tears fell, Alec realized he had not grieved his brother’s death. Too much anger coursed through him at everything Ethan had done. All the wrongs and horrible words he’d spewed at him and the family. But Ethan was ill, his mind unwell. It wasn’t something that could have been helped.

  Alec grieved.

  Not for who Ethan had become, but for the younger brother who’d tagged behind him as a child, constantly chattering, looking up to him as if he were a champion. For a few years, he had been. His little brother’s champion. He’d stopped trying a long time ago. Hopefully, in the end, Ethan had a bit of clarity and hadn’t hated his own family any longer.

  *

  Dun Airgid: Ross Keep

  Ceilidh woke to find Ian next to her in bed. Sometime during the night, he had come to her bed, slid under the bedding and fallen into an exhausted slumber.

  It was improper for them to sleep together, but they’d given up the pretense and no longer hid it from the household.

  Elspeth had tried to talk her out of it, claiming her family would be angry. But they rarely came to the keep and when they did, it was during the day, which would give Ian and her time to make other arrangements.

  Stretching, she turned to Ian and studied his face. In just a week, they would be married. Husband and wife. Every morning for the rest of their lives, she would wake next to the man she loved lying beside her.