CHAPTER 1
Tancraig Castle, Scotland, 1560
Piercing green eyes stared down at Adrina MacGill. The orbs were an extraordinary shade, she mused. At the center of the irises were splashes of amber, which flared out in golden streams and were encased in black rings. A surprising sense of raw power and intelligence shone in their depths. Her gaze traced along the side of his strong jaw, sliding down his corded neck, down to his broad shoulders until it became fixed on the hand that lay on his hard chest.
Her hand. She stared at it, astonished that her palm lay comfortably against the sash of his great kilt. Yet there was no disputing that the appendage belonged to her, because even through the plaid, she could feel the thudding of his heart. And the heat that radiated through the soft, well-made material caused her fingertips to tingle with a stark awareness.
“Who are ye?” she whispered.
The massive highland warrior said not a word. Perhaps he didn’t hear her, or didn’t want to answer her query. Suddenly she needed to know his identity. She opened her mouth to repeat her question when she noticed the corners of his eyes crinkling with amusement. And then a wicked, sensual smile touched upon his masculine lips. For some odd reason that small quirk caused a ripple of excitement to course through her body.
A flapping of wings drew her attention away from the man for a split second. Her head tilted up in time to see the distinct black shape of a raven soaring through the air. She followed its flight path until it disappeared into the branches of one of the alder trees, which grew along the edge of the loch. Rocks of varying sizes scattered along the bank. And in the body of water, the trees reflected off the surface in an explosion of crimson fire and burnished gold. A gust of wind skimmed across the glassy surface, causing ripples to form. That same breeze swept the clouds aside, allowing a brilliant ray of light to strike the crystal waters, and cast it back into her eyes. The unexpected assault forced her eyelids to shut. When she opened them again, she blinked, once more becoming aware of the mysterious stranger.
His large hand reached over to cup her chin, and his thumb stroked slowly back and forth along her bottom lip. For a long moment, his heated gaze seemed fixated on his actions. But then he glanced up at her, catching her stare. Just as their gazes locked, the breath caught in her throat. Undisguised passion swirled in his regard. This handsome stranger knew what he wanted. And at this moment, he wanted her.
But this wasn’t real, a logical part of her mind assured her. No man had ever looked at her as if he hungered for her kiss. The idea was preposterous, yet somehow he continued to watch her as if she was attractive, irresistible.
Tell him that ye are just an ordinary, homely lass, a voice demanded. Yet the feeling that he invoked teased her senses. She had never considered her appearance, but this was the first time she felt captivating and desirable. If she told him the truth, the fantasy he had of her would undoubtedly shatter. What harm was it to allow him believe in her allure?
He slid his warm hand across her jaw line and circled around to settle at her nape. Then without breaking his eye contact, he slowly dipped his head toward her. Her heart thumped frantically as she became aware of his intent. The heat that came off his masculine skin seeped into her pores, making her flesh turn hot and cold all at once. This was it, the brawny man was going to kiss her.
But why did this valiant Highlander not reveal his identity to her? a doubtful voice echoed in her mind. What was he trying to hide? And why in the world did he want to kissher?
As she mulled those questions over in her mind, and before she could determine the answers, a faint knock entered her consciousness. The knocking became increasingly louder and louder. She was in a dream, she realized with a start.
“Nay, I will stay asleep,” she muttered, stubborn even in her semiconscious state. She had never been kissed before, and perhaps this was her first and only chance to experience it. A fantasy kiss was better than no kiss at all. She opened her arms to embrace her lover, but all she encountered was thin air.
She let out a low, frustrated groan, and allowed her hands to drop to her side. For once she was having a pleasant dream. Why did it have to end so soon?
Adrina could hear voices now, and she reluctantly opened her eyes. She was ready to berate the servant who disturbed her sleep. But her brows creased when she noticed the unfamiliar velvet drapes that surrounded her four poster bed.
“What’s this?” she said. Glancing down at the mattress, she confirmed that this bed that she slept on bore no resemblance to her own.
She scooted over to the edge of the mattress, but then she remembered her dream. For an instant, she sat there, touching her lips with her fingertips. Everything in her fantasy had felt so real. It was likely that if she was still asleep, the handsome man would have kissed her.
But then the events from last night came back to her. Exhausted from her three days of travel, she had arrived at Tancraig Castle late last night. When Mairead MacGregon saw her, she likely appeared a mess. However, with a sweeping glance at Adrina’sarisaid, her hostess accurately identified the unique colors and patterns of Clan MacGill.
In short order, Mairead sent for a servant to obtain food. At that time of night, all they could offer was a bowl of mutton stew. But this was fine by Adrina, since the only things she ate in the last few days were stale oatcakes and berries that she found in the woods. The warm stew did wonders for her spirits. And once she finished her meal, she was led to an empty bedchamber with the promise of meeting Chief MacGregon in the morning.
Now morning was here.
Adrina searched around for her clothing, and found that herarisaidhad fallen to the ground. Picking up the plaid, she quickly secured it over her kirtle with a belt, and draped the excess material over her shoulders. She had only enough time to brush aside an errant strand of hair before she hurried over to open the door.
“I’m sorry tae wake ye, lass,” Mairead said, a pleasant smile on her pretty face. “But if ye would like tae speak with the chief, ye will need tae do sae before the others arrive. May we come in?” she asked, gesturing to herself and the maid that stood slightly behind her. “Ana can help fix your hair.”
“Of course,” Adrina said, opening the door wider.
“I hope ye slept well,” Mairead said, stepping into the chamber. She sent her an apologetic look. “I regret that I couldnae give ye a larger bedchamber. Most of the chambers here are occupied by those that have come for the gathering.”
“Gathering?” Her brows creased together in dismay. “I’m sae sorry! I wasnae aware that there was an assembly. ‘Tis nae my intent tae impose on your hospitality.”
The maid sat her down and began to brush the tangles from her hair.
“’Tis nay matter,” Mairead said, shrugging. “The clan chieftains will be meeting later today tae discuss warfare,” she explained. “We heard word that your father wouldnae be attending, sae ‘tis a pleasant surprise tae see ye here in his place.”
“I dinnae ken what ye are talking about,” she said slowly.
“Ye werenae informed that we’re hosting a gathering of the clans?” Mairead asked, her delicate brows furrowed slightly. “How did ye come tae be here then?”
