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“A McKendrick ruined by a McDougal will go unnoticed, naturally.” He began prowling in her direction.
Her attention travelled to his feet. Long, elegant, with blunt toes walking to her like a hungry wolf’s.
Stance forced up to him. “The two biggest clans in the highlands.” She made a vague gesture. “So, what?”
“Precisely.” He stanched right in front of her. “Everyone will talk about it.”
His argument unleashed apprehension in her. What did he try to prove?
“You are saying…” She prompted, a doom-like feeling invading her.
“There is no going back from this.” He stated matter-of-factly.
“The McKendricks will not declare war, I assure you.” The heat of him reached her with dramatic consequences.
Which was funny in fact. After a century and a half of blood feud, she deemed it rather strange her brothers ignored the McDougals.
Legs braced, he stared down at her. “No, because we are getting married.”
Shots of fire and ice cut through her with utter nervousness. Her stare snapped up to meet his. She tamped down her nervous reaction and obliged herself to laugh. Loud.
It produced his desired vexed response. “I would not marry you if you were the last man on Earth.”
A sardonic stretch of his sensuous lips designed on his rugged face. “I cannot say you are my dream wife, either.”
“Finally, we agree on something.” She breathed with a modicum of reprieve.
“But you are ruined and I am the villain in the story.” He emphasised.
She breathed a derogatory chortle. “You are the villain, full stop.”
“And you are Snow White, no doubt.” He jabbed.
She succeeded in maintaining her lips motionless despite his humorous interjection.
“At any rate, you need not play the chivalrous saviour.” She reinstated. “If there is talk, it will die a quick death.”
Those rugged featured drafted a scowl. “What makes you so sure?”
Her brows lifted as if in easy argument. “I have a dozen offers already on the table.”
Said scowl deepened. “Poor suitors. They do not have the slightest idea what they are signing in for, the scallywags.”
Mahogany eyes squinted with this provocation. “I will be married sooner or later.”
“I do not believe it.” He loomed too close suddenly. “Such offers vanish at the mere waft of scandal.”
A complacent laugh blew from her. “I represent a valuable alliance and a considerable dowry.” She did not have illusions on the subject. “Gossip or no gossip, I can even be picky.”
Cold and adamantine steel smothered his physiognomy, tall frame frozen. “Refuse them.”
“Why would I?” She taunted. Had the troglodyte not noticed he could not dominate her?
His stance transformed in pure anger. “You will marry me.”
“You cannot force it!” Incredible how he caused a volcano to deflagrate in such mercurial speed.
Those green eyes bored into hers with granitic determination. “No, but I can convince you.”
