“You’ll tell me why you dislike me so.”
His tone was harsh. How, then, could she tell him she knew him to be cruel, vengeful, and murderous? She had to keep in mind that Lydia knew too much.
“I just want to be left alone,” Sheena said softly, skirting the issue altogether. “Have I no’ the right to refuse you? I did your brother.”
“Aye, you have the right. But you’ve yet to hear what it is you’re refusing.”
“I dinna care.”
“’Tis cruel you are, lass, no’ to even give me a chance. I wouldna have thought that of you.”
Sheena flinched. It was true. Being hard was wrong, and it was not the way to handle James MacKinnion, especially when he couldn’t know her real motive.
“I’m sorry, Sir Jamie. You’re right. The least I can do is listen to you.”
“By the saints, but you try a man sorely!” Jamie exploded.
“What did I say—?”
“Never patronize me, Sheena MacEwen. I’ll bear your fear, your anger, and your loathing, but I’ll no’ be played for a fool!”
Sheena’s eyes gleamed. “There’s just no pleasing you, is there?”
“A little honesty would be appreciated.”
She gasped. “Iwashonest, and for that you called me cruel!”
“So I did—and so you were.” And then, to Sheena’s amazement, he chuckled. “I like your spunk, lass. Never be afraid to show it with me.”
“Och, you’re impossible!”
“No more than you are, m’dear,” he replied lightly, and Sheena grinned. How easy it would be to like him if he were not a MacKinnion—TheMacKinnion.
“I do believe I’ve weathered the storm,” she remarked impishly.
“Do you now?” Jamie said, delighted by her change of mood. “And was it such a bad storm?”
“Nay. I suppose not.”
“I hope you’ll be remembering that in future.”
“Maybe I will.”
Jamie laughed heartily. “You’re a rare one, lass. ’Tis no wonder I’m thinking of handfasting myself to you.”
Sheena was not prepared. “Handfasting? You jest!”
“Nay, I’m willing to commit myself, and I want the same of you.”
This was much too serious. “You honor me, Sir Jamie, but I must refuse,” she replied uneasily, her voice as soft as she could make it.
“I’ll no’ accept that.”
“You must,” she said firmly. “I’ll no handfast with you or any man. I dinna hold with that loose commitment.”
“And I’ll no’ marry a woman I’ve no’ tried!” he retorted just as firmly.
“’Tis glad I am to hear it, for I’m no’ wanting to marry you anyway,” she said hotly. Didn’t he think highly of himself!
