Confused by his actions, she frowned. "Whatare you doing?"
Abruptly, he dismounted, then lifted her downfrom the saddle. After taking her arm, he guided her into the wood,the trees clothed in fresh green leaves. The men behind themsnickered and murmured comments she couldn't make out.
"What on earth are you doing, Dugald?" shedemanded.
"I'm going to talk to you in private," hegrowled.
"Your men think we're—"
"I don't care what they think."
"Well, I do!"
Stopping, his hands on her shoulders, heturned her to face him. "We're going no farther until you tell mewhat MacVay said to you."
She shook her head and stared at the blueplaid sash which crossed his chest over his shirt and doublet. Shecould not tell him what she was thinking and feeling. As a chief,he had far more important things to deal with than her feelings. Hewould not care that he would break her heart if he married Sarah orany other lady.
With warm fingers, Dugald lifted her chin,forcing her gaze upward. He watched her with narrowed eyes. Hisgreen eyes, much darker than the forest, reflected confusion and …she knew not what else. He had become precious to her, but now…
"Damn you," she muttered, not wanting to sayanything to him. She was but bedsport to him.
"What?" Dugald demanded.
Sacrebleu! He would not leave heralone until she told him. Stubborn man! "You are going to marryMacVay's daughter," she blurted.
"Nay, I am not. Is that what he toldyou?"
"Of course! He said it was all beingarranged."
"He is hoping I'll marry her, but I'vedecided not to."
A hint of relief flowed through her andperhaps some disbelief. "Why?"
He shrugged. "We do not suit."
She shook her head, refusing to live in adream world. "I know how it all works, Dugald. My cousin had tomarry a man she did not care for, because the king arranged it. Butthen she fell in love with her husband."
"And?" Dugald frowned. "What are yousaying?"
"Nothing." She headed back toward the horses,refusing to tell him the obvious.
Dugald took her arm and firmly but gentlydrew her back. "Tell me."
She expelled a hard breath. "You are a chief.You will have to marry for wealth, power and an alliance. 'Haps youwant that alliance with MacVay, or with a different chief. You knowthis already."
"I have not decided, but, nay, I don't needan alliance with MacVay."
She shrugged and refused to look at him.
He tilted her chin toward him. "Why are youangry with me?"
"I'm not. I just…"know Icannothave you for my own husband and it breaks my heart.No, shecould not tell him that.
"What?"
She shook her head, tears burning her eyes.If he could not catch her meaning, she was saying no more. Shewould not tell him she wished to be his wife.
"Camille," he murmured and drew her into hisarms. When he kissed her, she wanted to push him away, but then histantalizing lips enchanted her. She craved more kisses from him…deeper kisses, and he gave them… so many her head was spinning.
