Page 6 of Marin’s Promise

Rejection.

He’d expected nothing less. The wealthy always thought themselves so above everyone else.

“May I show you to your table?” Marin stepped from the doorway and wedged herself in front of her sister.

By comparison between the women, Marin held an authoritative demeanor and unquestioned confidence. A challenge. He decided then and there liked her the best. Bran nodded for her to lead him to the table, and she did, skirting the edge of the great hall to the front. To the dais.

He wouldn’t sit at the head of the great hall, like some overprivileged noble. “Nay. This is fine here.” He indicated the bench as she turned to face him.

There was a strength about her, a fortitude which drew him. Everything about her indicated she would be supple and sweet, and yet her influence, her tone, all suggested she was nothing fragile.

“Will ye join me?” he asked.

Marin’s lips curled into a slow smile of obvious interest. “I was hoping we might dine together.”

She stood nearly a head taller than any of her sisters, her stance proud. Candlelight sparkled off her glossy hair and something enticing glittered in her blue eyes.

His gaze slipped to her full, kissable lips. No doubt they’d be supple beneath his mouth, sweet.

“I know what men like you want.” Her own stare dipped in assessment of his body.

He was sure of what she thought she knew. Mayhap of what she’d even seen living on the border. He frowned. “I dinna take women by force.”

She stepped closer, bringing with her the clean scent of lavender. “What if she comes to you by choice?”

Her face was flawless, lovely, most likely soaked each night in milk that could feed families instead. He should hate her for it, and yet he found all he wanted to do was stroke her to see if she would be as smooth as she looked, caressing such creamy skin, having her flush with passion…

“Depends.” He cocked his head to the side. “Is that woman ye?”

Marin's tongue darted between her pink lips, leaving them glistening. “Aye.”

“I was hoping ye’d say that.” He winked and her cheeks went pink. Aye, he would have the bonny lass tonight, after a meal fit for a king, in a castle he’d taken with only one death.

This was the best damn day of his life.