Page 13 of My Notorious Highlander

What in blazes was she doing alone in a bedchamber with him anyway? Although he didn't carry a sword or dirk at the moment, because she'd had all the visitors disarmed, he did retain his sgian dubh. And the small blade could be just as lethal as a large one. But strangely, although she knew she should fear him, she didn't. Each time she came face to face with him, she felt less afraid. Was she mad? She'd seen what he was capable of.

"I'd best check on the servants and see how midday meal is coming along." She headed toward the door.

"Do you enjoy archery?" he blurted.

She halted and turned back to him, wondering at his odd question. His green eyes gleamed with interest… in her. This awareness sent heat rushing over her.

"I've only tried it once," she said.

"So you only like the blades?"

She shrugged. "Why do you ask?"

"I could teach you how to shoot a bow."

That would be a wonderful skill to learn, but she knew 'twas only his ploy to get her alone and spend time with her. To allow her to get to know him. So she would want to marry him? Nay. Besides, she trusted him less than any man she'd ever met, other than MacBain. She shook her head. "'Tis unnecessary."

"It matters not. It might be fun."

She knew not what fun was anymore, though at one time she had enjoyed many pursuits. "People would watch, and I'm certain I'd be horrible at it."

"Nay, we'll slip away whilst no one is looking. You'll have no audience."

So, he was not ashamed to admit he wished to get her alone. She narrowed her eyes. "I don't think that would be wise, either."

"Bring a guard or two. Aye, bring two guards and a maid, for a chaperone. We'll have them turn their backs while you shoot at the target."

She could not figure him out. Was he a cold-blooded killer or a gallant bent on courting her? "I don't think 'tis a good idea."

His expression darkened. "We're alone here in this room and I'm not attacking you."

That was true, but mayhap he was trying to lower her guard.

"You don't trust me," he stated firmly. "Why? Do you think I'm like my brother, Nolan?"

Her heartbeat sped up. She'd not expected him to confront her about how she felt about him. And she certainly couldn't tell him why she didn't trust him. To do so could endanger her life. The Keiths would still seek revenge against him if they learned of what he'd done eight years ago. Lyall was to have been the next chief. And his father still burned with the need for retaliation and justice.

"I have no inkling," she said. "I've never met Nolan."

"He's an outlaw. And I'm sure Lady Isobel told you what he tried to do to her. I'm not like him in the least."

Aye, Isobel had told her plenty. Enough for her to know she wanted to have naught to do with the MacLeods. And yet, something about him lured her. The sensual shape of his lips, the intent male interest in his eyes, his tall, lean-muscled body. 'Twas only physical attraction—a dangerous physical attraction, for no corresponding emotion lay beneath it.

"I'm glad you're not like him. Well, I must see to the kitchen servants about midday meal." She moved into the doorway.

"Lady Jessie?" he said in an almost desperate tone.

Startled, she paused, eying him with suspicion. Why would he say her name in such a way? Was he desperate to gain her affection? "Aye?"

"I hope you know I would never harm you. I'm here to protect you." His tone was softer, warmer, and she almost believed him.

Why couldn't he have been someone else? Someone she hadn't witnessed at his most brutal.

She nodded. Strangely, she wished she could trust him. And maybe he was telling the truth now, but that couldn't erase what he'd done. "I thank you."

Male voices echoed down the corridor and loud footsteps pounded toward them. Sticking her head out into the passageway again, she saw MacBain and one of his men charging toward her.

"There you are, m'lady. I've searched the castle for you."