Page 70 of My Notorious Highlander

MacBain narrowed his devil-dark eyes. "My apologies. I didn't recognize you, lad." He dismounted, two of his brawny bodyguards following suit and moving to stand beside him.

MacBain shook Haldane's hand briefly.

"Coming to pay Jessie a visit?" Haldane smiled, trying to be his most congenial.

MacBain eyed him and McMurdo suspiciously. "Aye, indeed. I miss the lass. I was here a week ago, but I didn't see you."

"We hadn't yet arrived. Was Jessie not welcoming?"

MacBain's face reddened, and his gaze turned lethal. "Nay. I tried to convince her to marry me, but she showed little interest."

"Och. 'Haps because… of the MacLeod chief courting her." Haldane had almost blurted out that Torrin MacLeod was frolicking naked in the sea with her, but that might infuriate the man. He needed to keep MacBain as calm as possible in order to convince him they could help one another.

"Aye, MacLeod. The bastard," MacBain said between clenched teeth.

Haldane was thrilled to hear how much MacBain disliked Torrin MacLeod, but he hid his reaction. "We could help you defeat him, and then Lady Jessie would be yours. After I'm chief, she will have no choice but to do what I say."

MacBain's brows shot upward. "You're going to be chief of the MacKays?"

Haldane despised the surprise in the man's tone. "Aye, once this imposter who calls himself Dirk is dead. He claims to be my brother, but the real Dirk died thirteen years ago in an accident."

MacBain nodded. "That's what I'd heard."

"Aye, well, that's what we're doing here—awaiting the imposter's return so I can take my rightful place."

MacBain's expression eased, and he even looked a bit hopeful. "And you wouldn't be against my marrying Lady Jessie?"

"Of course not. You would have my blessing. I'll even increase her dowry once I'm chief."

MacBain's eyes lit up. "Indeed? What is your plan in defeating this Dirk then? I've never met him."

"He and a party of about two dozen will be returning sometime soon. We're not certain whether they're traveling by land or sea. I have lookouts in several places." Well, three places. His men were quickly dwindling but he didn't want MacBain to know that. "When Dirk's party arrives, we'll be attacking and killing as many men as possible. No one is to hurt the women, though. One of them will be my future wife."

"Of course, we would never harm the women."

Haldane hoped the man was being truthful, for he would kill any man who hurt Lady Seona. "Then, we'll need to get inside the castle."

MacBain nodded. "And you will help me get Torrin MacLeod out of my path so I can marry Jessie?"

"Indeed. He's an enemy. He killed one of my men." He didn't want MacBain to know that MacLeod was such a good fighter, he'd killed several more than that.

"We have an agreement then." MacBain held out his hand.

"We do." Smiling, Haldane shook it, unable to believe his good fortune—three dozen strong-looking warriors to add to his shrinking force. They would succeed now in defeating the MacKays and taking Dunnakeil.

∞∞∞

"Jessie, could I have a word with you?" Uncle Conall asked in the corner of the great hall while everyone disbursed after breaking their fast.

"Aye, uncle. How is Aiden this morn?" She had stopped by to see him earlier but he was in bed asleep. She hadn't wanted to disturb him.

"I've not talked to the lad yet today. He was resting when I dropped in." He lowered his voice. "I wanted to talk to you about MacLeod."

Mo chreach! She'd been expecting this since yesterday morn, when her uncle had come to her room and found Torrin answering her door.

"Let's go into the library," he suggested.

"Aye." She gave a mock smile and proceeded into the room, lit by morning sunlight. He was no doubt thinking she was a harlot, but what could she do about that now? He'd practically caught them in bed together.