Page 369 of Wicked Highland Heroes

The clatter of a bowl hitting the floor brought everyone’s attention to the corner where the lass snatched the offending item from where it had landed. Iain shot her a quelling look before returning his attention to Samuel.

“There have been plenty of opportunities over the years for you to find a lass to replace Kayleigh.”

Samuel looked around the room. “There are plenty of women here tonight. Seems only fair they should have an opportunity to choose.”

Iain didn’t bother to glance at the women he knew were familiar with the old man’s ritual of finding a substitute for the daughter he sorely missed. “Be my guest. Ask away. Any who wish to leave, have my blessing.”

With a loud show of clearing his throat, Samuel straightened. “Listen, lasses. I offer the protection of the Menzies clan. Come with me and you will want for nothing.”

The room was silent for a moment before one voice spoke up. “Any woman?”

Iain shot to his feet as the owner of the voice stepped forward. Samuel’s gaze fixed on the lass as she stepped from behind the table back to Iain.

“I find this offer interesting,” she said, elbowing her way past the women and coming to stand next to Samuel.

“Lass,” Iain thundered, “you have no idea what you are doing. Sit down and be quiet.”

She shook her head. “You said any woman who wished to leave had your blessing.”

“Any woman but you.”

“That is not what you said.”

“You know full well you cannot leave.” Iain’s raised voice quieted the voices that had grown louder.

“What the devil?” Samuel walked around

Victoria, surveying her with a critical eye. “You are

Sassenach.”

“And she cannot leave,” Iain confirmed again.

Samuel’s eyes narrowed on Iain. “Eh, and why not? She is right. You did say any woman could leave, and with your blessing, no less.”

“Any but this one,” Iain growled. “Do not try me on this, Samuel. Up until now the game has been in fun, but this woman stays.”

“Why?”

“Because she is mine.”

“Yours?” Samuel split a doubtful look between the two of them, then said, “Ahh, a tasty wench, is she?” He nodded. “Well, I suppose if she already

belongs to you…”

“But I do not.”

Her objection came in such a reasonable tone, Iain could only stare.

“But Iain has said you do,” Samuel said.

“’Tis only his delusion,” she said. “I do not belong to him. Oh, aye, he stole me and thinks that gives him ownership, but…” she shrugged.

Samuel’s dumbfounded gaze swung to Iain. “You stole her?”

“She is a guest,” Iain said between clenched teeth.

“Guests can come and go as they please,” she interjected.