Page 30 of The Highlander’s Iron Hold

CHAPTER NINE

As Colin led her back toward the horses, anger warred with something dangerously close to pleasure in his chest.

The foolish lass could have been taken by any of the Fraser if they'd happened on her.

But underneath his fury lay the undeniable satisfaction that she'd come looking for him. That she'd been jealous enough to risk her safety suggested feelings she mightn't yet even have admitted to herself. Feelings he wasn't sure would remain when she found out the true nature of his alliance with her father.

"I'll take Lady Armstrong back," he told his men curtly. "Continue the patrol and report back at sunset."

"Aye, me laird." The soldiers nodded, though Colin caught the meaningful looks they exchanged.

As they mounted their horses, Colin found himself studying Morag's profile. Her cheeks were still flushed from their encounter, and she kept stealing glances at him when she thought he wasn't looking. The sight stirred something protective and possessive in him that he was finding increasingly difficult to ignore.

"There's something I'd like tae show ye," he said impulsively as they rode through a grove of ancient oaks. "A place that's... special tae me."

Morag raised an eyebrow, her lips quirking into a teasing smile. "Special? I thought everything was just strategic positions and defensive advantages fer the Iron Laird."

Colin felt heat creep up his neck. "I'm not like that, despite what people say."

"Could have fooled me," Morag replied, though her tone was lighter than her words. "What kind of special? Secret weapon cache? Hidden watchtower? Meeting place fer yer spies?"

"Ye have a very low opinion of me pastimes," Colin said dryly, leading her off the main path. "What would ye guess if I told ye it involves water?"

"A moat filled with hungry pike?" Morag suggested with mock seriousness. "Or perhaps a loch where ye practice underwater sword fighting?"

Despite himself, Colin chuckled. "Underwater sword fighting?"

"Well, it would explain why ye're so good at defeating yer enemies," she said, batting her eyelashes innocently. "Secret training methods of the Iron Laird."

"Ye're never going tae let me forget that name, are ye?" Colin asked, following a barely visible trail that wound between moss-covered stones and through patches of wild heather.

"Why should I? It suits ye perfectly when ye're being particularly stubborn and commanding," Morag said, then paused thoughtfully. "Though I suppose iron can be shaped when heated properly."

Colin glanced at her sideways. "Are ye suggesting I need heating?"

"I'm suggesting that even the hardest metals can be transformed with the right touch," she replied, her cheeks flushing slightly at the implication.

The sound of rushing water grew louder as they approached a secluded glen hidden behind a curtain of willows. "We're almost there," Colin said, suddenly feeling nervous about sharing this place with her. "But ye have tae promise nae tae laugh."

"Why would I laugh?" Morag asked, genuine curiosity replacing her teasing tone.

"Because it's not very... laird-like," Colin admitted. "It's just peaceful. Beautiful. Nae strategic or defensive or practical."

"Ah," Morag said softly, understanding dawning in her voice. "So the Iron Laird daes have a weakness fer beauty."

Morag gasped as they emerged into the clearing. " Oh, ‘tis beautiful."

The waterfall cascaded down smooth granite rocks into a crystal-clear pool, surrounded by emerald grass and wildflowers. Sunlight filtered through the canopy above, creating dancing patterns of light on the water's surface.

Colin dismounted and helped Morag down, acutely aware of how she fit against him for that brief moment. "I used tae come here as a lad when I needed tae think," he said, surprised by his own admission. He'd never brought anyone there before.

"And what terrible thoughts required such a beautiful place tae think them?" Morag asked gently, her teasing manner softening into something warmer.

"Usually how tae avoid me tutors," Colin said with a rueful smile. "Or wondering why me faither always looked so tired. Sometimes just... wondering what it would be like tae be someone else."

"Someone without a clan tae lead and people depending on them?" Morag guessed.

"Aye. Someone who could spend all day by a waterfall without worrying about grain stores and border patrols and marriage alliances." He paused, then looked at her directly. "What about ye? Did ye have a place like this growing up?"