Highland Revenge

Author: Golden Brandy

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Highland Revenge by Brandy Golden

Newsite Web Services Publishing www.disciplineanddesire.com

Copyright ©2008 by Brandy Golden First published in 2008, 2008 NOTICE: This eBook is licensed to the original purchaser only. Duplication or distribution to any person via email, floppy disk, network, print out, or any other means is a violation of International copyright law and subjects the violator to severe fines and/or imprisonment. This notice overrides the Adobe Reader permissions which are erroneous. This eBook cannot be legally lent or given to others. This eBook is displayed using 100% recycled electrons.

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Highland Revenge by Brandy Golden

CONTENTS Prologue Chapter One Chapter Two Chapter Three Chapter Four Chapter Five Chapter Six Chapter Seven Chapter Eight Chapter Nine Chapter Ten ****

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Highland Revenge By Brandy Golden A Newsite Web Services Book Published by arrangement with the author All rights reserved. Copyright 2008 © by Brandy Golden This book may not be reproduced in whole or part, by mimeograph or any other means, without permission of the author or Newsite Web Services, LLC Published by Newsite Web Services, LLC P.O. Box 1286, Loganville, Georgia 30052 USA [email protected] disciplineanddesire.com 4

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Prologue Scotland 1724 "Nay! I will NOT marry the old Laird of Brincairn. I refuse!" Eileen was pale and trembling, unable to believe Canton would actually do this to her. "He must be forty years old!" "Ye will," replied Canton, her half brother. His cold blue eyes seemed to slice her to ribbons and indeed, Eileen felt cut to the heart. "Ye've been unwed for far too long, Eileen, and the oath has already been sworn between me and the Laird. The wedding will take place in three days, prepare yourself." "But ... but he is an old man! Why would ye do this to me?" "Take heart," he sneered, the moustache on his cruel lips lifting on one side. "The Laird is ill and no one knows how long he will last. When he croaks, ye will be a rich woman." His eyes gleamed with avarice, his ebony hair pulled straight back from a low forehead, creating an almost brutish look. He studied her without compassion, feeling no remorse for what he was doing. Eileen knew it was useless to plead anymore, they had been arguing for the last half hour already. "I'll never forgive ye for doing this to me, Canton," she said finally. "I'll see ye in hell before then." Her deep purple eyes flashed at him. "If Morg were here, he would not make me do this!" Canton's face went red with rage, and he struck out with a long arm, slashing her across the face with the back of his 5

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hand. "Ye will not mention my cowardly half brother in this house: I've already told ye that." Eileen gasped and put her hand to her reddened cheek, realizing she was only driving him more insane with the mention of Morg. He was wildly jealous of her full-blooded brother, even though he had been gone for several years now. Canton and their greedy Uncle Roger had cheated Morg out of his inheritance. With a sob, she turned and ran across the stone floor of the main hall of the castle, and up the broad stone staircase to her room. Once inside, she threw herself on the beautifully embroidered coverlet in a fit of weeping. "Where are ye, Morg?" She groaned, wishing helplessly once again that he had taken her with him when he left. But he had left alone, angry because she had saved his life and made him look small in the eyes of the clansman. He had left like a whipped cur, not even considering her feelings. Shaking off her clutching hands, and ignoring her pleading tears, he had stridden out, vowing to return someday and claim his rightful place. That had been 4 years ago. Eileen beat her small fists furiously against the coverlet, kicking her feet up and down in the soft leather shoes. Finally, when she could cry no more, she wearily got up and flipped her long wheat colored braid behind her head so she could dab some cool water from the bedside pitcher on her hot face. Depressed, she walked to the window and stared out across the moors where the fog was beginning to roll in. She shivered and ran her hands up and down the backs of her 6

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slender arms. As she stood there in the deepening twilight, she made another vow. "I swear on our mother's grave, Morgan Macalister, if you don't save me from this fate, I'll never forgive ye either ... not even with the last breath I take." Her eye's burned with impotent fury and anguish, and she determined to shed no more tears. She began to plan ... she would get away. She would go and find Morg, and Canton would not be able force this upon her. In spite of her plans, however, her wedding night came three days later, and she faced the ailing and aging man who had become her husband. Eileen shuddered with the knowledge that soon his gnarled old hands would be upon her young tender flesh, demanding his husbandly rights. She bravely faced him, determined not to let him daunt her as his eyes swept from the tip of her bare toes up her body, lingering on each curve of her naked form, inspecting it as one might inspect a prize horse, or cow. When his dark eyes finally fastened on hers, she saw no lust there, only hatred. She raised her chin defiantly, not understanding, but determined that he would not break her spirit whilst he claimed her flesh. He stared at her for so long that she started visibly when he finally spoke. "Ye appear to be in fine physical health, although your hips are fairly slender for birthing. For your sake, let's hope your brother has not cheated me with my purchase." "Purchase?"

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"Aye, ye didn't think I was in love with ye? I agreed to marry you so I could have an heir. Gallagher will pay for leaving me!" The old man's eyes gleamed maniacally, and Eileen shrank back, not understanding what he was talking about. She knew Gallagher was his only son, the one whose mother had died a few years ago. He shook his fist at her suddenly, his anger flaring up. "Are ye stupid, wench? I married ye with the agreement of gold to refill the coffers of Castle McKenna, and twas a pretty price I paid. If ye can't produce a child to take my place, I will have been robbed!" Anger and resentment surged through her then, her lip curled in scorn as she drew herself up. "That would be a shame wouldn't it? Mayhap you should have given more thought to your age affecting reproduction than my lack of ability," she mocked. She seethed with the knowledge that Canton had sold her. Sold her! If she could defeat both their purposes, it would give her great satisfaction. "Aye, it would indeed, however ... I intend to remedy that. Get to the bed!" He pointed a knotted and trembling finger towards the bed, and Eileen's heart sank. Apparently, he was going to try, whether he could be sure of success or not. She hesitated, glancing from the bed to the door. "Don't bother to run: there are guards outside in the hall, and they would just bring ye back. There's nowhere to run. Now do as ye are told!" He pointed to the bed again, and 8

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Eileen reluctantly went to the huge blocked bed and sat down on it. "Turn the coverlet back and lay down on the sheets ... on your back. Ye had best be a virgin, lass. I paid extra for that." Burning with humiliation and shock, she did as she was bid and then lay down on the crisp sheets and sank back against the pillows. When he reached up and doused the flickering lights, the room was cast into total darkness. Although it was summer and the evening light lingered longer than normal, the heavy brocade draperies had been pulled across the windows, blocking out the light. She heard the door open, and a slice of light shone through, then it was quickly closed. She had little time to puzzle over that occurrence, for she heard the sound of clothes being shed and metal clanking on the stone floor. She shivered in fear and dread as she heard muffled footsteps coming towards the bed. Eileen had never been with a man before, and she was frightened, terrified, suddenly—the darkness was suffocating to her! Abruptly, she was pressed down onto the bed, his body lying partially on top of hers, and a calloused hand painfully squeezed her breast, making her cry out. She felt hard warm flesh against hers, and his rough palm slid down her body, his breath coming faster. She turned her face to the side, not wanting him to kiss her, and she felt his probing fingers parting her thighs. They left her for a moment, and when they returned, a thick creamy substance was applied to her feminine center, the fingers then slipping inside her. 9

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Eileen tried to close her thighs against the intrusion, but his heavy leg was between hers, and she couldn't stop his invasion. Please let this be over! She prayed silently as the tears trickled from beneath her dark lashes. This wasn't supposed to be how her wedding night should go, and she mourned the loss of something she would never have, the gentle, loving introduction to the loss of innocence. She gasped when he moved over her then, forcing his lower body between her soft thighs; she felt his male shaft probing her. She panicked and began to fight, trying to scratch his face with her fingernails. "Lie still," he whispered hoarsely, "just lie still, lass, and it will all be over in a minute." With a harsh thrust, he rammed into her, breaking past the virginal barrier and rushing on, not even giving her time to adjust to the thickness of him. A strangled scream escaped her lips, and she moaned in pain. In less than a minute, it was over, and his weight was lifted from her, leaving her sobbing and hurting, unable to close her trembling legs. She was so distraught that she didn't even notice the soft lighting returning to the room until she felt a hand on her thigh. Opening her eyes, she turned her head slowly to meet his harsh gaze before it moved down her body, a satisfied grunt escaping his lips at the sight of the blood spots beneath her. "At least I know ye were a virgin," he said gruffly, his eye's conveying no sympathy. "Now let's hope ye can conceive." 10

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He turned his back to her and limped slowly towards the door, and it was then that Eileen realized it hadn't been her husband who had deflowered her. "Ye are a bastard," she hissed through pain twisted lips. His dark eyes were cold as he looked back at her. "Aye, lass ... among other things. Ye would do well to remember that." One year later, the Laird of the clan Brincairn, the fierce Donald Brincairn, held his three-month-old son above the castle parapet in his trembling hands and made a declaration to the clansmen. "This is my son ... Soren Brincairn ... my one and only heir to all that is mine. I disown and disinherit Gallagher Brincairn and pronounce him an outcast of Castle McCrae and Brincairn lands." When he began a fit of coughing, Jamie came forward and took the baby, handing him back to his mother. Eileen accepted her son into her arms and gently shushed him as she looked out over the crowd. Her face was as white as death, and her deep purple eyes burned with unshed tears, yet she lifted her chin defiantly. She would get even with Canton and the Laird one day ... she would have revenge for the humiliation and degradation she had been put through. Foiling their plans would bring her great joy and satisfaction, and best all ... no man would ever use her again! As Jamie slowly walked the frail and wheezing old man back inside, Eileen followed, her face a frozen mask. The old Laird stopped and turned, his dark eyes going to the babe in her arms, and then they lifted slowly to her face. 11

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The gleam of stubbornness and revenge lent an extra glow about his paper frail face, a maniacal satisfaction in having had the last word. "Ye will not leave this castle. If ye do, the babe will be kept from ye." "Ye are a bastard," hissed Eileen impotently, her fury recklessly spilling over. Even as the old man neared death, he still held her in his grasp. "So ye have said, many times over," he cackled sardonically, "but ye have had the best of everything I could give ye this last year. I've not treated ye too unkindly have I?" Eileen studied him closely, looking for signs of duplicity. Cold wrath burned inside her, yet she realized he meant what he said. Women were to be moved about and used as needed; their feelings didn't mean anything. They were just pawns in men's masculine endeavors and should accept their dictates without question. "Looking for absolution are ye?" she scoffed, refusing to give him a trickle of credit, "now that death is upon ye?" "Nay, lass," he replied flatly. "Just the assurance that what I have decreed will be carried out. Jamie will see to it that the babe stays here, to be raised to his inheritance and status in life. Ye are free to go if ye wish; I'm finished with ye." Eileen trembled with the force of her frustrated rage, but knew there was little she could do. There was nowhere to go, no place to hide, and her son did deserve his honors. At least the old curmudgeon owed her that. "Oh, I'll stay ... ye can rest assured of that. My son will have what is due him. It's the least he deserves for the 12

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manner in which ye brought him into this world, without his own father to know him." "Be silent!" The Laird shook with anger, and he reached out to backhand Eileen, but he collapsed into a fit of coughing, his face turning mottled. Jamie sent her a warning glance, but Eileen didn't care. "At least, ye have no control over what I do with my knowledge once ye are gone," she mocked, feeling no pity for him whatsoever. "I'll raise my son to hate ye, to be a curse on your name, and I will rule the Brincairn clan myself!" The Laird gargled with fury, trying to get his breath. He fell to his knees, despite Jamie trying to hold him up, and unexpectedly he went limp, the raspy breath halting abruptly in the quiet of the room. Jamie knelt down beside the old man and put his hand on his throat; then he looked quietly up at Eileen. "He is dead." Soren chose that moment to erupt in baby screams, and Eileen's numbed heart echoed his sentiments. She knelt down on the other side of the fallen Laird; her eyes burning into Jamie's concerned brown ones. "I want to know everything ... and I mean ... everything!" [Back to Table of Contents]

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Chapter One Eileen slowed the golden palomino to a walk, listening to three-year-old Soren chattering in delight in front of her in the saddle. She laughed as he leaned forward to pat the horse's beautiful neck, and she held onto his shirttail to keep him from sliding off. "He is a delight, Milady, no doubt about that. Soon, ye will be needing to get him his own pony." Melba watched her young charge, her mouth crinkling up into a smile at the bonny, golden haired mother and her son. She had been with Eileen from her birth, caring for her, and seeing to her needs after the child's parents had been killed when Eileen was but twelve years old. She had also been there the day young Morgan had lost his fight for the inheritance of The McAlester to the evil Canton and his Uncle Roger. If only Morgan Mathias had stayed around, he might have found a way to depose Canton, but he hadn't. She wondered what would happen when he did return and found his own sister ruling the McAlester clan and Castle McKenna? "Aye, Melba," replied Eileen. She smiled warmly at the older woman, her smile like a bit of sunshine peeking through the fog on the highland crests. Her smile faded, and grim determination settled across her lovely features as she spied Jamie Brincairn making his way towards them. Jamie smiled and waved at Eileen, his gentle features masking his intense pleasure at the sight of her. She was 14

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indeed, a lady of high quality, and she sat the golden palomino proudly, her beautiful cranberry and green tartan skirts falling in folds around her legs as she sat sidesaddle. It was hard to believe such grace could change into a hard fighter, a fierce leader, determined to shake Canton loose from Castle McKenna and reclaim her birthplace under the Brincairn clan name. But that was her intent, and it was his pleasure, and Dungally's, to help do so. She had been training with Dungally for the last four years in order to achieve just that, while Jamie had been in correspondence with the King. If he couldn't have Eileen for himself, then he would do the next best thing. His Uncle, the old Laird of Brincairn had much to answer for, and Jamie felt guilty everyday for his part in the old man's schemes to use Eileen. Eileen had forgiven him, though, knowing he hadn't had much choice. If he had not gone along with Donald Brincairn's plans, he and his gentle mother would have been booted out with nowhere to go. Still, his gut twisted in memory of what she had been forced to endure at the hand of the cruel Laird. "It is time," he said, his soft brown eyes burning into her own purple ones as he halted his dancing mount before the trio. Eileen nodded in return, excitement reflecting in her own eyes. "Aye, tis time." Nothing more was said as they turned and headed back to Castle McCrae, each lost in their own thoughts. Jamie's thoughts went to his gentle mother whom he had been determined to protect at all costs. She was the first Lady 15

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Brincairn's sister, and she lived in a small cottage off the back of the castle lands, dependent upon her brother-n-law, Donald Brincairn for support. Pregnant out of wedlock, she had been disowned by her family, all except for the gentle Lady Amelia Brincairn, Gallagher's mother. The Laird of Brincairn had agreed to give her sister shelter in return for Lady Amelia's cooperation in marrying him. It had been a richly rewarding marriage for Donald Brincairn, one that had brought him a handsome dowry, including the son she had borne him. When Gallagher had left home after Lady Amelia's death, Donald Brincairn had gone mad. Jamie shook off the morose thoughts as they approached the Castle. No point in dwelling on the past. It was over and done. All they could do was look forward to the future, and the time when Gallagher would return, for Jamie knew he would. He glanced sideways at Eileen. The current Lady Brincairn would not like it when that happened, but he and Dungally had determined to do what was best for her ... at least what they thought was best. Dungally was waiting for them. He held his great grizzled head proudly on his broad shoulders, the Brincairn colors of cranberry and green falling across his powerful thighs as he stood there, holding the reins of his stout black mount. The men were ready as well ... ready to follow the Lady Brincairn and Dungally, ready to avenge their mistress and support the clan. Dungally knew what had been done to Eileen, and he had taken her under his strong arm these past three years and helped to turn her into a fierce Scottish fighting lass, ready 16

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for battle against her half brother. There was little he could do in her battle against her own demons, created by Donald Brincairn; only time would battle those. But he and Jamie had done what they could, with the Kings help. They had tried to put things right should Gallagher ever return to claim his place. The old Laird would not get away completely with his evil mischief, not if Dungally and Jamie could thwart him. Eileen kissed Soren and held him tight while his little hand patted her soft cheek. Then she handed him to Melba. "Take good care of him, Melba," she said gruffly. "I'll be back." She smiled when his small pudgy hand waved at her, his cherubic little lips pursing in a kiss for her. The wind softly ruffled his golden curls, and she waved back at him. "Good bye, Mama," Soren called enthusiastically, then sank back into the safety of Melba's loving arms, knowing his mother would return for him. She always came back. Eileen fell in between Dungally and Jamie, and the trio whirled their mounts towards the sea ... and Castle McKenna. The clan fell in behind them, each man fierce and determined to win, each carrying their shield with the lion crest. It was the Brincairn crest, symbolizing the devouring of all who stood in its way. Before the week was out, Castle McKenna would belong to the Brincairn clan and Canton would be defeated! **** "There she is, Kat ... Castle McKenna." Morgan Mathias McAlester proudly pointed up to the castle perched on the rocks above the ocean cliff. It gleamed in the warm sunlight, 17

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its walls giving off a yellowing hue as the men put their backs into the launches heading for the beach. As they came closer, Katherine Fontaine McAlester could see the profusion of wild flowers running like bright trails and periodic clumps along the sweep to the beach, thinning as they reached the edge of the rocky loch that emptied into the sea. "It is wild and beautiful," she murmured to her husband. "Aye, it is indeed," agreed Gallagher Brincairn, staring hungrily at the sight before him. Home! At last, he was coming home! Although his home was several miles beyond the soft yellow keep of Castle McKenna, they were going to be on Scottish soil in a few moments. Throwing in with Morg in his plan to depose Canton McAlester had been too much to resist, and Gallagher had left the seafaring pirate's life to reclaim his own inheritance. Serving aboard the Nemesis, under Jacques LaSalle, had been a learning experience ... one that turned him from a boy to a man. The wind lifted his dark hair away from his proud forehead, the light sheen of moisture drying in the sea breeze as his smoky eyes scanned the shoreline eagerly. Briefly, he wondered if the old man had softened any while he was away. He doubted it, but time and distance had mellowed his own feelings, and he was ready for reconciliation. His cousin Jamie had insisted that he come back before his father did something foolish, but Gallagher had ignored him. That missive was tucked into the secret pocket inside his vest, but it was four years old. It had taken that long, and more, for Gallagher's own feelings to soften. 18

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He had left home at sixteen and was now twenty-five. It had been a long nine years. Those years of bitterness, and pain of betrayal, had left their mark on him. Yet he knew it was time to return ... time to take his rightful place as Laird of Brincairn, ruler of the clan Brincairn and Laird of Castle McCrae. Donald Brincairn had been old before his time when Gallagher had left; Gallagher had no reason to believe he was any better now. He might even be dead for all he knew, and if he were, then his cousin Jamie would be watching things in his absence. His lips thinned in a grimace of disgust, remembering the old man's harsh words about his mother after her early death. "She was just a woman, lad ... weak and sickly. Ye are better off without her." Gallagher had been sixteen when his frail mother had died, consumption of the lungs taking her breath away. He had been old enough to realize there was no love between his father and his mother, and he believed his father had helped her to an early grave by not caring for her properly. The argument had been bitter and fierce, and Gallagher had decided he couldn't stand to be around his cold and callous father any longer. The old man had told him that if he left, he would never be welcome in Castle McCrae again, and that he would be disowned. Gallagher had left, bitter and disillusioned. His stormy gray eyes no longer saw the windswept rocky shore ... instead he saw his mother's face. "Ye must seek real love one day, my son. I never had the privilege, but if ye stay 19

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here, ye will never find it. Go ... go out into the world and discover a different place ... one where there can be beauty and love. There is no love here in Castle McCrae ... there never will be as long as Donald Brincairn rules." "Gallagher! Wake up, lad!" Morg's urgent command brought Gallagher back to the present, and he looked up, startled at the tone in Morg's voice. "The castle is under attack ... and they are flying the lion flags of the Brincairn clan!" Morg signaled the ships and launch boats began dropping off The Queen, The Princess and The Rabbit, freshly anchored in the loch. Men dropped into them from the decks of the ships, filling them up and sending them racing towards the shore. They had come prepared for battle, and it looked as if someone was beating them to it! Gallagher was stunned. What was his father up to now? "Aye, I see that Morg, the question is, why? "I have no idea, but it's time to break it up," he replied, and began barking orders. "Pete ... when I give the signal, send a cannon volley into the cliffs! Let's get the attention of both clans!" Morg sent Pete back to the ships to carry out his orders. With five hundred pirates behind them, Morg, Kat and Gallagher led the charge up the hillsides towards the fighting clans. Morg paused at the top of the ridge and flashed his broadsword in the sun. A cannonade of explosions landed along the hillsides, bursting over the sounds of men at arms and sending dirt and rocks high into the air. [Back to Table of Contents] 20

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Chapter Two Canton's cold blue eyes studied his half sister standing before him, her sword at his throat. The Brincairn clan had come upon the castle unexpectedly, and he hadn't been prepared. He had never dreamed that his young half sister would have the nerve to actually attack him, although he had been warned it might be coming. The bitterness of defeat was like bile in his throat, yet he refused to bow out gracefully. "What are ye going to do? Kill me in cold blood?" His voice held the sardonic humor of a man who knew his enemy. He knew she couldn't kill him, no matter what had happened in the past. She was a woman; she didn't have the gall and courage it took to kill a man. He, on the other hand, had no such qualms—something his Uncle Roger had learned the hard way. "Nay," replied Eileen in disgust. She removed her sword, yet stood at the ready. "Castle McKenna is now mine. I put her under ownership of the Brincairn clan ... for now. It won't be long before my clan defeats yours, and it will all be over," she mocked. "The McAlester clan is your clan too, or had you forgotten?" "Of course, I haven't forgotten, that's why I thought it best to remove you from leadership. I'll be a much better leader ... of both clans." She smiled silkily at him, enjoying his discomfort. 21

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"Women can't run clans," he retorted, his face mottling with anger. The silly chit didn't know what she was up against. No one but him would ever rule the McAlesters while he was alive. She might have the upper hand now, but it wouldn't always be so. "Canton, anyone can run the clan better than you can, you've nearly depleted the coffers of Castle McKenna twice over now." She smiled triumphantly when he cast her a startled glance. "Yes, I know that you sold me as a breeding mare to the old Laird. I also know you've managed to go through everything you were paid for me." They were both startled at the sound of cannon fire echoing through the Castle. "Take him," commanded Eileen. Two burly Scots stepped forward and dragged Canton after her as she strode to the front doors of Castle McKenna and flung them open wide, gaping at the incredulous sight before her. Everywhere, men had stopped fighting and were staring in astonishment as hordes of what looked like pirates began swarming into the fray, their broadswords at the ready. No one challenged them though; they all gaped instead. Eileen stared as the pirates took up strategic positions with just a command from a huge blonde leader, whose hair was drawn back into a ponytail. He seemed familiar. Morg! It was Morg! Her heart leapt into her throat at the sight of her brother, but she pushed the joy she felt back down. He didn't deserve a welcome from her. Her eyes narrowed as she took in the small red-haired woman on one side of him, and the 22

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handsome, bold pirate with flashing gray eyes on the other side. "Gallagher!" exclaimed Jamie in delight. It was good to see his cousin, even if apprehension lurked in the back of his mind. Things were going to change, though, something Jamie looked forward to and dreaded at the same time. "Aye, and Morgan," added Canton bitterly. "I'd recognize that cocky arrogance anywhere." The trio came to a halt in front of Eileen and Jamie. Morg's green eyes were flashing in the brilliant evening sunlight. They tapered to slits as he recognized the features of his sister, although the woman's body didn't match the girl he had left. Neither did the cold look of scorn on her now womanly features. Men from both clans gathered around, their fight forgotten in the drama unfolding before them. "What's going on, Jamie, why are ye attacking the McAlester clan?" Gallagher stepped forward, dragging his gaze from the strikingly beautiful blonde woman in favor of his cousin. Eileen stepped proudly in front of the handsome pirate, her purple eyes flashing daggers. "It is I who am attacking; I'm taking over Castle McKenna," she said contemptuously. She tossed her head arrogantly. "As leader of the Brincairn clan, I claim this Castle. "Leader of the Brincairn clan?" Gallagher was aghast. What in the world had happened in his absence? Donald Brincairn must be dead, or else no woman would dare claim to rule the 23

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Brincairn clan! But who was she? His lips tightened as he scanned her comely figure. Morg stepped forward, solving the puzzle. "Ye can't claim what is already ours, lass. Ye are a McAlester." He looked puzzled and his voice dropped. "Leeni, what is going on?" His eyes softened as his soft burr whirred over his childhood nickname for his sister. "Nay, I'm a Brincairn now," she responded bitterly, "thanks to dear Canton here." She stared at Morg in tacit anger, her heart wanting to embrace him, but the hurt of the past four years holding her back, freezing her in place. He had let her down. "And with no thanks to you," she added fiercely, lifting her sword to his heart. "Ye had best remove that sword, Leeni," warned Morg, from low in his throat. "Or I'll have to take it away from ye, and ye won't like the consequences." He didn't know what was going on here, but he didn't like the hardness on Leeni's face. She wasn't the little sister he remembered, but a cold and seemingly vinegary woman. "Eileen, I'm pleased to meet you," chimed in Kat, understanding the tone in Morg's voice all too well. "I'm Kat, Morg's wife." She smiled encouragingly at Morg's sister, her warning green eyes willing the younger girl to meet her halfway as she stepped up and held out her hand. Kat recognized the despair and anger behind Eileen's tones and knew that Morg's absence must have hurt her deeply. She was no stranger to those emotions herself ... but someone needed to diffuse what was quickly becoming a volatile situation. She breathed a small sigh of relief when 24

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Eileen reluctantly lowered her sword and allowed Kat to take her hand. **** Gallagher paced the floor of the castle library; incredulous at the things Jamie was telling him. "He married Morg's sister? And produced an heir to disinherit me? I can hardly believe this, Jamie! That would make her my ... stepmother!" He grimaced with distaste. Nothing on God's earth would ever make him see the beautiful girl, five years his younger, as a stepmother. He couldn't deny the impact she had made on him with a single flash of those glorious eyes. Never had he seen such eyes as those in all his travels. Had the old man totally lost his mind? Jamie nodded warily, envious of the power that emanated from his cousin. Gallagher had grown up with a vengeance and was no longer the lad that had left nine years ago. "Aye, that it would." "How is it that she rules the clan? And why does Dungally allow it?" Gallagher stopped pacing and pinned him in an uncomfortable stare, his masculine aura overpowering the stature of his cousin. Jamie was not the same muscular, arrogant build of Gallagher, and he felt at a distinct disadvantage, but he tried to answer the questions that came hard and fast. They were interrupted by a knock at the door, and Jamie opened it. Dungally stood there, his graying head nodding at Gallagher as he stepped into the room. "Welcome back, lad. Tis good to see ye." 25

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Gallagher took the proffered meaty paw and felt the other clap onto his shoulder. "It's good to be back, Dungally, although things seem to be a mess." He surveyed the giant of a man fondly. "Aye," he agreed, "there have been many changes since ye left." He eyed the younger man in return, his blue eyes appraising the changes time had wrought. Physically and mentally, Gallagher had the makings of a Brincairn, a man who knew how to lead. He was just what the clan was in sore need of. "How is it that ye honor my ... stepmother's claim to the clan?" Gallagher's tongue slid over the words like a bad taste in his mouth. The older man's lips tightened at his words, but he showed little other emotion. "She was the Laird's wife, and the bairn is too wee yet. She claimed her right by clan law to be the leader until the bairn is old enough, or until she takes a husband." "And if I choose to take my rightful place, will ye honor it?" Dungally stroked his graying beard thoughtfully. "I've been giving it some thought these last few years whilst the lass has been in charge. Jamie and I figured ye would return eventually, and we made a decision as to what should be done to put things right, without breaking the old Laird's decrees." Jamie watched Gallagher warily. He knew his cousin wasn't going to like this. What man would ... in his place? Although Jamie would like to be in his place, he didn't have the temperament for handling Eileen. She was far too bold and 26

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arrogant for the likes of him. He could never handle her, and she would never respect him otherwise. Both he and Dungally had discussed it at length and both agreed. Eileen needed a strong man, and Jamie was not that man. "And?" "And we've decided ye need to wed the lass." "Wed her?" Gallagher stared at them both in dismay. "It's against the law!" He rubbed his chin thoughtfully, realizing he didn't find the idea itself totally abhorrent. "Yes, Gallagher, but not if the King okays it," Jamie replied carefully. "In order to meet the clan laws and thwart Donald Brincairn's decree, only her husband can rightfully take over as clan leader. And by law, what's hers would then be yours. So, you would have your inheritance and status back, and all would be restored to its proper place." "But ... that would make me a stepfather to my own half brother! Tis unheard of!" Jamie and Dungally glanced at each other. "The child is NOT the Laird's," Jamie finally admitted. Gallagher started in surprise. "Then whose is it?" His face grimaced in disgust. "Are ye saying my father is trying to foist a bastard off as the heir to the Clan Brincairn? By the Gods, I won't allow it!" Dungally's visage grew stern and foreboding. "The bairn's sire is of no concern at this time. Lady Eileen will divulge that in her own time, if she chooses. I won't have her or the bairn harmed through no fault of her own. She is a good lass, and will make ye a fine wife." 27

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"Dungally, ye surely cannot expect me to wed an unfaithful woman?" Gallagher was angry and confused. "She was not unfaithful, Gallagher," replied Jamie. Seeing the confusion in his cousin's gray eyes, he added. "She was forced." "By who?" Gallagher's protective instincts screamed in protest at the idea of the beautiful girl being forced against her will. "That, we cannot divulge." Gallagher's quick mind began to pick up the unspoken words. "But my father knew ... didn't he?" Jamie flushed scarlet. "Aye," he said at last, heavy regret in his voice. "He knew." "The bastard," hissed Gallagher. "So he took the bairn as his own and put him forth to displace me." Gallagher began pacing furiously. "And she has continued the charade, thinking to put her bastard son in my place? How can ye approve of this, Dungally?" He stopped in front of the big man, confusion and fury distorting his face. "The Lady Eileen has done no wrong," protested Jamie. "If the truth were to come out, she would be shamed and shunned, as well as her son." He rounded on Gallagher, his soft brown eyes blazing. "If ye try to hurt her by divulging this information, we will deny we ever told you," he said angrily. "Twould be your word against ours." "Gallagher, ye are a good lad ... have faith in us ... and in the Lady Eileen. All will be as it should if ye wed the lass." Dungally appealed to Gallagher, trusting they had done the right thing in telling him the truth. 28

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Gallagher stared hard at the two men in front him, until at last he sighed and relented. He couldn't, in good conscious, go against the lass. It didn't feel right. Why, he wasn't sure, he just knew he couldn't do it. "What makes ye think the lass will agree to marry me?" "Most likely she won't," replied Dungally heavily. "But we've got all the cards, including the King's permission. It's up to ye to play them so that she'll come around." "And if she doesn't?" Gallagher folded his powerful arms across his broad chest and lifted an eyebrow. "It seems to me that the Lady Eileen is quite a spirited lass. She might run me through with her sword rather than accept a marriage proposal." "Well, then ... ye take her over your knee and put her in her place," replied Dungally, his faded blue eyes twinkling. Gallagher finally exploded in frustration, finding himself liking the idea of the shapely lass over his lap in spite of his reservations. "Just what are you getting me into, Dungally? An unwilling wife, a bastard for a son ... what the hell has my father been up to here?" "Trust me, Gallagher. I've never steered ye wrong before," he replied soothingly. "The lass is a good girl, and she'll make ye a fine wife." "Maybe so, I guess time will tell," responded Gallagher, running his hands through his dark hair. "It's not like I have a lot of choice now, is it?" He strode to the window and looked out over the rocky cliffs off the shore, the ocean in the distance. 29

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A man could do worse than Eileen McAlester Brincairn, and he had great respect for Morgan McAlester. He could not willingly shame his sister. Something wasn't adding up, though, and he knew Dungally and Jamie were probably hiding something from him. However, he had a few ideas of his own on how to get his inheritance back. He didn't intend to stay wed to a woman he didn't love, and who didn't love him. He was a practical Scotsman, but he knew his mother had wanted better for him. She had wanted him to find real love, and he wanted to honor her memory. That is, if real love were out there to be found. **** "Maybe I'll restore you as the Laird of Castle McKenna ... if it pleases me," said Eileen, reaching for the grapes on the sideboard. She leaned against it, deceptively lazy as she studied the changes in her brother and popped the fruit in her mouth. Morg walked over and looked down at her, inspecting her face carefully, searching for signs of the twelve year old he had left behind. With a pang of regret, he realized she was gone. What had he done by leaving her behind? And yet, the sea had been no place for a young girl to grow up. Better to have left her with Uncle Roger and Canton, as he had decided long ago. "I'm not waiting for your blessing, Leeni. I came prepared to take over the castle, as ye can see. If I have to, I'll take 30

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her from ye." His even white teeth gleamed in his tanned face as he smiled gently down at her. Eileen stirred uneasily, his close male presence making her uncomfortable. He really had changed, the power of command sitting easily on his broad shoulders. He would make a very capable leader now, but she had no intention of making it easy for him. 'Why should I?' she thought bitterly. "Without Saracen's approval, ye won't get anywhere. You and I both know it," she replied coolly, refusing to be intimidated. "Who is Saracen?" came the quick question from Kat. "Saracen is the group leader, directly below the Castle Laird," replied Morg, turning around to face her. "He sees that traditions and laws are upheld, settles disputes and generally runs the clan. Eileen stirred restlessly, then moved to the open doorway, her skirt swirling about her slender legs as she walked. The girdle chain mail was heavy against her willowy hips, but she had no intention of taking it off until she was home safe. She found her arm taken suddenly in Morg's firm grasp as he escorted her through the open doorway off the study and into the garden. "Walk with me," he ordered. She jerked her arm away from him and folded it beneath her breasts, not wanting him to touch her. "Keep your hands off me," she demanded. "I'll walk because I choose to, not because ye are telling me too." Suddenly, both her arms were grasped in his large hands and he turned her to face him. "That's enough, Leeni. I don't 31

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know what has happened to turn ye into the bitter shrewish woman ye seem to have become, but I don't like it." "That's just too damn bad, Morg, because I have no intention of taking orders from you or any other man." Her eyes flashed as she rounded on him. "Now take your hands off me!" Morg ignored her demands, torn between shaking her and pulling her to his breast for comfort. "I need to know what has happened, Leeni ... talk to me!" "Need? Need?" Her laughter was brittle, without humor. "Where were you when I needed you?" She pulled away and stood staring at him. "I needed you ... and you never came!" She reached out and slapped him with all the power of her right arm. It happened so fast that Morg didn't have time to react. A dull flush crept up his neck, and he touched his cheek calmly, his green eyes glittering down at her. "I'll give ye that one, since ye are obviously very upset, but be warned, little girl. Another attack on my person will put ye over my knee for a good hard spanking." "Try it and I'll slice your gullet open," she hissed in return, her eyes flashing coldly. "I'm not your baby sister anymore, Morg. I'm all grown up now; I'm even a mother. So spare me your childish threats." "Ye are a mother?" Morg was stunned, unprepared for the announcement. "Where is the child?" "Soren is at home, being cared for by Melba. I would never bring him with me when I'm going to battle." "How old is he?" 32

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"Three years old this month." "Then, ye were married four years ago?" "Aye, to the old Laird of Brincairn. Not that it matters to you ... staying away for eight years whilst your sister was sold to the highest bidder." Her eyes flashed scornfully at him again. "Why didn't ye write me, lass? I would have come," declared Morg, his green eyes accusing. His anger was kindled against his Uncle and half brother. They had much to answer for. "I did write ye, over and over ... but ye never answered. I finally gave up, figuring ye were too busy to bother with the likes of me. And that was long before the marriage, I might add. I was only given three days notice for that anyway. It's not like ye could have even received a letter in that time, let alone do anything about it." She tossed her head proudly, but her words conveyed bitter hurt. "I never received any replies to the letters I sent ye," stated Morg flatly. "I had to assume ye were angry with me and had no intention of answering." "What letters?" she asked in disbelief. "I never received any letters from ye, Morg." They stared at each other, both coming to the same conclusion. Morg's face went red in anger. "Uncle Roger or Canton ... they must have intercepted our letters to one another. They have some explaining to do." "You won't get any satisfaction from Uncle Roger, he died within the year after ye left. But I have no doubt he was in on it, and Canton as well. Or perhaps it was all Canton's fault." 33

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She looked up at him, her eyes deep purple and shadowed with the regret of lost years. Morg grunted suspiciously. "How did he die?" "Actually, we never really knew for sure. He was found dead in his bed one morning. They say his heart just stopped beating, but I have my own doubts." "Aye, so do I." She didn't put into words what they were both thinking as they looked at each other. Eileen went on. "I heard Uncle Roger and Canton arguing about gold. He has managed to clean out Castle McKenna's coffers twice now." Morg put his hands gently on Eileen's shoulders and was surprised to see her flinch. His eyes narrowed, but he spoke regretfully. "I'm sorry I wasn't here for ye, Leeni. I was chasing ghosts of my own and didn't give much thought to ye or your situation." Eileen stiffened and wiggled from beneath his hands. "Don't, Morg. What's done is done. Ye can't change the past." She walked a short distance from him, the tears near the surface. No one had attempted to comfort her, except Melba, in years. She wasn't used to it. And no man had touched her ... except for the breeding bed. She trembled and strove to keep herself under rigid control. She would not let any man see her in tears, not even her own brother. Morg felt helpless suddenly as he stared at her stiff back. She wouldn't allow him to comfort her, and he mentally cursed himself for the duties she would have had to perform for the old Laird. It was a crime, but not unheard of, 34

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unfortunately. Many times young girls were given to old men ... for many different reasons. He would see that Canton paid for what he had done to Leeni though. He reached out and touched her shoulder again. "Leeni?" Eileen jerked away from him. "Don't touch me," she said through stiff lips, but she turned to face him, her chin lifting bravely. "Ye can have control of Castle McKenna, Morg. I won't stand in your way. Mayhap you can salvage something out of it after all, if Canton has left anything to use. If not, I'll help you all I can, but this war to depose Canton has been costly. Nevertheless, I will do my best if ye require it." "I don't need your gold, Leeni. I have plenty of my own. All that I need to rebuild the Castle and see to the needs of the clan." His voice softened, but he made no move to touch her. "Is there anything I can do for ye?" "Nay, I don't need anyone's help," she said proudly. "Ye can come visit and meet Soren, though. I would like him to know ye as his Uncle ... and Kat, of course." "I'll do that," he replied, smiling down at her. She smiled tentatively back, and they were interrupted by Kat's voice calling to them. She appeared a few seconds later with Gallagher Brincairn in tow. Eileen watched the powerful man warily, not liking the way he was looking at her. She couldn't say what it was that made her uncomfortable ... unless it was the appraising look in his smoky gray eyes. They were the color of morning campfire smoke, spiraling towards the sunrise and set in a bronzed face with slashing dark brows and a square jaw that bespoke 35

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of a stubbornness to equal her own. And at the present, that jaw was tense, the lips that might otherwise be firm and curved in a teasing smile, now set in a grim line, as if he had a bone to pick with her. Unconsciously, her chin lifted in defiance; her back stiffening as he approached, and she pulled herself up to her full five foot, five inch stature. Obviously, his dispossession of the title and lands of the Brincairn legacy was not setting well with him. Not that she could blame him. It was too late though; Brincairn was hers now ... hers and Soren's. Gallagher stopped in front of them, his eyes never leaving Eileen, and she stood there proudly, growing angry as he inspected her from the feet up, his gaze lingering at the curve of her breasts as they strained at the ties lacing the bodice of her long gown together, then finally resting on her softly flushed face. "Do I pass your inspection then?" she mocked scornfully, her eyes spitting contempt at his sensual appraisal. "Aye, ye are quite beautiful, lass. No wonder my father wanted to wed ye." His own eyes were contemptuous, as if she had seduced Donald Brincairn. "He always had an eye for a buxom wench." "Your father was a bastard," Eileen spat back at him. "How dare you insinuate I had anything to do with this farce of a marriage? I thank the Gods that he's been dead these past three years!" "I'll not pretend a mock sorrow; I had no use for my father myself," responded Gallagher cautiously. "The real problem here is how to get my inheritance back." He studied her 36

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carefully, wondering how she would react to his announcement. "That's not possible. The Laird made his decree before the clan leaders and the village. It can't be broken." She almost felt sorry for him, but not quite. He was Donald Brincairn's own son after all. She drew her breath in quickly as he stepped forward and reached out to bring the knuckles of his hand along the side of her chin. Flinching, she stepped back. "Don't touch me!" Gallagher felt a twinge of sympathy at her reaction, knowing where it must have come from. His eyes were inscrutable as he dropped his hand and spoke. "I was just going to tell you there is a way. Dungally has made a decree himself." "And what might that be," asked Eileen suspiciously, her heart beating faster. Her jaw line felt tingly where he had touched her, and she hated the feeling. She didn't want to react to him ... not to any man. "You can marry me." [Back to Table of Contents]

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Chapter Three Eileen's face paled. She couldn't have heard him right. "M ... marry?" she whispered fearfully. "Aye ... marry me," he replied, watching her fleeting expressions. First incredulity; then something almost akin to fear flashed through her lovely eyes. Morg looked thoughtful. "Now that is an interesting proposal, Gallagher. Isn't it a bit improper, considering the child?" "It ... it would be indecent," stammered Eileen, in agreement. Her face flushed and grew pale again, leaving her eyes darker than before. "Besides, I can't marry my husband's son! Even if I wanted to get married again ... which I don't! It was hellish enough the first time!" Gallagher couldn't blame her for that last comment, and he didn't call her on her insinuation that Soren was his father's child. He would honor Dungally's request. Donald Brincairn hadn't been good to his own mother; so he could imagine how his father must have treated a young girl who was a pawn in his game of revenge. "I knew my father, lass, so I can appreciate your feelings. However, I am not my father." He turned to Morg. "Would ye leave us to discuss this ourselves?" "I have no intention of discussing this, now or any other time. I will NOT marry you!" Eileen stepped around him with the intent of leaving, but he reached out and grasped her arm. 38

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Quick as a wink, her right hand came up and slapped him across the face. "Take your hand off me," she hissed, trying to jerk loose. Gallagher grabbed her right hand in his big palm and held it easily as she struggled to pull free. When she couldn't, she screamed in frustration and whipped her other arm up to strike him on the other side. "Stand still, and I'll release ye," he said calmly, stopping her swing and holding her as she struggled wildly. The lass was a fighter, whatever else she might be, but her soft skin felt delicious under his touch, and he felt desire stir in his veins. "Gallagher," began Morg, as he started towards them, concern for Eileen in his green eyes. Gallagher stopped him with a look. "I won't hurt her, Morg." The two men looked at each other, and Morg finally nodded and stepped back. Gallagher's warm hands on hers were creating strange sensations up her arms, and Eileen didn't like it at all. Why was his mere touch having this effect on her? She stopped struggling and was rewarded with the release of her hands, and she quickly folded her arms beneath her breasts again. She stared defiantly at him, hating him for the sensations he had created in her unwilling body. "Don't ever hit me again, lass." His eyes bore into hers with deadly warning. "Or what?" She eyed him contemptuously. "You'll hit me back?" 39

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Gallagher's brow curled upward. "Nay, I don't hit women. But ye won't like the consequences. I can guarantee that." "Keep your hands off me, and I won't have to," she replied derisively. The door to the garden closing made them both aware that Morg had left, leaving them alone. Suddenly, Eileen felt trapped and at a distinct disadvantage. She backed up until she was well away from his physical aura and felt like she could breath normally again. Gallagher watched her retreat and mentally castigated his father. He wouldn't put it past the old man to have knocked the girl about. His lips tightened disgustedly at the thought. "I've been giving it some thought, and I have a proposition for ye to think about." He folded his bare brawny arms across his wide chest as he spoke, watching the sunlight play off the shining strands of her beautiful hair. It was the color of wheat shocks in the sunshine, and it was gathered together at the back of her well-shaped head. The ruby lips were pursed in disgust and those eyes ... oh, those eyes! The color of a luscious grape, polished to gleaming perfection. "Go on," ordered Eileen disdainfully, although she had no intention of agreeing to his outlandish offer, not even for Dungally, who had treated her like the father she still mourned. "We'll have a marriage in name only, and for the period of one year. After that, I'll set ye free with all ye need to live on and see to it that the child is well taken care of. What do ye say?" 40

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Eileen was astounded at Gallagher's words. "And just why should I agree to this peculiar scheme? I've got it all now, and my son's future is assured. He will have everything his father had to offer him. Donald Brincairn owes me that anyway, why should I turn it all over to you and retire on a stipend? It's a ridiculous offer, and the answer is no!" She looked down her nose at him, daring him to refute her. "Two reasons ... one, the child is NOT my fathers, and two, the clan is unhappy with a woman leading it. They want me back, and I intend to have my rightful place back as well. Dungally and Jamie have insisted we be married to put things to right." Eileen's face went deathly pale. "Dungally told you about Soren?" "Aye. He said ye were forced against your will, and my father decided to take the babe as his own." "Something like that," she agreed and she laughed bitterly. "As far as the clan is concerned, Soren is the Lairds son, and I don't have to marry you. No one knows any differently." "Nevertheless, ye will marry me." He stared down into her rebellious face, imposing his will upon her, and Eileen felt helpless suddenly. "But ... it's against the law to intermarry. The King himself has decreed it!" She watched him carefully, his regal bearing lazily sensual as he studied her, gauging her reactions. She felt a pull at her senses, in spite of herself. He was a handsome brute! 41

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"We are not related by blood, lass," replied Gallagher. "And knowing I'd be back one day, Dungally took it upon himself to request an exception from the Kings own lips, should it prove a viable situation. He has the paperwork with the King's seal on it, authorizing our marriage." Eileen was stunned. She had been outmaneuvered before there had been anything to outmaneuver! Curse Jamie and Dungally for not telling her this and damn them for their wellmeaning machinations! "Nay! I won't do it," She yelled abruptly, furiously! Despair filled her heart as she saw her well-ordered world crumbling about her. "They can't make me marry you, they have no right!" He moved in closer to her to stare down into her incensed face. "If ye refuse to wed me, then ye leave me no choice but to come against ye in war. I'll win, but it will cost many lives, some of which will be our friends. They will have no choice but to support ye, even if they don't approve of your position, and some will die for that loyalty. Do ye want that on your conscience?" His smoky gray eyes pinned hers in his harsh stare. "I have no wish to do that, but ye leave me little choice. Dungally and Jamie will not back me up if I declare the child an illegal heir, and besides, I have no desire to shame Morgan McAlester's sister. So war would be my only recourse. I was born to rule Brincairn, and rule it I will! "I can't believe your own conscious would allow ye to wage war," she whispered painfully, her face going pale at his callous declaration. 42

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"I'll do what I have to do," he replied grimly, "and what's more ... when I defeat ye, I'll turn ye out with a mere pittance, and no inheritance for the child either." He wouldn't really, but he didn't intend to tell her that. He wanted his inheritance back, and Dungally had paved the way. He now had to use whatever means he could come up with to coerce her cooperation. "Ye are a bastard, just like your father," she hissed, her arm swinging in reaction to land a vicious slap across his face once again. She put all her pent-up frustration and fury into that slap and felt immense satisfaction at the immediate red handprint that blazed across his lean jaw. Her satisfaction was short-lived! She saw his eyes taper to slits just seconds before he grabbed her arm and whirled her around, his long arm a steel band around her middle as he pulled her against him and quickly divested her of her sword and belt, despite her startled protest. Then he dragged her, angry and kicking at his thick calves, across to a stone bench inside the shaded arbor. "I said, don't touch me," she yelled fearfully. What was he going to do to her? Would he attack her? She had been caught off guard, not expecting any real reaction, and that had cost her. It was a shock of a different kind when she unexpectedly found herself face down over his hard muscled thighs. She began to fight desperately; suddenly aware of where this was going. "What are ye doing? Let me up!" "I warned ye never to hit me again," he said harshly, holding her easily, "ye have brought this on yourself." He 43

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quickly lifted her skirts and slid the thin pantaloons down in one deft swipe. It was probably improper, but they were going to be married! His heart jumped into his throat at the site of the pale globes he had uncovered, but he persevered in his task. His hand trembled slightly as it passed over the silky contours of those globes, but he lifted his right arm high in the air. "Ye are not going to spank me like a child! I won't let ye..." Her words were cut off as a hard slap exploded against her bare backside, sounding like a pistol shot in the enclosed garden walls. CRACKKK! "Ye bastard," she yelped as she tried to tuck her bottom in, expecting another one. It came, just as merciless as the first, and then another and another. CRACKKK!! CRACKK!! CRACKKK!! "Let me UP," she demanded, the sharp chastisement resounding in her ears and searing into her unwilling flesh. "And this is for calling me a bastard. I had a father, however lacking he might have been." He landed several more painful slaps on the wiggling cheeks he held over his lap and then hauled her upright, his mind's eye memorizing the site of those milky buttocks with his red handprints. He was far from unaffected by the sight, and a certain part of his anatomy was becoming painfully rigid. Eileen scrambled away from him, her eyes spitting sparks of resentment and fury. "I'll have your head for this," she snapped hoarsely as if holding tears at bay. Her chest was 44

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heaving with the exertion of fighting, and she shook her small fist impotently at him. "I think not," he replied, watching her very carefully. "And if ye hit me again, I'll blister that pretty arse until ye can't sit for a week. Is that clear?" She stared scornfully at him, refusing to answer and ignoring the desire to clutch her bottom and rub the sting away. No one had ever dared to treat her this way! Morg had spanked her once, a long time ago. But she had only been ten then. She was not a child, now, and she resented being treated like one. "I hate ye," she hissed sullenly, her bottom lip trembling. "How dare ye treat me like a child?" "You'll find I dare quite a lot," he replied mockingly. "Now are ye going to marry me or not?" He got up and walked within a few feet of her, but not touching her. He could see her shrink away from him, although she hadn't moved. Again, he silently cursed Donald Brincairn for whatever he done to her to engender this reaction. "Ye don't leave me any choice, do ye?" she asked cynically. Once again, men were ordering about her life. God! How she resented it! But she couldn't allow Soren to suffer on her account. "Aye, I'll marry ye, but we keep to the agreement we set. Ye have no husbandly rights." Her eyes were bright with unshed tears, but she lifted her head proudly and looked him contemptuously in the eye. "Agreed," he replied mockingly. "However, if ye do change your mind, I'll be willing to oblige." He smiled then, a lazy 45

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sensuous smile that did flipping things to her stomach, and she backed away as if he had touched her. "That'll be a cold day in hell," she snapped. She turned and walked stiffly out, leaving him to watch her go. At least she had gotten in the last word! Gallagher grinned. He imagined those swaying buttocks bare, with his handprints all over them. She was a sassy wench, but she had a beautiful arse. He shifted his pants slightly, trying to ease the pressure of his swollen manhood. He didn't really intend this marriage to be the farce he had outlined. There were sparks between them; he had felt it the first time he laid eyes on the proud beauty. He would help her overcome her fear from her bad experience, and they would learn to enjoy each other during this year. Where it might lead from there, who knew? He was willing to fall in love. He clasped his hands behind his head as he sat back on the stone bench, enjoying the warm Scottish sunshine. He was on his way to getting his inheritance back, he was marrying a comely lass ... what more could a man ask for? His natural good humor was restored and he chuckled to himself. "What do you think about that, Mother? I'm going to be Laird of Castle McCrae and I'm getting married. Do you think she might fall in love with me?" He knew he was being facetious, but that was Gallagher's nature. He didn't seem to have the normal dour Scottish nature that Mother Scotland imbued in so many of her sons. There was no answer to his airborne question, of course, but Gallagher could have sworn he felt the soft touch of his 46

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mother's fingertips on his hair. He knew it was the gentle breeze, though, and he shook his head at his own foolish imaginings. He closed his eyes to relax for a bit in the warm sun. Things hadn't turned out too badly after all! She had agreed to marry him! **** "So, is there going to be a wedding?" asked Morg curiously, as his sister strode inside. "Yes," replied Eileen, her lips tightening in disgust. She thought of telling Morg about Gallagher's ultimatum, but then decided against it. She would take care of herself. It was too late to come running to her brother when the world seemed against her. Besides, Jamie and Dungally had been pressing her to get married again, but none of their offerings thus far had held any appeal for her. At least Gallagher had agreed not to exercise his husbandly rights. She didn't think she would get a better offer than that! Plus, it would give her a year to plan her next move. She fully intended to enjoy a life without the dictates of a male to bow to, no matter how handsome and arrogant! "Have you set a date for the wedding?" asked Kat, her green eyes studying Eileen closely. She was aware that Gallagher had just spanked the young girl, and her sympathies were in full arousal. She hated it when Morg spanked her; it went against her fiery independent spirit. "I don't care, tomorrow is fine. I just want to get it over with, so I can get back to Soren," she replied carelessly. 47

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Kat looked shocked. "Tomorrow? Isn't that pushing it a bit? I'm aware you two are not in love with each other, but this is pretty quick." Eileen laughed cynically. "Why? All it will be is a ceremony in front of Father McDougal. I have no intention of turning it into anything romantic, because its not. Gallagher will have his rightful place back, and my son will be assured the same place when the time comes. Besides, love is overrated. Marriage's of convenience are the only way to go these days." Her eyes glittered, and Kat was worried for her. "But, Eileen..." Kat frowned and attempted to speak. Eileen cut her off. "Don't worry about me, Kat, I'll be fine. I've been surviving on my own for a long time now." She glanced derisively at Morg, who frowned back at her. Morg stepped forward. "Leeni, are ye being coerced? Because if ye are, I'll put a stop to it. No one, not even Gallagher, can make ye marry him." His face was full of concern as he looked down at her. "I'm here this time, Leeni—is this marriage what ye want?" He waited patiently for her reply, watching her beautiful dark eyes. He longed to pull her into his embrace, but he didn't want to set her off. Eileen trembled, her sore heart finally taking comfort from Morg's words, even if they were four years too late. She opened her mouth to speak, but she was shaking so badly she couldn't make any words come. Between the humiliating spanking she had just received, and Morg's kindness, her wretched emotions were threatening to give way, and tears were about to spill over. Mutely she stared at him, refusing to allow those embarrassing tears to fall. 48

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Morg couldn't help himself. The silent plea touched his heart, and he reached out and pulled her into his arms, holding her head against his broad chest as he gently rubbed her back. He felt her stiffen immediately, but then she finally relaxed against him and allowed him to hold her. It did his own heart good, and he held her tightly until she gently pushed him back, extricating herself from his arms. "Yes, Morg, it's agreeable to me," she bravely lied. For whatever reason, she would not give Gallagher away. She didn't try to examine it too closely, but turned away, intent on a bed for the night and a place to cry privately. Mayhap, her old room was still intact. Morg and Kat watched her go, Morg's arm stealing around his lovely wife. "I feel so helpless, Kat. I let her down, didn't I?" His voice was gruff and filled with uncustomary emotion, and Kat's own heart was touched. She turned towards him and laid her palm against his cheek, her eyes filled with love for the big brute. "No, mon cherie, she will be fine ... you will see," she said softly. "There is something between those two, I can feel it, just as there was between you and I. They will find their way, and Gallagher will take good care of her." Morg kissed her palm and buried his face in her sweetly scented hair, taking comfort from his redheaded sprite. He held her close and whispered in her delicate ear, "Welcome home, Lady McAlester." Kat slid her soft arms up and around her husband's broad neck, lifting her lips for his kiss. "Home is where ever you are, mon cherie." 49

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**** Eileen and Gallagher stood before Father McDougal the next morning, each repeating the ancient vows that made them husband and wife. Once more, Eileen was married to the Laird of Brincairn, and she thought how ironic life could be at times. She went through the brief ceremony with a stiff smile on her lips and flinched away when Gallagher pressed his firm lips to hers for the salutary wedding kiss. Even so, the brief touch seemed to impact her with a jolt that she felt all the way to her toes. As they were getting ready to depart Castle McKenna, one of the castle guards came running up to Morg and whispered something in his ear. Nodding grimly, Morg turned to Gallagher and Eileen. "Be careful! Canton has escaped the dungeon, which means he must have more friends than I gave him credit for." Gallagher nodded and took Eileen's arm, refusing to let her go in spite of her attempts to pull away. "Aye, I'll look after her." "I can take care of myself," Eileen said frostily. His fingers on her arm seemed to burn into the skin, and she surreptitiously kept trying to pull from his grasp. Morg looked down at her. "But ye don't have to, Leeni, not any more. That's what your husband is for." "Ha!"

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Gallagher leaned down to whisper in her ear. "Careful, wife, I might have to take ye over my knee again if ye keep up this attitude." Eileen threw him a killing look, but she stopped trying to pull away and stood stiffly in his hold. Morg clasped Gallagher's arm and gave him a hearty slap on the shoulder, then embraced Eileen and placed a gentle kiss on her cheek. "Good luck to ye both. Kat and I will come visit soon, when we have put things in order around here." Kat stepped up beside Morg and gave Eileen a gentle hug. "Oui, I want to meet my little nephew," she said, smiling at her new sister-n-law. "And I know Frankie and Jacques will want to as well." Eileen smiled then, her face lighting up, and Gallagher felt a jolt run through him. It was the first time he had seen her smile. God ... she was beautiful! Apparently, thoughts of her son were one thing that brought her happiness. "I'll look forward to meeting them too! I want Soren to know his family." Eileen herself was curious to know these sisters better. She returned Kat's hug and stepped back, smiling at her brother and his wife. She felt curiously lighthearted for the first time in years. Morg was relieved when he saw Leeni smile eagerly like that. It had been such a long time, and she seemed so bitter about many things! He shook his head ruefully, if only he had come home earlier, perhaps some of her sorrow could have been prevented. But the past was done. They could only go forward from here. 51

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He watched them go to the head of the Brincairn clan procession, Gallagher taking his place as if he had always been there. He and Kat waved them off, then turned back to the task at hand. It was time to take his place as well. **** From his hidden place on the knoll, Canton watched his half brother. He brooded with a terrible resentment, coupled with fury. He had been defeated by Eileen, his castle and clan taken over by Morgan. "Enjoy yourself while ye can," he sneered softly. "Ye won't retain control of the McAlester." His maddened eyes drifted to Eileen at the head of the Brincairn clan. "And I'll get even with ye, my dear sister. In spite of your new husband, ye won't be safe as long as I am around ... and I intend to stay around." He chuckled gleefully. "Aye, I intend to stay around ... and I'll be back." He returned the spyglass to his saddlebag and whirled the chestnut stallion around. Nodding to one of the burly men waiting for him, he snapped, "Get back, before ye are missed. Ye know where I'll be, and I'll wait for word from ye whilst I make plans." "Aye, my Lord," responded the young Scott, whipping his mount around and disappearing into the trees. Canton watched Saracen's young nephew as he galloped away from them. He was a fool, easily led ... but had been a great help in keeping Canton in Saracen's good graces. William was already disgruntled because his own father had been looked over and Saracen put in his place as the 52

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immediate clan leader. It was a position that young William aspired to, and it usually went by succession. Canton had promised to reward him when the time was right, and in return, William kept his ear to the ground for Canton. If anything were to happen in the clan that Saracen might try to keep from Canton, then William would know about it. Fury raged inside him as he watched Morgan put his arm around the red headed woman and lead her inside the castle. It was HIS home, his castle ... they had no right to be there! "Soon," he muttered. "Soon, I'll be rid of ye once again, Morgan McAlester ... and your sister as well. Ye will be sorry ye ever returned to Scotland by the time I'm finished with ye. Feeling a shiver between her shoulder blades, Kat looked up into the hillsides, unconsciously searching for ... something. Her years at sea, fighting battles and searching for her mother, had honed her sense of danger. He was out there ... she could feel him ... feel his evil intent. Canton McAlester was not finished with them yet; he would be back. She wished Frankie and Jacques had come with them, but Jacques had his own demons to face in France. Like Morg, he too had been cheated of his home, and he had taken her sister to France with him. He intended to figure out who was responsible for that treachery and to clear his name. For an instant, she thought she saw the sun glint off something polished, and then she turned away. It was time to start practicing her knife skills once again; she would probably need them before full peace finally reigned in the McAlester stronghold. 53

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Chapter Four Eileen was angry beneath her seemingly placid exterior. Gallagher had assigned two of her own men to stay with her at all times, and she resented the intrusion on her privacy. The stalwart clansman had backed off to a horse's pace behind her when she glared furiously at them, but they hadn't gone any further. She could see Gallagher's imposing figure at the front of the clan, exchanging a word with some of the men as he rode in and out, and slapping a shoulder here and there. She fumed at the way the men laughed jovially at his comments, making him welcome. In twenty-four hours, a man had turned her life upside down once again, and it galled her that Dungally had been thinking traitorous thoughts about her all along. He and Jamie had accepted Gallagher as the natural head of the clan ... as if he had never left! "Fretting, lass?" Dungally pulled his great black mount in step with her golden palomino to ride along beside her. She gave him an icy stare. "I don't see how you and Jamie could plot behind my back to set my wishes aside so callously," she replied. "I never wanted to get married again, and ye knew it." "Ye didn't have to agree," he said reasonably. "But ye needed a husband, and Gallagher will make a fine one for ye." 55

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"If I didn't agree, he would have brought war to the clan," she retorted. "I didn't want to see anyone hurt because of me." Dungally smiled down at her, his grizzled head nodding. "Aye, ye have a soft heart, lass, in spite of your harsh words. Tis as I would have expected though ... a man has the right to fight for his place. In his shoes, I would have done the same." "Ye men are all alike," she mocked cynically. "Ye have to have your own way, and any woman that gets caught in the middle is just ground up and spewn out. I still can't believe you and Jamie went to the King behind my back and didn't even tell me about it." Her body bristled with anger, her back stiff and straight in the saddle. "We didn't think it necessary." "Its MY life, Dungally! I hate being moved about as if my feelings don't matter! Ye never even consulted me." She paused then, looking him in the eye. Why did ye tell him about Soren?" "I thought it necessary. Otherwise, he would not have been willing to marry ye." Eileen laughed in bitter outrage. "Who made ye the judge of what's necessary? Ye knew I didn't want to get married, and ye paved the way for him ... long in advance. Ye had no right, Dungally, no right at all!" Dungally reached out and laid a large finger alongside her soft cheek. "Don't be sour, Eileen. Gallagher is nothing like the old Laird ... try to enjoy life and think of him as a blessing to ye." 56

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"Of course, ye would see that way," she replied caustically. "Ye men always think ye know what's best, and ye move us around like pieces on a chessboard. I hate it!" She angrily spurred Delilah ahead, giving Jamie a furious scowl as she passed him. She galloped on ahead until she was well in advance of the men behind her and then slowed to a walk once again. Looking behind, she saw her faithful guard had resumed their place, and she snorted in disgust. Deciding she had had enough of their protection, she whirled around to face them. "I'm going into the woods a bit to see to my needs, and I don't want ye following me, is that clear?" They nodded cautiously. "We'll just wait here, M'lady, until ye return," said Garth, the leader of the two. He folded his thickly corded arms across his chest and prepared to wait. Twenty minutes later, he was frowning, his thick brows drawn together. "Go see what's keeping the lass," he ordered Duncan. When Duncan returned, he looked worried. "I can't find her. I think she has given us the slip!" The younger Scot ran his hand through his heavy blonde hair as he stared up at Garth. "What do we do now?" "We'd best tell Gallagher, and then spread out to find her," he instructed, wheeling his horse back towards the clan behind them. "He's not going to like this," replied Duncan uneasily, as he followed Garth. "No, Dungally and Jamie won't like it either," replied Garth, scowling. "The wench ought to be spanked." 57

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"Aye," agreed Duncan, grinning at the thought of the fierce Eileen over Gallagher or Dungally's knee. "That twould be a sight, for certain." They thundered up to Gallagher and quickly informed him of the circumstances. "Keep going, we'll catch up later," ordered Gallagher to Dungally, once Garth and Duncan had explained. "If not, I'll meet ye at Castle McCrae." "Maybe you should take a couple of men with you," replied Dungally. "Canton may be about." "Nay, I can take care of us." Gallagher's eyes were hard and flinty. "I think I need some time alone with my bride anyway. We need to get a few things straight." "Go on with ye then," chuckled Dungally. "Just don't be too hard on the lass." "Aye, she has been through a lot in the last three years," added Jamie. His big brown eyes were worried, and Gallagher knew he genuinely cared for Eileen. "She is not used to being guarded so closely." "Until we can determine that Canton is not a threat, she will just have to get used to it," responded Gallagher decisively. He wheeled his black stallion around and galloped away, bent on finding his runaway bride. Jamie brooded as he watched Gallagher, envious of his new position as Eileen's husband. He, Jamie, would have liked to marry Eileen himself, but he knew she wouldn't have him. She just didn't see him in that light and besides, he had known Gallagher would return one day to claim his place. He hadn't wanted to be in the line of fire when that happened. 58

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Cursing himself for his cowardice, he galloped on ahead ... wanting to be alone with his thoughts. Dungally shook his graying head at Jamie. The lad would never have made a clan leader; he didn't have the strength or the courage, and he had known it. It just wasn't in his nature to be a fighter, although he had been an aid to Donald Brincairn himself. Dungally pitied him that position. He knew the lad had wanted Eileen for himself, but in this world, if ye weren't man enough to reach out and take what ye wanted, ye got left behind. Dungally urged his roan gelding forward, thinking of the young girl that had endured so much. She deserved a strong man like Gallagher ... nay, she needed his firm hand to keep her in line, and that same hand to stretch his cloak of protection about her. She was in danger of becoming a bitter old shrew if something didn't happen to change it, and Dungally figured Gallagher was just the man for the job. He could see the tension between the two already, and figured it was only a matter of time before they realized they were attracted to each other. He chuckled in satisfaction. It looked like planning ahead had paid off. **** Gallagher picked up Eileen's trail easily, his years of tracking with Jamie for highland bobcats, coming in handy. It was something that stayed with you even though he hadn't had much cause to use it on a pirate's ship. Besides, she wasn't making an effort to hide her tracks. 59

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He paused in the clearing full of the delicate lavender thistle and searched the small flowers for traces of crushed heads. Leaning down from his saddle, he heard the whiz as the arrow cut through the air above him and landed with a thunk in the broad trunk of the tree to his left. Crouching low over Minion's back, he urged the horse into the tree cover, drawing his sword from its scabbard. He slid from his horse and stealthily moved several feet away; working in the direction the arrow had come from. When he heard mocking laughter floating on the breeze, he looked across the clearing and saw Eileen step from behind the tree and take her arrow from it. With an impudent grin, she bowed slightly and melted into the shadows, taking the arrow with her. He replaced the sword with a disgruntled growl. So, she wants to play games, does she? He quickly worked his way back to Minion, only to find him gone! Drawing his sword again, Gallagher looked hastily around, checking for footprints in the soft earth. Minion would never have left on his own; the horse was too well trained ... that meant someone had taken him! Kneeling down, he spied the indentation of a small booted footstep, and he studied it carefully. At last, he rose, satisfied that it was his intractable bride. His list of reasons to put her over his knee for a long hard spanking was growing, he decided. He replaced his sword once again, and checked the area, locating the point where she had joined Minion with Delilah, 60

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satisfying himself that she had both horses and was leading Minion. The little minx! Making a swift decision, he set off through the woods at an easy pace. It was easier to wind around through the trees and get to LaCra faster on foot, than by horseback along the wider trail. And he knew she would be going that direction, she had to in order to get through the highland pass over Craniloch. LaCra was a small village just before the pass, and it wasn't very far away. A few hours later, Gallagher cut back to the main trail and followed it for a while, looking for Minion's signs. Seeing none, he was satisfied that he had gotten ahead of her. Looking at the deep red sun slowly sinking below the horizon, he settled down behind a boulder outcropping where he had a good view of the trail coming across the meadow slightly below him, to wait. If he was right, it shouldn't be very long. If he were wrong ... he shifted uneasily on his rock hard chair, trying not to think about Canton intercepting his wife in the forest. He'd give her a few more minutes, if she didn't show up; he'd start backtracking. He was willing to bet that Canton was miles away though, heading for a rabbit hole to regroup. As the daylight waned, he thought about Canton, not remembering much about him except that he hadn't liked him. He had met him once, in a Clash of the Clans meet, and thought him ruthless and sly. Everyone in the highlands had known of Clanton's victory over Morgan McAlester in the duel for the inheritance of the McAlester lands and fortunes, and Gallagher had wondered 61

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how that could have happened. However, he had been too intent on his own troubles at the time to worry about someone else. Apparently, he and Morg had left the highlands about the same time. It was ironic how they had met each other again, hundreds of miles from their Scottish homeland. When a soft whinny floated across the meadow and caught Gallagher's ears, he sat up straighter, his eyes straining to see in the gathering dusk. A few seconds later, they came into view ... Eileen on Delilah, and Minion behind them on a leading rope. He watched them for a few minutes, taking the time to study his stubborn little bride without her knowing it. She looked rather dejected instead of triumphant, her shoulders slumping forward as she sat her horse, her head bowed. Was she sleeping? Gallagher frowned. He supposed she might not have gotten much sleep the night before, especially after his bullying her into agreeing to marry him. However, he brushed his guilt away as he realized she was keeping his horse with her. Obviously, she intended him to walk to Castle McCrae! She was in for a rude awakening, he decided. He wouldn't make her walk when he got her safely back, but he would make sure she wasn't that comfortable with the ride either! **** Eileen's head was drooping, her eyes closing as the steady gait of Delilah lulled her into a false sense of security. She shook her head and tried to clear away some of the 62

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sleepiness that threatened to overtake her. She couldn't afford to let her guard down. Gallagher was out there somewhere, and he had probably gone back to the clan to get another horse by now. He might even catch up with her before the night was over. She needed to find a place to spend the night, or keep moving. She yawned and stretched, looking around her at the falling twilight. She knew she was close to LaCra. Another half hour or so and she could be settling into a nice soft cot at Mary's cottage. She always had a welcome there. She decided to keep going. She could hide Minion and Delilah in Mary and Allen's stable. Gallagher would never find her there. She smirked to herself, satisfied that she had shown him she could take care of herself. When the sharp whistle pierced the air, Eileen was unprepared. With a snort, Minion reared up and whinnied, then took off at an instant gallop, dragging Delilah with him. It was Minion who was leading now, and with the rope tied to Delilah's saddle, Delilah automatically took off after him, following his lead like a subservient female. Eileen cursed as she grabbed the reins and tried to pull Delilah in, but the little mare was rebelling, not wanting to return to her control. It was only a matter of seconds before Minion came to a halt in front of the mocking Gallagher, and Eileen looked into the piercing eyes of her handsome husband. "Let go of my horse," she said icily as his hand reached out to take Delilah's bridle. Her hand flew to the rope to release Minion from her saddle, but Gallagher reached up and grabbed her hand, tugging her from the saddle. 63

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Eileen screeched as she felt herself falling, and she landed against his hard chest, her free hand scrabbling at his shoulder to control her fall. She felt his other arm grip her below her buttocks and hoist her on over his shoulder, where he then slapped her protruding rear end several times, his hard hand burning through her riding skirt with a vengeance. She bucked straight up, kicking against his thighs uncontrollably as she cried out in pain. "Let go of me, damn you," she hissed through clenched teeth. Gallagher simply carried her, struggling and kicking over to a large rock. He sat her on her feet and held onto her arm with one hand, while his other hand went to his belt. His silver eyes burning into hers, he deftly unsnapped the Brincairn crested buckle and drew the wide strap from its loops. Eileen began to struggle in earnest, kicking out at him, trying to free her arm from his iron grasp. "Ye are not going to use that thing on me; I won't allow it," she demanded stridently, her face blanching at the grim determination on his. Her buttocks were already burning from the hard slaps he had administered, and she was close to panicking at the thought of that broad belt landing across her tender cheeks. "Ye are in no position to demand anything, wife, and ye are about to find out what happens when ye disobey my orders." Grimly he sat and dragged her over his lap. Folding the long belt in half, he lifted his arm and brought it crashing down in the middle of her wriggling backside. 64

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She yelped vigorously, the strap feeling poker hot as he lashed her again and again across her bucking rear end, her hips thrashing from side to side in a valiant effort to mitigate the chastisement. Eileen whimpered in pain, clenching her teeth to keep from begging him to stop. She wouldn't give him the satisfaction! After what seemed like an endless barrage of scorching slashes, she could deny it no longer, and she finally gave in, a harsh sob tearing from her chest. "Please..." she begged, groaning. "Please ... stop..." He paused. "Are ye going to obey from now on?" She nodded her head up and down, the tears rolling down her cheeks and plopping onto the tiny wildflowers clamoring for a hold along the flinty edges of the rocks. She cried out when he landed another blazing stripe across her lower buttocks. "I can't hear ye, wife." "Yesss!" She reluctantly squealed her agreement, wishing she had never agreed to marry him. She hated him at that moment, and her eyes blurred as more hot tears sprang into them. He had managed to turn her life upside down overnight, and was now making her cry, something she hadn't done in ages. She didn't dare refute his claim to her as his wife, though, not in the position she was in at the moment. When he hauled her upright, she tried to scramble away from him, but he wouldn't let her. He forced her to sit on her painful rear end, perched on his hard thigh. She knotted her hands into fists and refused to look at him, her braid falling 65

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down to shield the side of her face from his gaze as she sobbed hoarsely. Gallagher studied her bent head, aware that she was still defying him, even though she had agreed to obey him. She was a stubborn lass, he decided, feeling her animosity like something tangible. What would it take to make her soft and compliant? When he raised his hand to lift her chin, she jerked and shrank away suddenly, as if he had been going to strike her. He frowned, and then he gently approached her face, putting his big finger under her small chin to lift her head so he could look into her eyes. "I will never hit ye, Eileen. Is that what ye thought?" "Ye just did," she replied defiantly, her eyes wet with tears and blinking scornfully at him. "Over and over." "That's different. That was a spanking, one ye richly deserved. But I will never raise my hand to ye, nor mistreat ye in that way." "Ye expect me to believe that?" "Aye, I do, because it is true." He gently ran his thumb across her wet cheek, brushing the tears away. "My father struck ye though, didn't he?" Her eyelids closed, and she refused to answer or look at him. "Never mind, I already know the answer." He scowled darkly. "I am not my father, lass. Ye can trust me." Impulsively, he leaned down and kissed her closed eyelids, his lips gentle as he touched her delicate skin. Her eyes 66

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sprang open, and he saw shock and amazement in their purple depths, just before the guarded look returned. He held her chin in his fingers as he placed a soft kiss on the end of her nose, then wandered down to beseech the trembling lips for a taste of their sweetness. She gasped suddenly, and her hands came up between them, pushing frantically at his broad chest. Reluctantly, he backed off and lifted her to her feet. "Come on, its time to set up a camp, and I don't want to do it here by the roadside." He took the horses' reins in one hand, and his subdued wife by the other, and led them to spot a few minutes away. He had scouted it out earlier, a restful spot near a small babbling brook. While Eileen washed her flushed face in the stream, he got a fire going, keeping an eye on her at the same time. He wouldn't put it past her to bolt, in spite of her promise. When she returned, he patted the blankets he had laid out, indicating she should sit down. "I'm not tired yet," Eileen said, some of her earlier defiance returning. She watched him warily, not sure what he was up to. If he thought she was going to sleep with him, he was crazy, and her bottom hurt. She didn't want to sit down. "Come, lay down here on your belly," he instructed, patting the blanket again. "What for?" She asked suspiciously. "I want to look at your arse, that's why," he explained patiently, his eyes glowing in the moonlight. "Now, obey your husband, and lay down." 67

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"No, I don't want you to." She stepped back nervously when he stood up. "Didn't ye just promise to obey me?" "But ... but..." Eileen didn't realize how dark her eyes had gone, and Gallagher knew suddenly that she was afraid. She didn't trust him to keep his word concerning his husbandly rights. His mouth tightened. "I just want to make sure ye are all right, wee one," he said gently. "That was a good hard spanking I gave ye, and I want to make sure I wasn't too harsh for ye to ride tomorrow." He held out his hand and was rewarded when her small one finally crept forward and placed itself in his. He could feel her trembling when he pulled her forward, and she waited while he unfastened her riding skirt so it could be taken down. She looked up at him, and then quickly lay down, refusing to lower her knickers. Gallagher kneeled beside her and slipped his hand into the waistband of the white cotton garment, and then slid it down, his palm caressing over the still warm mounds of smooth flesh as he went. It was his turn to tremble as he viewed the pale flesh in the moonlight, brightened to a deep pink, and welted in the middle of her buttocks, extending towards the tops of her thighs. He leaned over and checked carefully for any purpling and realized that there was some. She would have some bruises by morning, he was sure. He swore softly to himself ... he should have bared her in spite of the open location, just to make sure that didn't happen. They had a few more days of riding before they arrived at the castle, and he hadn't 68

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wanted to make her suffer unduly ... just teach her a lesson in obedience. Her skin was delicate, yet supple and firm, and he was fairly certain she hadn't been spanked before, not from the looks of the bruises that were so quickly coming up. "Ye are going to be pretty uncomfortable tomorrow," he growled, sliding her knickers back up. Eileen rolled quickly away from him and stood up, reaching for her skirt. She felt safer once it was fastened back in place. His hand caressing her sensitive flesh had made her very uncomfortable, more so than the pain of the spanking he had given her. "I'll manage," she said tightly as she walked over to Delilah. She took her bedroll off the back of the horse and spread it out on the ground in quick efficient movements. Then she unsaddled Delilah and laid the saddle at the top of the blankets; it would be her pillow. She had no intention of sharing Gallagher's blanket. She put the hobbles on Delilah so she could graze, but not wander too far and then fished in her saddlebags for some bread and dried meat. She could feel Gallagher watching her, and she avoided meeting his probing gaze. She had learned long ago not to challenge a man by looking him directly in the eye ... not much different than a bull in that respect. As long as she kept her head bowed around Donald, she hadn't had to worry about him backhanding her. It was when she looked up in defiance to face him that he usually walloped her across the cheek. It didn't keep her from thinking defiantly, though, and she had managed to get through the long days until the old Laird had finally died. 69

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Eileen sneaked a glance at Gallagher when she felt he wasn't looking, and then slid away from his brooding gaze when it returned to rest on her. She wasn't going to give him any excuse to use her or accuse her of inviting him to share her bed. She ate in silence, staring at the moonlight dappling across the brook, the sound of the stream's watery meanderings soothing her tired mind. When she finally realized that Gallagher wasn't eating, she asked him stiffly if he would like some dried meat and bread. Perhaps, he had lit out after her so fast he hadn't had time to get anything, or hadn't thought about it. Either way, it was probably her fault he didn't have any food. When he came over and eased down beside her, she automatically stiffened and moved away, although she did hand him her bag with the food in it. When his lean fingers brushed against hers, a mental image of those fingers smacking against her bare bottom the day before flashed through her mind, and she shivered. Gallagher took the bag from her, capturing her own slender fingers and looking into her dark eyes. "Is that all ye would like to share?" He asked softly, feeling her tremble. [Back to Table of Contents]

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Chapter Five Eileen just stared at him, her eyes wary and scared. "Ye know the conditions of our marriage, and I'll be holding ye to them," she said through stiff lips. "Kindly go back to your own blanket!" Gallagher studied her pale face, wondering what exactly had happened to make her so terrified. For that's what she was, he could see it in her eyes, the fear that made them huge and dark. He felt his anger kindle at her unknown assailant and, impulsively, he reached out to touch her face again. When she jerked back and shrank to the side, he was instantly contrite. "I'm sorry, wee one, I shouldn't have moved so fast; I've spooked ye again." Eileen cursed herself for her reaction. "Nay, tis I who am sorry. Ye have promised not to hit me, and I will try to abide by your word ... until ye've broken it anyway," she added. She held her head up proudly, not flinching this time when he slowly put his hand to her face and stroked her creamy cheek. His touch made her tremble, and she cursed herself again, vowing not to let this man see how he affected her ... hating herself because he did affect her. "I'll not be breaking my word, ye can count on that." He leaned in towards her, unable to resist the lure of those trembling lips. He stopped when a single word came forth. "Don't." He drew back. "What is it? Do ye find my touch so repulsive?" When she didn't answer, he leaned towards her 71

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again, moving slowly in case she denied him again. When she said nothing, he laid his firm mouth on hers, gently, afraid of rushing her. Eileen braced herself to endure his mouth, and she stiffened, waiting for the revulsion to cause bile to rise up in her throat. He ... had forced his kiss on her, made her take it, his disgusting tongue wrapping itself around her own. She hadn't been able to keep from gagging and then he had slapped her. On several occasions, he had slapped her, whipping her head back and forth with the force of his hand because she had found him repulsive. Much to her surprise, she didn't find Gallagher's touch offensive, yet her fear would not let her enjoy his kiss. It might lead to other things ... things she would never allow to happen again ... not if she had a choice in the matter. When he lifted his head and looked down at her, Eileen didn't turn away. She traitorously found herself wondering what it would be like to stay married to this man, perhaps try to have a normal life ... maybe even have more children. She surprised herself with her errant thoughts. She had only known Gallagher a brief time, and he wasn't interested in her, only his inheritance. Still, his eyes mesmerized her in the moonlight, their depths dark and mysterious, yet filled at that moment with kindness ... and something else. She could tell he wanted her ... badly. She feared that more than anything. She had no intention of allowing her body to be used once again. "Was that so bad?" Came the soft query. 72

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She licked her lips, formulating a reply. She was completely unaware that this simple gesture fueled Gallagher's already kindled desires, and made him want to crush her to him, to take that teasing pink tongue into his own mouth. "I'll not be sharing your blanket with ye, if that's what ye mean." Gallagher reluctantly put a hobble on his desires. "Will ye tell me about it, Eileen?" "Tell ye about what?" "About the man that put this fear of lovemaking into your heart and body. After all, we are married. Why shouldn't we enjoy each other for as long as it lasts?" His silvery eyes glinted down at her, and Eileen's patience broke. What was it with these men? "And why don't ye go straight to hell," she snapped. "Is that all ye men think about? Your pleasure ... and your sons?" Gallagher's head snapped back as if she had struck him physically, his mouth tightening in anger at the implied insult. "And are ye so bitter and withdrawn that ye have no desire for pleasure? Did ye think I would really set ye aside after the year was up, if ye were carrying my child? What sort of man do ye think I am?" Eileen lashed out, her bitterness and fury at Donald Brincairn making her throw caution to the winds. "And what manner of a man are ye? Why should I think the apple falls far from the tree? The Earl wanted a son and was desperate to get one ... and he did ... he made sure of that! And all the while his own anger and jealousy were raging inside him, causing him to mistreat and hurt me because he wasn't man 73

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enough to do the job himself!" As soon as she spoke, Eileen knew she had gone too far! Gallagher was shocked, fury ripping through him at her words. "Are ye saying what I think ye are?" His eye's glinted, their silvery depths gone deep and dark as he stared at her. He grabbed her by the shoulders, oblivious of her shrinking back. "My father had ye attacked? Is that what ye are saying? Answer me!" Eileen put her arms up in front of her face and whimpered, her fear paralyzing her. She shouldn't have let her anger get the best of her, she should have known better! You don't challenge men like this without a weapon in your hand, they just hurt you more than your words ever hurt them! Gallagher silently cursed himself at her reaction, and cursed his father's memory as well. "Eileen ... lass ... don't be afraid, ye have done nothing wrong. It's my father that has my anger stirred." He eased her close to his chest, holding her shaking body, feeling a fierce surge of protectiveness sweep over him. This girl had obviously suffered greatly at the hands of his evil father ... for Gallagher finally realized that Donald Brincairn had been evil. Only a devil would do such a thing to a young innocent girl for the sake of revenge! He held his wife close and talked to her, trying to sooth her as best he could. "I don't know what all happened, Eileen, but I hope ye will trust me enough to tell me one day. I thought I knew my father, but it appears I was wrong. He was more evil than I gave him credit for." He rubbed his big hand gently up and 74

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down her slender back, soothing her as he would a small child. Finally, when he felt her trembling beginning to subside, he tipped her chin up to study her ashen face in the moonlight. "I'm telling ye, lass ... once and for all. I don't hit women. If ye make me angry, and I know ye will ... I will still never hit ye. If ye misbehave, I will take ye over my lap and give you a good spanking, but I will never hurt ye. Ye have my word of honor on that. Ye may feel free to say whatever ye like, whenever ye like and hold your head up high. Ye may find yourself looking at the floor with your bare arse over my knee, but ye may always speak your mind. Twill be up to ye as to whether a sore arse is a consequence ye wish to live with for deliberate rudeness to your husband." His gentle finger brushed across her smooth, pale cheek. "I demand your respect, as your husband, but I make no demands on your body. I will, however, accept whatever you choose to bestow and hope for more. I won't promise not to try and change your mind, but I will never do anything ye don't want me to." Eileen searched his face, hearing his sincerity, but not knowing for sure she could trust it. Would he really keep his word if he got furious with her? So far he had! She had already stolen his horse and forced him to come several miles on foot. He had spanked her for that, but he hadn't tried to strike her in any other way. "Seeing is believing," she said finally, drawing back from him with a stifled yawn that brought tears to her eyes. She was utterly exhausted. "I'll be holding ye to your word about 75

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sharing my bed, so off to your own blanket." She stared pointedly at the other blanket, and he grinned down at her. Her impudent little nose was in the air, and she looked so cute, like an affronted kitten. "I'm sorry to disappoint you so soon, lass, but we will be sharing a blanket." He reached over and pulled his own blanket over to hers. "But ... you said..." Eileen spluttered. Gallagher put a large finger on her lips. "Hush now, ye will be safe. But it's going to be chilly tonight, so we might as well both have a blanket to lie on and one to cover us with. Don't worry; I'm not going to take advantage of ye. Now lay down." He motioned her to lie down, and he covered her with his blanket when she grudgingly did so. He stayed up and watched the licking flames of the fire, waiting for her to relax a little before he lay down beside her. He hoped she would be too tired to voice any more protests. Eileen lay stiffly with her back to him, waiting for him to position himself beside her. When he didn't, she looked cautiously around and saw him sitting cross-legged, staring into the fire. He certainly didn't seem overcome with lust or desire! Perhaps, she could afford to relax a little, although she was sure it would be a long night. She would have to keep careful watch to make sure he didn't try anything in her sleep. She yawned deeply once again and tried valiantly to stay awake, but exhaustion finally overcame her, and she slipped into a troubled sleep. It wasn't long before Gallagher heard her breathing deepen, and he grinned in satisfaction. Surely, she must be 76

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learning to trust him some, or else she would be wide-awake still. He banked the fire and then slipped in behind her, cupping his body around hers. She felt good there in his arms, and he held her, ignoring the stiffening of a certain part of his anatomy. He was man enough to control his desires ... or at least man enough not to act on them. He groaned silently ... it might be a long night after all! He focused his thoughts on his father to distract himself and wondered exactly what had happened. He needed to have a long talk with Jamie when next he saw him. Who was Soren's father if it hadn't been the Laird? How had his father gotten away with such a preposterous scheme? There were too many unanswered questions, and asking Eileen only hurt her in the retelling. It was obvious she had suffered greatly at the hands of Donald Brincairn. His arms tightened protectively around her slender frame. She wouldn't be hurt anymore ... not if he had anything to say about it! Eileen waited in the huge bed on the stone blocks, knowing he would be coming once again. It had been thus for several nights now. Her hands were cold as ice in spite of the warm summer night. Donald had seen her to bed each night, watching as she took off her clothing and got in between the sheets. During the day, she endured the whispers of the servants and the goading of her husband, and at night, she endured the use of her body against her will. He had never hurt her, apart from that first time, but she resented what she was forced to accept, and the bitterness and rage increased in her heart each time she was forced to submit to his ministrations. 77

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It was ugly, but her youth and love for life and the child she might already be carrying, gave her the strength she needed to go on. There was no escape ... Donald had seen to that. No one would help her, although she had tried. He had even removed Melba from her care during those long three weeks, making sure she had no one to turn to. "This will be the last time, lass," Donald said to her, "and within the next few weeks, we should know if ye are carrying my son." She wanted to rage at him, to ask him what if the child were a girl, what then? But the madness in his eyes told her he was unreasonable. When Donald left the room, she knew HE was there. She trembled at the sound of clothing being dropped and once again her eyes strained to see his features. It was no use; of course ... the darkness hid her tormentor. "Why are ye doing this?" She whispered in anguish. "Because I have to," came the harsh whisper in reply. "I don't have a choice either, lass. We are both cursed to be in Donald Brincairn's evil grasp." Then he was on her, rubbing against her, his erection rising in spite of her protests. The heavy cream was once again forced between her legs and then he rolled between her thighs, his heavy shaft penetrating her quickly. "I'm sorry, lass, I truly am," he grunted, but he thrust quickly into her, just the same. Eileen couldn't help herself, she beat at his shoulders with her fists, moaning and crying out in protest at his heartless invasion of her innocent body. "No ... please ... don't!" 78

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Gallagher felt her stir in her sleep, moaning and turning onto her back. He had finally drifted off himself in the wee hours of the morning, but he was so aware of her beside him, that he wasn't sleeping deeply. He propped up on his elbow to study her face in the moonlight, and then leaned down to try to catch her words. He was caught off guard when she began thrashing and hitting at him with her fists, her cries filled with desperation and despair. He realized she must be in the throes of a dream, and he grabbed her fists, laying his body over hers to still her. "Eileen, wake up, wee one. Ye are having a nightmare." The weight of his body over hers seemed to put her into frenzy, and she screamed, bucking against him as if to push him off. "Wake up, Eileen," he commanded her urgently, holding her down. Her eyes shot open and she stilled, wide-eyed and obviously disoriented. "Gallagher?" Her voice was strained, her chest heaving as she fought off the demons that plagued her. Talking about this just before bedtime had obviously brought the memories back to the surface of her mind, and the old dreams had recurred. "Aye, it's me. Ye are safe, wee one ... safe in the arms of your husband. No one will ever hurt ye again." "Don't make promises ye can't keep," she reminded him bitterly, but she did feel safe at that moment, the blackness of the dream beginning to fade. The reality of Gallagher's warm body pressing down on her own told her he could be 79

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trusted, just as she had known the moment her body had conceived life. She had also known it would be a son. Relief had warred with disgust when that knowledge became hers, but she was thankful that the nights of invasion were over. She was also bitter that Donald Brincairn had achieved his aim, and a son was going to be born. She didn't tell him that, though, she hugged the secret to herself, enjoying watching him suffer for all those months awaiting Soren's birth, agonizing over the possibility it might be a girl. It had been a small revenge, but satisfying none the less. "This is one promise I intend to keep," he said darkly, thinking of Canton. She stared up at him, letting him keep her small hands in his own, and he stared back, content to stay there as long as she would allow it. One of his long legs was between her thighs, his body half on hers, and he wanted to make love to her desperately, to fuse his own body with her feminine counterpart. He wanted to erase the imprint of the nightmare and create lovely dreams for her to go to sleep with, but he resisted. He was surprised when she took her hands from his and her arms crept up around his neck, pulling him suddenly closer. "I know ye mean well, but I also know Canton is not finished with us yet," whispered Eileen gratefully, pressing an impulsive kiss against his mouth. Then she blushed slightly, confused at her own daring. Gallagher was delighted. "How do ye know this?" He quickly pressed his advantage and placed a tender kiss on her pink mouth and waited for her answer. 80

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"Because I do," she replied somewhat breathlessly. "Sometimes knowledge just comes to me ... out of nowhere. I can't explain it, but I just know." She hated to admit it, but she was actually enjoying the feel of his warm body on hers. Maybe that was an exaggeration ... at least she didn't feel repulsed by him ... not yet anyway. "Then ye must know how much I want ye right now," he said huskily, bringing his hand up to tentatively cover her breast. His thumb found the small bud beneath the fabric and he teased it gently, feeling it harden. "Let me pleasure ye, wee one, let me make ye forget all about what happened before. I promise ye will enjoy it." Eileen stiffened. Whether or not she would enjoy it, she didn't know. But what was obvious to her was that he wanted to pleasure himself just as much. It didn't take a bolt out of the blue for her to know that! She also knew she wasn't ready for this and didn't know if she ever would be. Forget what had happened to her? Not in this lifetime. She grunted and pushed him off her. "I don't think so." Gallagher was disappointed, but he accepted his rejection philosophically. He would give her more time. He rolled away and came to his feet. The first fingers of dawn were stretching across the skyline and it looked to be a bonny day. He grinned down at her and put his hand out for her to take. "Up, wife. If ye won't see to your husband's needs, then ye can at least wash my back in the stream." Nonplussed, Eileen hesitated, and then put her small hand into her husband's large palm ... the same one that had blistered her butt twice over now. In a way, it felt symbolic to 81

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her, and she fought the feeling of belonging. Their marriage was only temporary, and she had no intention of tying him to her with a child ... not if he didn't love her. He had given her the option of leaving after a year, and she intended to hold him to it. Even though he meant well, she had no desire to be in another loveless marriage. Without love, he would eventually tire of her and be off to greener pastures, while she would be left behind, miserable and unhappy. She kept her thoughts to herself as she smiled up at him and rose to her feet. "I see rejection doesn't put ye in a foul mood anyway," she replied cautiously as she allowed him to lead her to the brook. "Nay, I've been rejected before." He winked at her. "But I'll win in the end, just so ye know." With his warm hand holding hers and his cheerful mocking grin, Eileen's heart melted a bit more, and she couldn't help but smile back. She was suddenly glad he was not the normal dour, brooding Scotsman that she was used to. His rakish humor appealed to her and lightened her heavy heart, making her feel almost like a young girl again. Some days, she felt as old as the hills. They spent an agreeable morning, Gallagher regaling her with some of the tales of his pirating days and describing the double wedding of Morg and Kat, and Frankie and Jacques. It had been a hectic few minutes when Kat had announced she wasn't going to marry a man dressed in a skirt, but Morg had rushed her off to his study to convince her. Gallagher admitted he didn't know what Morg had done to change her mind, but it had seemed to work! They had both come out 82

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with a big smile on their faces. He winked at her, and Eileen had to chuckle. When her lovely mouth turned up in a smile, Gallagher wondered what it would take to make her laugh ... really laugh ... and he vowed to make it happen. In the meantime, he was in no hurry. There would be plenty of work to do when they reached Brincairn and he wanted this time to get to know her better. He watched as Eileen concentrated on the rabbit, the tip of her tongue coming out to touch her upper lip as she drew the arrow back in the bow. The arrow flew true and straight to its intended target, and she flashed him a triumphant smile, her eyes brimming with satisfaction. "Excellent," he said heartily. Then with mischief filling his own silver eyes, he pointed to the rabbit and said, "now, fetch!" Eileen gaped at him and then stuttered, "You ... you ... ohhhh ... you fetch it yourself! Do I look like a dog to you?" She folded her arms and tapped her foot, sending him a blistering glare. "Here now, what did I tell ye about obeying your husband?" He shook his head woefully. "And after we just discussed all this too. Ye leave me no choice but to take ye in hand yet again." He advanced on her menacingly, a wicked smile on his face. "Don't ye even dare," she replied nervously, backing up, holding her hand up to ward him off. "I mean it, Gallagher, ye are not going to spank me." She knew he was just playing with her, but she still didn't know him well enough to know 83

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what to expect! Seeing his determined advance, she whirled to run. In an instant, he had her, scooping her up in his arms and carrying her to the old tree trunk, purposely noted by him before he had started teasing her. He quickly dispersed of her riding skirt in spite of her hands everywhere, protesting and pushing against his own. It was a breathless few minutes until he had her face down over his platform of thighs, pushing the cotton knickers apart with his eager hand. "Naughty, minx," he said softly, running his palm over the satiny texture. "Here is a bruise," he added, and then bent down to place a tender kiss on the black and purple mark. He was pleased when she gasped. "Let me up, Gallagher, this instant," she demanded, but Gallagher could tell her protest was halfhearted, and she was unsure of herself. Taking advantage of her indecision, he began to caress her warm flesh, gently kneading here and there, smiling when she groaned. "Don't be giving orders to your husband when he is correcting ye," he demanded softly. His hand slid down one delicious curve of buttock to thigh and slowly back up the other, reveling in the satiny feel. When his fingers wandered into that secret place in a light caress, he could hear her strangled moan. With a chuckle, he lifted his hand and brought it lightly down on her upturned cheeks, loving it when they pressed in beneath his palm and bounced back out. Eileen gasped from the sting, but she knew he wasn't really punishing her, he was playing with her, and God help her ... she was enjoying it! This was so far from the way she 84

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had expected him to woo her that she was taken off guard. She was unprepared for the unexpected feelings that rushed through her body when his fingers brushed against her womanly parts, and she was shocked at herself. "Gallagher ... No!" She squirmed beneath his hand as he lightly spanked her several more times and with a horrified gasp, she felt wetness between her thighs that cooled as the gentle warm breezes blew across her buttocks. She was mortally embarrassed as his fingers once again found the cleft that led to the treasure trove between her thighs and unerringly, the soft nub of pleasure that had her instinctively pushing back against his hand. "Ye like that, don't ye, minx?" he chuckled, continuing his exploration between the springy curls; smug that his ministrations were proving she was not immune to pleasure. He gloried exultantly in the knowledge that he could evoke such a response from her, and in spite of her protests, he continued to slide in and out of that soaking channel, rubbing the delightful bud longer each time, and she began to writhe over his lap and plead. "Oh, please, Gallagher," she moaned, "please!" "Please what," he asked wickedly. "Please stop?" [Back to Table of Contents]

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Chapter Six "No! I mean, yes," panted Eileen, "ye mustn't do this!" She didn't know exactly what "this" was, but the feelings he was evoking in her virginal body were very powerful. "Why not?" Gallagher asked teasingly, his fingers still stroking that soft sweet fold of flesh. "We are married, tis proper for a man and his wife to play in this manner." "P ... play?" Eileen echoed weakly. Something was building inside her, a feeling of need so strong she was losing all power to concentrate on anything but the sweet pleasure that was coursing through her. Desperately, she tried to hang onto reason. "Lord's sake, Gallagher, have mercy," she pleaded. "Don't ... don't..." She stopped begging, no longer able to utter more than a high keening as her body took over and refused to allow her to stop him, its need overwhelming and consuming her. "Don't worry, I won't stop," chuckled Gallagher knowingly. He put every ounce of feeling into pleasuring her and was delighted when she screamed her release, her body shaking violently and trembling with pleasure she had never before experienced. While she lay panting over his lap, he stroked up and down her thighs, gentling her as he would a nervous filly, calming her with soothing words and soft touches. It was a beginning. Finally, he eased her over and pulled her up into his arms, her face flushing under his knowing eye. He hugged her close when she hid her face in his chest, his laughter and delight 86

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rumbling down deep in his chest. She was heartbreakingly innocent, in spite of all she had been through. He found himself captivated by this prickly little wench, as though she were weaving a spell around him, and Gallagher already knew he had no intention of letting her go. No, he would woo her instead. He would have her in his bed, teach her to love and trust him, no matter how long it took. He groaned as another part of his anatomy reminded him that it needed attention too, and he shifted her slightly on his lap. "What's wrong?" Eileen asked, feeling him move her. She looked up at him, still blushing. "Do ye need to ask that?" Gallagher asked, grinning wryly. Seeing that she still looked puzzled, he took her hand and slid it beneath his kilt. The feel of her hand on his throbbing shaft and her bare soft buttocks cradled between his thighs was almost his undoing. "Have pity, lass, let me sit ye on top here and relieve my own need." He whispered in her hair. "Tis as powerful as yours was a few minutes ago." Whether it was the lack of a traditional bedroom setting, or just what it was, Eileen didn't know, but her curiosity was suddenly consuming, and she brushed the kilt back to get a better look. She gasped when she saw Gallagher's male protrusion standing straight up, and her small hand instinctively closed around it, barely able to contain its girth. It felt warm and smooth and it throbbed in her hand. She stared, fascinated at the sight as a small bead of moisture glistened on the slit in the head. "Unless ye plan on doing something with that, ye had best let go," Gallagher said in a 87

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strangled voice. "I know I promised not to do anything ye didn't want, but a man has only got so much control." Eileen jerked her hand away and scrambled off his lap, then stood staring at him, the feelings inside her wild and foreign. She was tempted to throw caution to the wind and allow him to explore her body, and she his, but the thought of what their union would mean was too daunting. "I'm s ... sorry," she stammered. She snatched her riding tartan up and put her legs into it, sliding it quickly back in place. When she looked up again, Gallagher was getting their horses. "Ye lead the way to your friend's home in LaCra," he said tersely. Eileen swung into her saddle and began trotting ahead of Gallagher and Minion, her thoughts troubled. When she glanced back at him, he seemed tense and brooding, and she wondered if she had made him truly angry with her. A sense of loss swept over her as the playful, teasing companion of the morning disappeared and a curt, foreboding stranger took his place. Now, he resembled the Scots she was familiar with! Nevertheless, she lifted her chin in unspoken defiance. After all, it was his fault! She hadn't asked for his attentions! Gallagher watched her as they rode silently, her back stiff and straight before him. He knew he had only himself to blame, but he had been intensely disappointed when she hadn't returned to his lap. He had seen the indecision, the longing in her beautiful face, and he wanted her ... badly! He cursed himself for making that ridiculous promise to force nothing on her that she didn't want. He knew her body 88

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wanted it. It was her mind that was causing the problem, and he had to get past that first. He had only been teasing and playing with her and hadn't counted on the explosive reaction and the subsequent curiosity. There was no doubt about it ... Eileen Brincairn was a highly sensual woman, with hidden fire that even she was not aware of. Fires he was longing to explore. Damn! His shaft was still hard and throbbing ... he didn't think he had ever wanted a woman this much! Briefly, he considered breaking his promise and just taking her, but he discarded the idea. He had to build her trust, and that wasn't the way to do it. Eileen led the way through the sprawling village of LaCra, the colorful shops just as he remembered them. Nothing changed much in the Highland Villages; life went on as normal in spite of the wars and skirmishes in the outer provinces. The peaceful village nestled along the mountain pass, a welcome stop for many a visitor, and Gallagher sniffed the air appreciatively as they neared an Inn. He hoped her friend, Mary, had something to eat; he hadn't eaten since last night. He continued to follow her along a winding path that led off to the right of the main street through town, and it wasn't long before they came upon a small cottage. Chickens scattered as the horses plodded into the yard, and a bristling black dog barked, standing guard at the door of the home. They had dismounted and walked beneath the thatched overhang to knock on the door when they heard a woman crying out in pain. The cries were coming from behind the 89

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house, and they quickly rushed around the corner and stopped when they saw a man, holding a woman under one arm and spanking her dress covered behind with the other. "Stop, Allen ... someone is here," yelped Mary, her arms flailing. She blushed red with embarrassment at the site of Eileen and her handsome companion. "Would ye like us to wait around front?" Asked Gallagher politely, as the strong man set his petite woman on the ground and turned around, still holding onto her arm. "Eileen, tis a pleasure to see ye, lass," he boomed, his blue eye's twinkling. His blonde thatch waved in the afternoon breeze, and his ruddy cheeks fairly glowed with health and good humor. He strode forward, dragging Mary with him, to shake Gallagher's hand heartily as Eileen introduced them. "This is Gallagher Brincairn," she said, smiling at Mary with sympathy. She turned to Gallagher. "And this is Allen and Mary Montgomery." Allen's bright eyes were inquisitive. "Brincairn ... you don't mean the old Laird's son that took off for parts unknown do ye?" Everyone in the Highlands had heard the story of Donald and his son at one time or another, although Allen had been but a youth when it had happened. "Aye, the same," replied Gallagher, nodding cautiously. "Welcome home," added Mary thoughtfully, glancing sideways at Eileen. Her brown eyes were asking Eileen what the story was, but she didn't say anything aloud. "It's good to see ye well, Eileen. I take it ye were successful in overthrowing Canton?" 90

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"It wasn't much of a battle. Morgan and Gallagher arrived in the midst of it, and everyone just stopped fighting. Canton escaped after that." "How is it that ye two are traveling alone? Where is Morgan? And where is the rest of the Brincairn clan?" Allen looked disapprovingly at Eileen, and then behind her as if hoping to see the rest of their party. "Eileen and I are married now," broke in Gallagher, putting his arm defensively around Eileen's waist. "We were married two days ago at the Abbey in Castle McKenna. We are getting to know each other on our return trip, and chose to travel alone." Allen noted the protective gesture, but his concerned gaze slid sideways to his wife. She looked at him too, but neither was inclined to pry, although they were fair to bursting with curiosity. He cleared his throat. "I've some business to finish with my wife, then we'll meet the two of ye inside. Mayhap you can tell us what ye feel comfortable with whilst Mary fixes ye a bite to eat." "But, Allen, we have company!" "All right," Gallagher agreed smoothly, taking Eileen's arm and turning her towards the house. He had no intention of interfering with a man on a mission. Eileen shot Mary a sympathetic glance as she allowed Gallagher to lead her away. When she glanced behind her, Allen was escorting Mary towards the woodshed out back. Eileen had been in there, although it was only to get wood, but she knew Allen used it for discipline. 91

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Eileen fidgeted uneasily, pacing back and forth as they waited for Mary and Allen. Poor Mary! Having to receive a spanking when she had company waiting for her! "Will ye settle, wife, and stop pacing?" growled Gallagher finally. He reached up and pulled her down on his knee, ignoring her protest. "I don't think he should humiliate Mary like that," she said through gritted teeth. Her own backside twinged in sympathy, the bruises from her own spanking making themselves known as she sat on Gallagher's hard muscled thigh. "Tis not for us to judge," he replied firmly, taking her slender fingers in one hand and playing with them. "A man handles his own wife as he sees fit." "I still don't like it," she responded. At that moment, Mary preceded Allen through the back door of the cottage, her eyes red, and sniffling. Eileen sprang up to help her friend while the two men sat at the table to talk, Allen offering Gallagher a tankard of Highland ale. "How did ye end up married, Leeni?" Mary asked curiously as she sliced large slabs of bread. "And to the old Laird's son at that!" "It's a long story, Mary," confessed Eileen cautiously. As much as she loved her friend, it wouldn't do to share all her personal life with her. Protecting Soren was her first objective these days, and anything that might point to Donald Brincairn not being his father must be strictly kept to herself. Eileen, herself, had not known Soren's father. But the King had authorized their marriage ... therefore it was acceptable. Another example of male power, she thought bitterly. 92

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Mary nodded, understanding that her friend was reluctant to talk. She leaned in closer to Eileen and whispered, "Eileen, there is talk going around that Donald Brincairn was not Soren's father. I thought ye should know." She hadn't counted on Gallagher's sharp hearing. "What is that ye speak of?" Gallagher stared hard at Mary, his gaze fierce. "Are ye spreading tales, Mary?" Allen frowned at his wife, his bushy blonde brows drawing together. Mary drew herself up quietly. "I just thought Eileen should be warned, that's all." "Warned about what?" Gallagher had been thinking about this all morning. He hadn't expected it to happen this way, but he had already decided to do this. He had wanted to discuss it with Eileen first, but since it was here, there was no point in not proceeding as planned. Allen scowled at Mary, and then turned back to Gallagher. "There be rumors going around that Soren was not your father's child," he replied heavily. "I'm afraid those rumors are true," stated Gallagher flatly. His gaze swung to Eileen and he saw her already pale face go whiter with shock. "The circumstances are not for public fodder, although I know they will nosh it about like cattle with their cuds, but tis no matter. I'll be adopting Soren as my own child. He will be an heir to his share of the Brincairn legacy." Ignoring Eileen for the moment, he concentrated on Allen. "I'd consider it a great favor were ye to spread that news about and let them think what they like." 93

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Allen eyed him thoughtfully. "Consider it done." He and Gallagher both looked up when Eileen ran out the back door of the cottage with a strangled sob. "Wait," commanded Gallagher, when Mary started to follow her. "I'll see to my wife." He spoke gently to Mary, then turned and stepped outside, his eyes swiftly searching the grounds for Eileen. Eileen fought for control as she leaned against the back wall of the barn. Her trembling knees refused to hold her up, and she sank to the ground, burying her face in her hands as she drew her knees protectively up to her chest. What had Gallagher done? The implications were beyond her at that moment, she only knew she had been betrayed! Soren's secret was no longer safe! Harsh sobs clawed at her chest, and she felt ready to burst as anger washed over her in dizzying waves. All that she had planned was for naught! The anguish and horror she had gone through for four miserable years was all a waste! When she and Gallagher parted in a year, Soren would no longer be the old Laird's heir! With everyone knowing that Soren was not Donald's, all was lost. Her son would never be able to have what was due him ... and it was all thanks to Gallagher! Once he cast her off, she and Soren would have nothing ... nothing! When the face of her tormentor appeared in her line of vision, Eileen lashed out. She caught him across the chin with her fist. When he fell back, she screamed her fury and jumped forward, landing on top of him and pummeling him for all she was worth. "I hate ye, ye selfish bastard! Ye had to 94

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do it, didn't ye? Ye had to take Soren's legacy away from him. Ye are no better than your father!" She fought like a wildcat, panting and screeching until Gallagher finally had her pinned on the ground beneath him, her small fists captured in his own above her head. She panted with impotent fury as the tears gushed down her cheeks, and she wept noisily, all her heartbreak and rage pulsing over him like a wild hurricane at sea. She couldn't seem to get control of herself, and Gallagher began to get worried as she finally just wept brokenly, too tired to fight anymore. "It's not like that," he finally ground out, his face pale. "I know this is a shock to ye, but I've been thinking about it all morning. I think it's best that people know Soren is not my father's." It was as if she didn't hear him. Her body was now limp, and he released her, her fingers sliding from his hands as if they had no bones inside them, flaccid ... useless. When he cautiously sat up, she turned to her side and curled into a small ball, hugging her knees and sobbing weakly. Her sorrow was so deep it shut him out completely, and Gallagher was flummoxed. He reached out and touched her wet face, sliding his finger gently down the side of the soft flesh. "So soft, yet so strong," he murmured. "Beautiful, like the fair thistle, yet too prickly to grab hold of. Ye are a puzzle, Eileen Brincairn, I'll grant ye that." "Leave me be," she whispered brokenly. "Just go away and leave me be. When we reach Castle McCrae, I'll take Soren and Melba and go home to McKenna. Ye have no need of me 95

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any longer ... ye Brincairns have won. At least, I know Morg will not turn my son and I away." Her eyes opened to stare at him, and Gallagher thought he had never seen such abject misery in all his life. It touched him to the core, shocked him with the rawness of it, and he felt like kicking himself for not telling her his thoughts before. "I'm not releasing ye." She stared resolutely up into his face. "I'm not asking for your permission." He returned her stare, his gaze probing. "Nevertheless, ye cannot leave without it." "I can, and I will." "Ye are a stubborn lass, aren't ye?" He gathered her up into his arms and sat her on his lap. She offered no resistance, just sat with her hands in her own lap, staring off into the distance. It was as if she had shut him out, and he couldn't get a reaction from her anymore. Such a difference from the clawing, spitting wildcat he had encountered earlier. "Ye don't need me anymore," she replied wearily. "Ye have what ye want. All that was mine is now yours ... except my son. Ye cannot have my son." Gallagher shook her slightly. "Stop it, Eileen! I'm not letting ye go, we made a deal. Ye have to stay with me for at least a year!" She looked at him, finally, and the hopelessness he saw in her purple gaze scared him. "I don't have to do anything, Gallagher. Ye have no more power over me. I'll not be a pawn anymore, and there's nothing ye can do about it. Even the King himself would not force me to stay with ye if I chose not 96

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too." She pushed his hands away and rose unsteadily to her feet. Gallagher stood also, trying to take her cold hands in his. "We need to talk about this, Leeni," he said softly. "I ... I don't want ye to go." His eyes darkened as he stared at her, trying to understand his feelings for this woman child, so innocent, yet so worldly. She folded her hands beneath her arms so he couldn't take them. Staring at him, her eyes huge in her pale face, she asked one simple question. "Why?" She hadn't missed his casual use of her name, but she didn't care. She was too tired to care. When he didn't answer, she turned and walked back to the house. Brooding, Gallagher watched her walk away. He needed to think. Her reaction had caught him off guard, and he needed to figure out where to go from here. He knew one thing, though ... he didn't intend to let her go! **** They bedded down in Mary and Allen's stable that night, on a soft bed of hay. Gallagher insisted she lay beside him, and she had done so, without question. Yet it was as if she had turned off all feelings, and it frustrated him that she appeared to no longer have any reaction to him. What had he done to her? Eileen felt numb and cold inside, not even the warmth of Gallagher's body seemed to faze her. She stared blankly at the barn wall in the dark, seeing nothing, her mind refusing to acknowledge his presence. 97

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She had no idea why he didn't want to let her go, but she had no faith that he would be so generous when the year was up. That is, if he even thought he was being generous. Most likely, he had some ulterior motive that he hadn't made her aware of yet. It was that way with all men. Schemers, connivers, all of them! Willing to use women for their own end and then discard them. Donald's harsh words echoed in her mind. "Ye are free to go, I'm finished with ye." She had tried to defeat the Brincairns, but she had failed miserably. Even Dungally and Jaime had turned against her, going to the King behind her back to get Gallagher his inheritance back. Dungally had told her to trust Gallagher. He had been wrong, she thought bitterly. He had betrayed her and Soren. She lay there listlessly, the thoughts droning through her mind, over and over, keeping her from sleeping. When she felt Gallagher's hand on her shoulder, turning her to her back, she knew she was about to be betrayed yet again. Obviously, he wanted to use her body. He had made that plain already, and his promises were merely ashes in his mouth. She had known he wouldn't keep to them. She was greatly surprised, however, when he tucked her head in the crook of his shoulder and began to talk. "When I was a young lad, my mother used to tell me to go out into the world and find love," began Gallagher, his deep voice resonating in the chest beneath her chin. "She always said that love would never exist in Castle McCrae as long as Donald Brincairn was alive ... she was right." 98

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He went on to tell her all about his mother, how lovely and gentle she was, and how she was like a fragile flower in a hostile environment. Eileen listened in spite of herself, fascinated at the gentle thoughts he expressed and the tenderness in his voice as he spoke of his Mother. He told her how he had come to leave Castle McCrae, but that he had always known he would return one day. His words were earnest, and Eileen was touched, the coldness inside her thawing a little as his obvious love for his mother and his home shown through. Finally, he turned to face her in the moonlight, his eyes dark and probing as he searched her face. "Eileen, we've gotten off to a bad start, lass, but I'm asking ye to trust me. I know it's asking a lot, but I hope you'll try ... just a little." He stared down at her, and her glance slid to his wellshaped mouth as he spoke. "I know ye feel betrayed, but I was honest in my words. I've no intention of cutting Soren off as ye may be thinking. With your permission, I'd like to adopt him, as I said in the house." He paused, and then went on. "Leeni, can we start over? I'd like to make this a real marriage." "But, Gallagher..." she began. He shushed her with a finger on her lips. "Ye can take your time getting used to me. Ye suit me just fine, Leeni. I think we could make a go of it, if we are both willing to try. Will ye at least think about it?" Eileen trembled beside him. One of those sudden bursts of pure knowledge flashed through her, and she knew he was sincere. But would it last? These powers of insight were so 99

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unusual that she didn't totally trust them, especially when it came to people's feelings. Knowing she was having a son when she had been with child was different than this, this was pure emotion ... and emotions could change. Besides—what about love? "But, ye don't love me, Gallagher," she finally said softly. "And I'm not sure I know what love is—and besides, I have no real knowledge of men. How can I be sure ye won't get tired of me and discard me?" She paused then, her face flushing ... "And what if ... what if I ... can't pleasure ye?" She hid her face in his shoulder; abjectly ashamed of what she was and the way she had been used. She had nothing of personal value to offer this man—her virginity was already taken. It had been ruthlessly ripped away from her on her wedding night. [Back to Table of Contents]

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Chapter Seven "Discard?" The word was softly menacing and it rolled off Gallagher's tongue like something foul tasting. "What do ye mean, discard?" "Aye, discard," she replied, the old bitterness returning. "Like your father did when he was finished with me. He told me to go after Soren was born, that he was done with me." Gallagher was outraged, but he could well believe her. His father had been a cruel man. It was the very reason Gallagher himself had left home. He simply couldn't take his father's careless cruelty concerning his mother. "I'm sorry for the indignities ye have suffered at the hands of my father, but as I said before, I am NOT my father. I have no intention of discarding ye. I've asked ye to be my wife, and I do so with honorable intentions." He traced the curve of her lips with his finger, fascinated at the beautiful lush color, just begging to be tasted. Gallagher enjoyed kissing. He enjoyed the smile of a woman, the beauty it brought to her face. Eileen was still embarrassed. She asked in a moment of rare vulnerability, her uncertainty and self-deprecation showing in her wondrous eyes, "Why would ye even want me? I'm ... used. I have nothing to offer ye." She turned away in shame, lowering her eyes. Gallagher's next words were laced with steel. "Don't ever refer to yourself in such a manner again. Tis not your fault ye 101

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were mistreated as ye were." He lifted her chin, but she refused to open her eyes. "Look at me!" When she finally looked hesitantly up, he smiled down at her, the kindness of his nature apparent in that smile. "Ye are a lovely lass. Ye have everything to offer that a man could possibly want. Don't disparage yourself again." He still hadn't mentioned love, and Eileen sighed with resignation. Apparently, he wasn't going to acknowledge that question. Of course, he didn't love her—and apparently, he didn't care whether love was part of the equation or not. "I'll think about it," she replied finally, turning away so he couldn't see her face. "That's the best I can do at the moment." But Gallagher wasn't finished. He wasn't about to stop at this point. Having wrung a small concession from her, he wanted to press home his advantage. He gently pulled her shoulder down and turned her back to face him again. "Let's seal our words with a kiss," he insisted, looking down at those captivating petals once again. Eileen watched in fascination as the dark head began to lower to hers, and she found herself half repulsed, half anticipatory. Her small hands came up to form a barrier against his broad chest, but she allowed him come down gently and take her soft lips against his own. At least, Soren's father had never attempted to kiss her; only her husband had done that. But his mouth had been cruel and ravaging— repulsive. Gallagher's mouth was coaxing, tenderly evoking a small response from her, and she found warmth slowly spreading 102

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through her body. The chill was finally leaving her, and her heart was gladdened. When she began to feel his weight pressing on her and his lips becoming more demanding, the old panic returned, and she pushed desperately against his chest. Unable to control the rising fear, she panted when he finally lifted his head. Desperately, she tried to get a hold of her emotions once again, trying to control the horror. She kept her eyes closed, unwilling to see the disappointment she knew must be gleaming in Gallagher's smoky eyes, and she turned on her side away from him. Far from disappointed, Gallagher was triumphant, and he allowed her to retreat from him, giving her that concession. He felt she had responded to him, and it gave him hope for the future, even though she had eventually panicked. Smiling to himself, he pulled the blanket up over both of them and tucked her in against his body to keep her warm. She was going to be his; she just didn't know it yet. He was a patient man; he would take his time and woo her, make her fall in love with him. Briefly, he thought of his mother. He was sure she would have liked this lass he had set his heart on. He didn't know if he had fallen in love with Eileen or not, but he suspected he was halfway there. He certainly burned for her, more than any woman he had ever met. He could feel the soft curve of her buttocks between his thighs and he was as hard as ever. A condition that didn't seem to be leaving him much lately! With a heavy sigh, he wondered how long it would take before he could sink his hard length into her softness. 103

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Eileen fretted in the darkness, sleep eluding her. Could she trust Gallagher? Her flash of insight told her she could, but would it last? And how did she really feel about him? Why was she even considering his offer? She found herself almost wishing it was sincere and that they were a normal couple in love, but Canton had ruined all that. Canton and Donald together had scarred her emotionally, and she wasn't even sure how she was supposed to feel. Gallagher attracted and scared her at the same time. His touch made her breathless and afraid yet awakened feelings she hadn't known existed. She didn't think they were love though ... more like animal lust! Restlessly, she stirred, pushing back against him unconsciously and feeling his hard length against her buttocks. Quickly, she scooted away, as far as his arm would allow, and tried not to think of the long length she had held in her hand that morning. Her face burned in the dark with embarrassment. She had actually touched him there! She shied away from those unmanageable thoughts and decided she would keep her guard up for now. She would see how Soren liked him. It was way too soon to make any commitments, and her fragile emotions couldn't take the strain of another disappointment. Trust would not come easy to her. No—not easy at all. **** Jamie stared into the brightly dancing fire, the tankard of ale at his lips, brooding. He wondered if Eileen was allowing Gallagher the privileges of her body. He burned with jealousy 104

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and hidden desires, mentally cursing fate for the hand it had dealt him. He was so engrossed in his restless thoughts that he barely noted Dungally dropping down beside him. "What's eating ye, lad?" Jamie started and glanced sideways, schooling his face to his normal impassive expression. Rigidly getting himself under control, he spoke lightly. "Mayhap I should have dueled Gallagher for her hand," he laughed as he spoke, trying to keep the bitterness out of it. Dungally looked shrewdly at him. "Lad, I know ye've had a hankering for Eileen all this time, but ye know it wasn't meant to be. Let it go." "Aye," agreed Jamie. "Mores the cursed luck." He stood up and stalked off into the darkness, its enveloping blanket a welcome shroud to hide him from Dungally's sharp eyes. It wouldn't do to appear too morose over the whole thing. After all, it might get back to Gallagher, and that wouldn't be good. He just wished he had had the guts to have the King order him to marry Eileen. If it hadn't been for her reticence, he would have. But he just couldn't bring himself to do it, knowing she wasn't in love with him. She had been through enough as it was. When an arm caught him about the throat he didn't have time to protest before he was knocked unconscious, and when he awoke, he was facing Canton McAlester. Groaning, he put a hand to the side of his temple, then stared across the firelight into the menacing, brutish features of the man he had helped Eileen defeat. "What do ye want with me?" He asked groggily. 105

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"We need to have a talk, ye and I," came the gravelly tones. "What could we possibly have to discuss," growled Jamie, wincing as his fingers found the knot on the side of his head. "Quite a lot, I imagine," was the cynical reply. "I happen to know ye are in love with Eileen Brincairn." "Who told ye that?" Jamie was instantly alert, brushing aside the pain in his head. "I have my ways of finding out things. Besides, if ye are looking for it, the signs are all there." He watched the younger man carefully, gauging his reactions to every word. "I think we could make a satisfactory business arrangement ... that is, if ye are willing." "I'm listening," Jamie replied cautiously. He didn't trust Canton McAlester. There were too many unanswered questions in his background. Besides, there had been all kinds of talk and rumors—rumors that did not rebound to Canton's credit. Canton measured his words carefully, sparsely. "I want the McAlester clan back, and ye want Eileen. I have influence in the courts." Jamie got his point. "Go on." "I want ye to get rid of Gallagher if ye can, but if not, when he and Morgan come to rescue Eileen and Kat, we'll get rid of them both. I'll take Kat, and you can have Eileen ... for a price." "Kat? Eileen? What price?" Jamie was confused. And when did Kat enter the picture? 106

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Canton nodded, and one of his men came forward, holding Kat by one arm, a gag in her mouth. Her bright green eyes stared daggers at Canton and Jamie, and Jamie tried to hide his distaste of her capture. "Why have ye taken Morgan's wife?" Canton got up and wandered lazily over to Kat and ran his fingers lightly across the swell of breasts that gleamed above the bodice of her emerald dress. "I find I have an interest in this little spitfire," he murmured. Kat stared boldly at him, refusing to be intimidated. He pulled the gag from her mouth with a laugh, and his dark eyes gleamed in the firelight. "Morg will kill you for this, monsieur," snarled Kat, her lovely French accent stealing across Jamie's ears. "Ye haven't touched her, have ye?" Jamie questioned sharply. "Nay, not yet. Business first, pleasure later. Eh, my dear?" He grinned wickedly at Kat, and she spit at him. "I'd kill myself before I'd let you touch me, monsieur," she replied haughtily. "That can be arranged, if ye don't please me." Canton scowled darkly at her for a moment, then turned back to Jamie. "What makes you think I'd help you?" Jamie asked bravely. "Simple," replied Canton amused. "Eileen is being captured as we speak. I have friends far and wide. If ye wish to see her stay alive, ye will help me get rid of Gallagher ... and then when ye and Eileen are married, ye will transfer the amount 107

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we agree on over to me. As Lord of Brincairn, of course," he chuckled wickedly. "Why don't your men just kill Gallagher, if they are taking Eileen?" Jamie asked carefully. He wasn't sure if Canton was lying or not. "Don't bother trying to hide the fact that Eileen and Gallagher are alone, I've known it since Eileen took off. I've no doubt Gallagher is a hard man to kill ... that's where you come in. There are other ways, besides physical combat, if a man can get close enough." Jamie sprang to his feet. "Where are ye taking Eileen?" "I have a stronghold in the hills. I've no doubt it will be found soon enough. Don't underestimate me, Jamie." Canton's eyes narrowed. "The majority of the McAlester clan is loyal to me, and those that are undecided can be swayed. They still believe in the old ways, of succession by right." He held up his hand. "I still have my father's ring. So while Morgan may have the castle, thanks to our little sister, the clan is still unsure of him and his filthy pirates. They are already being gathered for battle, and I intend to challenge Morgan. He had his turn—I'll have mine. And I'll win again, then the clan will back me, and he will have no choice but to turn tail and run." "Morgan McAlester will never run," scoffed Jamie. "Especially, not while ye hold his wife." "Ah, but that's the beauty of my plan. T'would be a shame if he were killed in battle before the challenge was ever answered, wouldn't it?" His cold eyes warmed with the fire of madness. 108

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Jamie did indeed see. With Canton lying to the clan, he was inciting unrest and indecision amongst them. They would be unprepared to back Canton without question as yet, but if Morgan were killed in battle trying to rescue Kat, then Canton would be victorious. No doubt Canton's loyal followers would be prepared to make sure that happened, instead of letting it get as far as the challenge. "But Morgan has five hundred pirates to fight for him, not to mention the clan members loyal to him, what makes ye think ye could defend this stronghold against them?" Jamie was thinking furiously, trying to garner as much information as he could. "Enough of this," hissed Canton. "Ye are stalling. Are ye with me, or do I send your head back to Dungally on a platter?" "Of course, I am with ye ... I want Eileen. I don't care about the gold, Brincairn has plenty to spare." Jamie spoke vehemently, because these words were true. His voice dropped, "but if anything happens to her, I will have ye drawn and quartered, make no mistake about that." His eyes strayed to Kat—mayhap he could instill a bit of fear into Canton to protect her. "And if ye want that wench, ye had best make sure Morgan is dead before ye touch her, else nothing will spare ye if he finds out." Canton chuckled evilly, but Jamie saw the flash of fear that shone in his cruel eyes. "Ye just let me worry about Morgan; I'll see to him. Ye take care of Gallagher."

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He nodded to his men, and they strode forward and took Jamie by the arms. "See that he gets back to his clan," he instructed them. Once they were gone, he stood in front of Kat again, his greedy eyes full of lust as his hot gaze wandered over her body. He reached out a finger and ran it over her lush full lips. "Ye are a beauty, one that I shall enjoy taming," he murmured. Kat reacted by snapping her small white teeth on his finger and smiled triumphantly when he cursed and drew back. Canton raised his hand to slap her, but then stopped. "Nay, I will not mark your lovely face ... your backside, however, will be another story. When ye are mine, ye will taste the heavy leather of my strap often—among other things." He smiled wickedly. "Ye will learn to fear and obey me, my sweet." He began to unbuckle the heavy leather belt that surrounded his waist. "I think its time ye had a taste of what's in store for ye—ye must learn never to bite me." He enjoyed the fear in her eyes although she tried to hide it. Kat stiffened as she watched him take off the thick, tooled belt and double it over in his hands. She spat at his feet. "Morg will kill you for this, monsieur." Her words were brave, but her knees were already trembling. The two men holding her, turned her around at Canton's nod, and forced her to bend over with a hand on each shoulder, while they still held her arms. She gasped when she felt her emerald dress being lifted and she tried to stand up, but they held her in place. Kat vowed she would not give him 110

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the satisfaction of begging, and she staunchly braced herself for the first blow. Her face burned at the thought of him seeing her lacy pantaloons, but she was thankful he hadn't bared her in front of all these men. Canton took his time, enjoying the submissive posture Kat presented, even though it was forced. He had no intention of baring her, not in front of these louts. Those charms would be his and his alone to pursue at his leisure. However, the cotton knickers with the green ribbons and lace outlined her shapely derrière in a snug fit from her bent position. He couldn't help reaching out to caress the warm, lovely mounds. When she trembled, he laughed. "Ye like that, sweetling?" Kat snarled, "Keep your filthy hands off me! I detest your touch!" A few seconds later, a hot burning stripe landed across her right cheek, and she gritted her teeth to prevent the cry that tried to escape her lips. The after burn was just finishing when a second one landed on the left cheek, and she hissed from the shear hot pain of it. "Ye will beg for my touch one day," Canton assured her as he swung the belt across both of her buttocks at the same time, enjoying her groan of pain. Eight more measured blows with his belt, and Kat's knees gave way as she tried to escape the burning stripes. She could no longer hold her position, and she hung from the hands that were holding her, her head sunk to her chest in a gesture of defeat. Canton had used a full-armed swing on her, hard and heavy—something Morg had never done, and Kat thought she would pass out from the excruciating pain. She was barely aware that she had screamed on that last one and Canton 111

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was now satisfied, having made her cry out. He watched as his men lowered her, stomach down, onto a bedroll that had been made out for her and tied her hands together above her head. She would learn, he thought, enjoying her discomfort. **** Troubled and restless, Eileen was making her way back to the barn from the privy when a rustling in the bushes brought her to a trembling halt. Her eyes searched the darkness, trying to be prepared for an animal to attack her. She began to slowly back up, keeping the rustling bushes in sight. She was unprepared for the heavy hand that came over her mouth from behind and the steel band that snaked around her waist. Another pair of arms appeared and yanked her off her feet, and the two of them carried her towards the rustling brush. It all happened so fast that Eileen had no time to scream or react before a gag was stuffed into her mouth and tied with another piece of cloth. A blanket was thrown over her, and she was tossed face down over a horse in front of another man on horseback. She could feel her hands and feet being trussed and the cold taste of fear permeated her senses. She was being kidnapped! Silently, she begged for Gallagher to wake up. She was sure Canton must be behind this, but what could she do for him now? Morg held the castle. Did he plan to kill her? If so, an arrow from the darkness would have achieved that. No, she thought quickly, he must want her to gain revenge on 112

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Morg; there was no other explanation. She had been a fool to go out in the dark alone! She should have listened to Gallagher when he warned her to let him know her needs, but she hadn't. Another thought struck her—had they killed Gallagher? A stab of fear sliced through her, but then she realized they wouldn't have been so careful to keep her quiet if they had. Relief flooded her, and she realized how much she was coming to care for him—not a good thing in her opinion and it worried her. The morning highland sun was just casting its first searching fingers across the horizon, seeking out the dark crevices of hidden shadows, when they finally stopped. Eileen opened her weary eyes and looked around. They had put her upright once they were out of hearing distance, but they kept her tied up and trussed to the saddle, the gag still in place. She was not surprised to see one of the McAlester clansmen holding the leading rope on her horse and she eyed him derisively. She was grateful when he nudged his horse up beside hers and took the gag off, then shoved a piece of bread in her hands. "Eat," he commanded, untying the rope that held her tied hands to the saddle horn. Eileen had learned a long time ago to make the best of a bad situation and she lifted the bread to her mouth. As her teeth bit into the crusty food, she kept her emotions in rigid check, preferring to use her energy for more productive things—things that could lead to her getting away at a later time. 113

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It wasn't long before they heard the sound of horses coming their way. Eileen couldn't suppress a gasp when several riders came into view and one of them was her new sister-in-law, Kat! Canton was leading them, confirming her suspicions that he was behind her capture, but what was Kat doing here? Canton was leading Kat's horse, and he stopped in front of Eileen, his cruel smile not reaching his cold eyes. "Tis good to see ye again, Eileen." "Save your platitudes, what is it ye want?" Eileen spoke coldly, her aversion and loathing for her half brother very apparent. "And why do ye have Kat?" "Because he has a death wish," snarled Kat. Her hands were tied, like Eileen's, and she was leaning forward in the saddle. It was obvious she was in discomfort, but she pressed her lips tightly together in an effort to endure the agony that riding was giving her. "Kat belongs to me, now," chuckled Canton humorlessly. He reached over and ran his finger down the smooth cream of Kat's cheek. "Isn't that right, sweetling?" "I shall never belong to you, monsieur," replied Kat grimly. "Did I ever tell you about the time Jacques put his sword into the stomach of the Spaniard that was foolish enough to kidnap my sister? Pedro was still standing on his feet and screaming as his entrails writhed around his feet like snakes trying to climb his ankles. He finally died, but it took a few minutes." She smiled wickedly, her green eyes glimmering like bright emeralds at the man who was tormenting her. "Pirates don't just get even, they make you—suffer!" 114

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Canton drew back his hand to strike Kat, but then lowered it as she braced herself for the blow. He leaned towards her and spoke gently. "Since ye appear to have enjoyed that particular event, I shall do my best to duplicate it on my half brother. Mayhap ye will enjoy it just as much the second time around." Kat's face went pale, but she refused to turn away from his stare. It was Canton who finally broke the standoff, and he looked back to Eileen. "As for ye, my dear sister, I have arranged for a new marriage." It was Eileen's turn to go pale. Her eyes burned into Canton's, and helpless fury rose in her stomach like bile. "I will never do your bidding again; ye cannot force me. Besides, I'm already betrothed, by order of the King himself." Her chin lifted as she shamelessly sought refuge behind Gallagher's protection. "Not for long. It seems your betrothed has met with a sudden unexplained death and is being examined by the village doctor as we speak yet they can find nothing to indicate what has killed him. Such a shame, he was only a young man." "Ye are lying!" "Don't believe me, if it gives ye hope. After all, I wouldn't want to be the bearer of bad tidings." His evil grin spoke for itself. "But ye are already betrothed again ... by order of the King, I might add." "No, it's not possible," whispered Eileen dazedly. "Who ... who could ye possible marry me to this time?" 115

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"Ye will find out soon ... very soon," promised Canton. He reached out and lifted her chin. "Don't take it so hard, little sister. Ye'll be pleased to know ye have brought even more gold this time than the last." He threw his head back and laughed. "Isn't it nice to know ye have increased in value?" Eileen trembled in impotent fury. "I despise ye, Canton McAlester, and I'll make ye pay for this, if it's the last thing I do." She yelled after his departing back. "Do ye hear me? I'll make ye pay!" Her voice rose in frenzy and then her shoulders collapsed, and she hunkered over her horse's neck. Kat was being led away behind Canton, but she looked back at Eileen. "Don't worry, Eileen, this isn't over yet," she said gently. She was genuinely worried at the dazed look on Eileen's face. The girl looked like she was going into shock. "Morg will come, ye will see. He will come for us." Eileen's eyes were dry. Her grief went too deep for tears. "He didn't come last time, Kat," she whispered painfully. "He didn't come last time." But Kat didn't hear her. [Back to Table of Contents]

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Chapter Eight Mute tears trickled down Eileen's pale face, and her head bowed as the horse plodded along, led by Canton's blackguard. The thought of Gallagher being dead filled her with despair, and hopelessness pervaded her being. Whatever passed for a God must have no use for me, she thought dully. She hadn't realized just how much her foolish heart had rooted hope in Gallagher's promises until they were removed. When Soren's laughing face danced across her mind, she tried to shake off her despondency. She had to keep alive her resolve to defeat Canton; she had to go on—for the sake of her child! Once again she squared the slender shoulders that had borne more than their fair share of fickle fate. She would prevail—somehow! Saracen landed a heavy backhanded blow to the face of his nephew, William. "Where is the Lady Kat? And I want the truth this time!" He leaned in close, his huge fist clutching the front of William's jersey, shaking him like a dog. "I told ye, I don't know," snarled William. He held his arm up as his Uncle drew his hand back for another blow. When Morg thundered up on his black stallion, he watched sullenly as the big man leapt from the black horse before it was even stopped. Morg strode over to the group of men that surrounded Saracen and William, his green eyes snapping with dread and anger.

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The men Saracen had sent to fetch Morg galloped up behind him, their horses having been left behind by the black's long legged gait. "Leave him alone, Saracen," demanded Stephen. William looked at his father then, trepidation and fury in his own pale blue eyes. "Stay out of this, Stephen," replied Saracen grimly. "I know ye are my brother, but your son is a traitor to the clan! I've long suspected it!" His burly arm held William fast, unmovable despite the lad's struggles. "What is going on here? Where is Kat?" Morg roared the questions at Saracen. He glanced at Kat's horse, hobbled to the side, and back at Saracen. He knew she had gone for an early morning ride, but when two clansmen had raced into the castle courtyard, he had known instinctively that there was trouble. He should never have let her out of his sight! They had told him that the Lady Kat had disappeared, and that Saracen had the traitor. He had followed them to the rolling plain beyond the castle that edged the forest. "Your wife is gone, Morgan," replied Saracen heavily, "and your two pirate bodyguards have their throats slit." He pointed his finger at William. "My nephew here just happened to find her horse. The other two horses are gone." Morg reached out and grabbed William by the throat, taking him away from Saracen. "This is the one ye have been watching?" "Aye!" "No, William isn't a traitor, Saracen. He wouldn't have anything to do with the Lady Kat's disappearance. Release 118

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him, my Lord, please!" Stephen stepped forward and placed his hand on Morg's arm. Saracen knocked his brother's hand off Morgan and stepped between them. "He has been seen meeting with Canton," he hissed into Stephen's face. "So?" William struggled in Morg's grasp, his face furious and defiant. "Canton is the true leader of the McAlester's, he always has been ... just as my father should have been clan leader were it not for you getting in the way." Morg threw William to the ground, then drew his sword and held it at his throat. "Tell me where my wife is ... or I'll run ye through." William stared defiantly up at his tormentor refusing to answer. When the blood began trickling around the sword point, his father let out a strangled gasp. "For God's sake, my Lord, he is just a lad!" Morg didn't take his eyes off William, his glittering green gaze menacing and full of promise. "I'll nae hesitate to slice his throat if he doesn't talk. I want to know where the Lady Kat is, and I want to know now!" "William, if ye know anything, tell him," begged Stephen harshly, his voice full of horror for his son. "Canton has been deceiving ye if ye believe I should have been clan leader. Saracen was the right choice, the only choice in the circumstances. I could never lead the clan!" "Maybe not, but I can," boasted William angrily. "Or at least I can—someday." "We'll talk about that another time, just tell Lord McAlester where his lady is—if ye know!" 119

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There was a pause, and then William replied mulishly, "Canton has her." The sword pricked his throat a little further and he shrank back into the ground, trying to evade it. "Where has he taken her?" Morg asked ominously, his voice deceptively quiet. "To ... to his stronghold, in the hills. I don't know where it is; I've never been there. He has always been very secretive about it." Morg yanked the boy to his feet with his free hand and shoved him at Stephen. "See that he goes into the dungeon, I'll deal with him later. Saracen, I need your expert knowledge of the Highlands." William shook his fist at Morg as his father hustled him off. "Ye won't be the Earl of McKenna for much longer! Ye will lose the challenge when Canton fights you—just like last time! Ye are going to lose!" "What challenge?" Morg asked Saracen, looking skeptical as the lad was hauled away. "That's the other thing I needed to tell ye," replied Saracen, his hard blue eyes staring at Morg. He took a piece of rolled parchment out of his vest. "Here is Canton's declaration to me. He has invoked his right to challenge ye as ruler of Castle McKenna and the McAlester clan." "He has no rights," raged Morg furiously. "The man is a traitor, and he has my wife! I'm going to kill him and hang his head from the castle parapet!"

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"Nay, Morg," responded Saracen quietly. "He still holds the ring of your father's. Many of the clan feel he has the right, and many are loyal to him still." Morg studied the older man. Saracen was a highland warrior, a big red headed man with arms like tree trunks and Morg was sure of his loyalty. Saracen's father had been loyal to Morg's father, and Saracen had been given clan leader by succession, as was proper. "What happened, Saracen, that young William should feel that his father should have been appointed?" Morg walked to Kat's horse, inspecting it carefully, looking for any clues. It was odd that his men's horses should be taken, but not Kats. "And why didn't Canton keep Kat on her own horse?" He stroked the white flank gently, looking in the saddlebag. "He left the Lady Kats horse with this missive tied to the saddle," replied Saracen. When my men and I came upon William leading it, I was instantly suspicious. "It was simply too coincidental that your men's throats should be cut, but William left unharmed." Saracen went on. "I've long suspected Canton had an ear close to the heart of the clan, and I believe William is that ear. Far too many things point in his direction, and it's common knowledge that he has been getting increasingly dissatisfied with his lot in life. He has often complained that his own father should have been appointed, instead of me, but I had no idea he aspired to the position himself, until just now. Canton must have been filling his young head with all kinds of false promises and lies in return for information." 121

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Finding nothing else in the saddlebags, Morg turned back to Saracen, his jaw resolute. "Canton has long been a thorn in my life, Saracen. I intend to end that. When I find him, one of us will die." "I think you should wait and take the challenge, Morgan," replied Saracen, objecting. "That way it will be to the clan's satisfaction that all was done properly. If ye kill in revenge, there will still be unrest amongst those loyal to Canton." Morg swung up onto his horse and turned to face Saracen. "If ye think Canton won't take this opportunity to kill me, ye are a fool. In fact, I'm quite sure the whole setup has been engineered to accomplish just that." He leaned over his pommel to look Saracen determinedly in the eye. "He has no intention of completing the challenge. It's a smokescreen. He wants me dead and intends to make it happen when I come for Kat. She is the bait to lure me away from the castle." "Ye may be right." Saracen stroked his long red beard thoughtfully. "I know I'm right. Now, where do ye think this fortress is that my half brother has entrenched himself in, and how long will it take to get there?" **** Gallagher came awake, instantly alert. He registered Eileen's absence just as quickly, and he swore softly under his breath. He had warned her last night not to go out alone, but apparently, she hadn't listened. He rolled over and sprang to his feet. Blast the fact that her close proximity had rendered him sleepless for too many 122

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hours these last few nights. It had caused him to sleep deeply once he finally went under. He opened the barn door in the early morning light, gazing towards the privy. The cock hadn't even crowed yet, but a sense of uneasiness bade him draw his sword before he stepped out, barefooted, to walk along the path. Reaching the privy, he knocked on the door. "Eileen? Are you in there?" Receiving no answer, he tried the handle—it swung open wide. Eileen was not inside. His uneasiness growing, he headed towards the house. He knew she hadn't run off again, their horses were still in the barn. He was just approaching the back door of the house when it swung open and Allen greeted him, looking askance at Gallagher's bare feet. "Good morning!" "Is Eileen inside?" Gallagher wasted no time on the preliminaries. His gaze swung to Mary, who had appeared behind her husband. "No," replied Mary. "She's not with you?" She frowned. "No, she's not!" "Oh dear," said Mary. The three spread out to look for Eileen, Gallagher swearing under his breath that he would spank her hard if she were off being foolish. Inside, he prayed she was off doing something foolish, like taking an early morning bath in the stream. When Allen called his name, he turned from his trek towards the stream and followed the sound of his voice. Not too far from the privy, Allen pointed to horse droppings on 123

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the ground. "Someone has been here." He pointed out the footprints in the loose soil. There were no prints small enough to be Eileen's, however. The two men followed the tracks of the horse and the footprints a few hundred yards into the woods and came upon more hoof prints. At that point, the footprints ceased and Gallagher realized that whoever was on foot must have mounted horses. "Someone's taken her," growled Gallagher, turning back toward Allen's homestead. "I'm willing to bet it was Canton." "Why didn't he just kill you in your sleep?" Allen asked speculatively as he ran with Gallagher back to the house. "That would raise too many eyebrows," replied Gallagher, scowling. "The Earl of Brincairn, murdered in his sleep in a stable, would cause too many questions—maybe even bring the King's attention. No, he wants Eileen because she is Morg's sister, and he knows Morg will come to help find her. It's not me he is after, it's Morgan McAlester." "If so, then why not just take his wife? It would have the same effect." Allen looked puzzled and thoughtful. "I don't, know. Maybe Kat has not presented an easy target, whereas Eileen has." "You be careful my Lord, there may be more to this than what appears on the surface." "I'm always careful," replied Gallagher. Mary met them, looking anxious. "Did you find anything?" "She's been taken," Gallagher said flatly. "I'm going after them." "I'll go with you," said Allen, following him to the barn. 124

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"No, you stay here. The Brincairn clan ought to be along anytime. Go out to meet them and tell Jamie and Dungally what is going on. Have Jamie send half a dozen of his fastest and best fighters—the rest of the clan can come on behind them." He finished with his boots and scabbard and swung up onto Minion. "And have Dungally send word to Morg, just in case he doesn't know yet. Forewarned is forearmed." Allen nodded. "Tis good as done." "Here, take this," said Mary breathlessly, running up and handing Gallagher a packet of food. "You might need it." "God speed," said Allen, and he stepped back and put his arm around Mary. Gallagher never realized how wrong he was as he started after Eileen and her captors. Canton did want him out of the way; he just didn't know it yet! Dungally called a halt to the clan as the lone rider sped towards him. "Looks like someone is in a hurry," he said to Jamie. They cantered slowly towards the rider that was coming to greet them, his arm waving in the air. When Allen brought his horse to a halt, the snorting horse still skittered from side to side. "I need to see Dungally or Jamie, right away," he panted. "Its an emergency." "I'm Dungally, and this is Jamie. What's going on?" Jamie eyed the young man thinking he looked familiar. Then he realized who it was. He was the husband of Eileen's friend, Mary. "You're Allen Montgomery, aren't you?" "Yes, and Eileen and Gallagher Brincairn spent the night at my home. When we awoke, the Lady Eileen was gone. Lord 125

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Brincairn requests that you send six of your fastest and best fighters after him, and the rest of the clan can follow. And also send word to Morgan McAlester that his sister has been taken." Jamie started at the use of Gallagher's title, his eyes narrowing as the full implication of Eileen's relationship to Gallagher sunk home with a vengeance. Eileen belonged to another man. She would never be his ... unless... For the first time, he began to seriously consider Canton's proposal. It was in the back of his mind as he and Dungally quickly handpicked the men to go to Eileen's rescue. Then Jamie urged his mount forward. "I'm going with them, Dungally." His set face dared Dungally to refute him, so Dungally just nodded and waved them on. "God speed, Jamie. Bring them back safely." "I'll bring Eileen back safely," Jamie vowed fiercely to himself, "but I can't say the same for Gallagher." Gallagher followed the trail for a few hours, and then came to a point where he could see that the party he was following had joined with several others. 'More of Canton's followers,' he thought. He urged Minion on, only stopping long enough to get a drink at the stream. The day began to wind down and they were getting further into the highlands. It was starting to get rockier now, as the forest began to give way to shrubs and smaller trees. Gallagher picked his way carefully, avoiding being seen topping any horizons. Finally, he dismounted near a large rock outcropping and took out his spyglass. Following the 126

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direction of the riders, he looked up into the higher hills, searching for any sign of them in the gathering twilight. If he wasn't mistaken, this was where the old castle of Thane McCormick was. The one Thane had abandoned to rot and ruin a decade ago after a clan war. Carefully, he inspected the hills and soon spotted what he was looking for. "Huh?" He grunted. It was the old McCormick place, but it wasn't going to rack and ruin anymore. Someone had been doing a lot of work on it! As he watched, he saw the drawbridge being lowered, but there was too much hillside and rock in the way to see who was going in. He would bet his life it was being lowered for the men that had kidnapped Eileen. With the fortress being surrounded by rock and mountainside, it was in somewhat of a dip, making it hard to see down into it very far unless you were standing right above it. That made it easy for the lookout towers to observe the only pass into the canyon and the walls above them. He put his spyglass back in his saddlebag and swung up on Minion. Time to check out the perimeter. He knew there would be lookouts in the towers, and he didn't intend to give them any warning. The fortress itself was still thirty minutes ride away, but they had spyglasses too. He would have to be careful not to be spotted. After checking around, he would wait for Jamie. He wanted someone he trusted at his back when he went in. As they crossed the moat into the small fortress, Eileen felt more trapped than ever. Even Kat's encouraging looks did nothing to lift her spirits—only thoughts of Soren kept her head up. 127

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Kat, however, looked around her with fervent interest. She wanted to know every detail of the grounds and towers, how she came in and how she might get out! The fortress itself was built into the rock of the mountain, with guard towers on the front two corners. There was a parapet running along the top of the inside wall. The entrance into the fortress ground area was a long narrow passageway, big enough for a wagon, or three riders abreast. But it was in a very good defensive position to ward off large numbers. There was a large trench around the fortress, butting up against the mountainside on both sides, and a drawbridge to cross in front. There didn't seem to be a large number of men about, but Kat did recognize a few from the McAlester clan. She looked scornfully down her small nose at them and they had the grace to flush. "Traitors," she muttered fiercely. Luckily, she had her small daggers still in the folds of her clothing beneath her emerald riding dress. Canton hadn't thought to search her. Most likely he figured her for a helpless little thing—a mistake he would regret when the time was right! She glanced back at Eileen. The girl's face at least had a more determined air, but she remained ghostly pale, and Kat was worried about her. From the rumors she had heard, and the things Morg had told her, Eileen must have been to hell and beyond—and it wasn't over yet! Canton had a lot to answer for. Kat was even more worried when Canton shoved her into a bedroom alone, and began to shut the door. "Hey, what are you doing with Eileen? At least put her in here with me," she yelled at the closing door. 128

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Canton paused and looked around the doorway. "Now, why would I want to do that?" He grinned mockingly. "I have plans for ye tonight, sweetling. I don't think my dear sister would approve, so I don't want her looking on." "Go to hell," raged Kat, her emerald eyes furious. She heard his derisive laughter as the bar outside the door slammed into place, locking her in. In spite of her tied hands, Kat began looking around. She didn't intend to be a sitting duck, but she needed to make her plans carefully. She would only get one chance to use her knives, so she had to make it good! Eileen was shown into a room near the end of the hallway, three doors down from Kat. At least she knew where Kat was, if the opportunity arose to get her out. She scowled at Canton, hating him with all her being. When he grabbed hold of her arm, she tried to jerk away. "Take your hands off me; I despise ye," she said with a deadly calm. "Poor Eileen," soothed Canton, brushing his finger across her cheek. "I'm just trying to look out for my little sister," he taunted, grinning at her. "I'm even sorry Gallagher is dead, but he put a damper on my plans." In a sudden flash of knowledge, Eileen knew he was lying! He didn't know that Gallagher was dead; he was trying to discourage her, make her feel defeated and unwilling to help herself. The knowledge burst into her consciousness like white light, and Eileen lifted her head exultantly. She wouldn't let him play mind games with her anymore! "Gallagher isn't dead," she replied vehemently, her purple eyes lighting up. "And your reign of evil is about to come to 129

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an end, Canton. He will come for me—I know it. And when he does, he won't rest until ye are dead!" Canton slapped her then, his hand leaving a fiery red print across her cheek. He felt as if lightning had shot down his spine at her words, and he couldn't deny the prophetic feel of them. His skin crawled, and he was insanely angry. When she staggered backwards, he grabbed her arm and slapped her again. "Be silent! Don't ever speak his name again!" Eileen nursed her swollen cheek and bowed her head. She could feel his rage out of control, if she continued to defy him, he would beat her senseless. She needed to be prepared for when Gallagher came after her, so she bowed her head and said nothing at all. Canton took a deep breath and strove to get his red rage under control. "Ye will marry Jamie Brincairn. If ye don't, something unfortunate might happen to little Soren, and we wouldn't want that now, would we?" He was satisfied when her head shot up in disbelief, the paleness of her face making a garish backdrop of his fingers against the porcelain smoothness. Still, she said nothing, and he was pleased. "It looks like we finally understand each other," he murmured. He turned and left, leaving Eileen praying for Gallagher to come soon. The depth of Canton's evil truly astounded Eileen, and she feared greatly for Kat in the coming night. She also feared for Jamie. What hold did Canton havc over her beloved friend that he would agree to such nonsense? She sent a prayer 130

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heavenward for Morg to come also, to reward Kat's faith in him. She hoped that maybe God might hear her, just this once. Gallagher slipped stealthily along the parapet, already having dispatched the tower guards, leaving them propped up as if still at their post. It had taken the better part of the evening for he and Jamie to work their way into the fortress after he had dispatched a courier back to Dungally to apprise him of the situation. Canton had the pass well guarded, but Gallagher had gone around the backside of the mountain and come over the top, working down the roof of the fortress to the guard towers with ropes and a knife. It felt like old times, with Jamie watching his back for him, but Gallagher sensed something he didn't quite understand, an antipathy that hadn't existed before. He wondered what was wrong, but it was not the time for a heart to heart talk. He assumed it was worry about Eileen, and he could understand that. He was worried too. He eased inside the fortress from the parapet opening and down the stone stairway that emptied into the upper halls. With his back to the wall, he slid along on silent feet until he came to a corner. Warily he looked around the corner and saw guards at two different doors. It was safe to assume one of them was probably guarding Eileen, but what was the other one for? "There are two guards," he whispered to Jamie. "Two different doors, I wonder why?" Jamie's eyes narrowed. He knew why, but he didn't say anything. Apparently, Canton had separated the girls. Jamie 131

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knew he would never get a better chance to kill Gallagher. He had Canton's guards for backup if he failed. He hesitated a moment too long as Gallagher deliberately made a noise, causing the guard closest to them to come around the corner. Gallagher had him in an instant and slit his throat, releasing the man's limp body to the floor. Stepping around the corner into full view, Gallagher released his dagger, and it flew straight to the other guard's chest. He too slumped to the floor with a strangled groan. Gallagher opened the door and was instantly enraged at the sight before him. Canton had tied Kat face down and spread-eagled on the bed, with just her undergarments on. He had a crop in his hand and it was quite obvious what the next step was going to be. "Kat!" Exploded Gallagher angrily. He charged into the room, drawing his other knife as he came. "Guards," shouted Canton as he dropped the crop and took his own knife from his scabbard. The two men faced off, but no guards were coming. They were as still as the stone beneath them. Jamie held his knife carefully, his face pale yet determined as the two men fought furiously back and forth. His eyes bored into Gallagher's back—waiting. [Back to Table of Contents]

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Chapter Nine Morg eased down the stone stairway from the parapet, having already discovered the dead tower guards. Compliments of Gallagher, he was sure. Saracen followed closely behind, watching Morg's back. As Morg glanced around the corner, he saw a dead clansman lying on the floor in front of a closed door, a knife hilt protruding from his chest. Another guard lay in front of the door down the hall—that one was slightly open. He started towards the sound of the fighting but suddenly heard banging on the door right beside him. "Helpp!" came the muffled feminine voice from inside. "Kat!" He exclaimed. He quickly removed the heavy wooden bar and opened the door. Eileen fell into his arms, and he hugged her close. "Oh my god—Morg," gasped Eileen thankfully. "I heard noises in the hallway, the sound of fighting. I prayed you would come!" "It's not me fighting," he replied gruffly, "I think it's Gallagher!" "Kat!" She stared up at him with dark purple eyes. "Kat is here, he must have found her! Oh God, Morg. Canton ... he ... he..." Morg's eyes narrowed, and he pushed Eileen into Saracen's arms and turned towards the room down the hall. His heart constricting with the fear that only love can really feel, he ran 133

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down the hall and burst into the room. Eileen and Saracen were right behind him. "Do it, Jaime—do it now," Canton demanded, panting and holding his fighting arm, the blood pulsing through his fingers. Jaime was poised above Gallagher, who was lying on the floor against the far wall, obviously dazed as he put his hand to the back of his head. The men had fought like demons possessed. Gallagher had finally cut into Canton's right arm just as Canton had kicked him against the wall, knocking his head back into the stone. Jamie was frozen in place, his knife poised as he stared first at Gallagher, then at Canton. Now was his chance ... his one chance to have Eileen. Should he do it? His gut twisted in fury at the fate that had been dealt so cruelly to him. He wanted her! He could barely stomach the thought of Gallagher placing his hands on her intimately, his body blending with hers. "Do it," hissed Canton, panting. He couldn't grip the knife in his right hand anymore and moved it to the left. It would be tough to kill Gallagher left-handed. If Jamie would just do it, it would all be over with. Jamie turned towards Gallagher and lifted the knife. "NO!" Jamie looked up in that instant to see Eileen standing there. The shock and horror on her lovely face was his undoing. He knew without a doubt when her eyes flew to Gallagher, that he had truly lost her. But then, it wasn't like 134

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he had ever really had her. Defeated, the knife dropped from his fingers. "Eileen," he whispered brokenly, standing up. "Damn you," cursed Canton. In a mad rage, he brought his left hand up, the knife catching Jamie in the stomach. At that moment, Morg sprang across the room with a roar and sunk his blade into Canton's chest. Canton slumped to the floor without another sound. "Jamie!" Gallagher held Jamie in his arms where he had fallen on him. Gallagher had sufficiently recovered to take in those last momentous seconds. He held his friend and cousin as Eileen flew across the room, the tears running down her cheeks as she kneeled in front of the two men. "Oh god, Jamie, why? Why were you going to kill Gallagher?" Eileen took her devoted friend's cold hands in her own. Gallagher knew Jamie was dying. There was nothing to be done for a stomach wound like this—he only had a few moments to live. His gut twisted in regret. Morg quickly cut the cords holding his beloved Kat and threw a blanket over her shoulders, and then they joined the others as Jamie tried to speak. "I ... I'm sorry, Eileen—so sorry," whispered Jamie. His face was ashen as he attempted to talk. She had to know! "No, don't talk..." He cut her off. "Let me speak!" "Donald was—mad—insane with anger. He burned for revenge. He ... he had a peasant lout ... a man he intended to ... to breed you with, and then destroy. He no longer cared 135

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about anything ... not bloodlines ... not breeding ... nothing but ... revenge." Jamie gasped, trying to hurry. He could feel his life slowly draining from his body, and he wanted her to know this. "I loved ye, Eileen, loved ye since I had set eyes on ye. I couldn't let that happen to ye. I ... I ... agreed to do it myself—rather than have ye suffer that horror. I thought ... thought that maybe one day ... ye might learn to love me ... to ... to forgive me. To tell Soren that ... that he had a father, but ... it seems was never meant to be." Jamie coughed, blood slowly turning the front of his clothing red. He turned to Gallagher. "Take ... take care of her, cousin." His eyes closed as his breath softly flowed between tortured lips one more time, and then his hands went limp within Eileen's. He was gone. **** They buried Jamie in the Brincairn family burial grounds; beneath the old oak tree he and Gallagher had spent many childhood hours in. It was away from the main part of the pretty old cemetery, but it was what Gallagher wanted. He said it was a fitting place for his childhood companion. Eileen bent and gently laid an armful of fresh roses on Jamie's grave. "All that time, Gallagher, and I never knew he loved me," whispered Eileen. She leaned back into her husband's warm and comforting arms and closed her eyes against the sunshine. Sometimes she wondered how the sun could shine so brightly when people held sorrows that went so deep. It had 136

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been two weeks since they had put Jamie to rest; yet Eileen was still plagued with dreams at night. She was told she needed time to heal, and she tried to believe that. "Aye, that was a shock," replied Gallagher. "And yet, mayhap it will help ye to know that ye were not just used on your wedding night." He gently turned her around so he could look into her lustrous eyes. "It's time to put hate and revenge behind ye, Leeni. Soren is a child of love, however strange it may have come about. One day, we will tell him about his father. He deserves to know he had a father who loved and cared for him and his mother." Eileen put her small hand against his cheek. "Aye, every child. I'm sorry ye don't have that to remember, husband." He took her hand and placed a kiss in the soft palm. "As ye said, Donald McDuggin was a bastard, but I never lacked for love. My mother gave me all she had." He smiled down at her. "And in his own way, Father did love me too. It was an unhealthy obsessive love, but he did care for me. Besides, I plan on having my own children to love." Eileen blushed under his intent gaze. Gallagher had been supportive and attentive, but so far had made no demands on her body. He had never said he loved her either. The sound of Soren's laughter caught their attention, and they turned to see Morg and Kat headed their way. Soren was perched on Morg's broad shoulders, bouncing and laughing delightedly as Morg strode along. After settling the unrest with the McAlester clan, Morg had decided to take a little trip to Brincairn and visit his nephew. He now wore his father's ring and even William seemed to 137

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have settled down and accepted his leadership. So Morg had left the castle in Saracen's capable hands and taken a small vacation. Kat's green eyes sparkled in the sunlight as she watched Morg with Soren. How she longed for a child. Maybe now that things were settled with Morg's inheritance, she could stop taking the potion Alyssa had given her in Pirates Cove to prevent children. She had never told Morg she was taking it. He had thought it strange she had never gotten with child, but Kat had kept her own council. Pirates Cove had been no place for children! "Eileen!" She waved her hand at Eileen and Gallagher. "Hey, we have an idea. How about Morg and I take Soren home with us for a few weeks?" She tossed her bright head. "Then you and Gallagher can have some time to yourselves. After all, you are still newlyweds!" Eileen loved the color of Kat's auburn tresses, and she admired their gleaming luster in the sunshine. In fact, she admired everything about her fiery little sister in law. Eileen had plenty of room in her heart to be happy for her brother. He had been so angry when he left. Some of the stories Kat had regaled her with had turned her blood cold. The giant of a man that was being so tender with her son seemed a far cry from the bloodthirsty pirate Kat had known, but she knew that people could change. Eileen herself had become a different person when she was seeking revenge on Donald and Canton. It had driven her to train for endless hours with Dungally, learning to defend herself and preparing for revenge. She had never had the 138

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heart of a fighter, though, not like Kat. She greatly admired Kat's knife skills and fiery temperament, but Kat had enjoyed training. Eileen hadn't enjoyed it at all—it had simply been necessary. "I think that's a fine idea," Gallagher replied enthusiastically. A little too much enthusiasm—he had Eileen blushing again. With roses blooming in her cheeks, Eileen reached up to take her son's hand. "Would ye like to visit Uncle Morg and Aunt Kat for awhile, darling?" "You mean go to their castle, Mama?" Piped up Soren, his eyes shining. "Aye, Mama ... aye!" He bounced on Morg's broad shoulders. The hold he had on Morg's hair caused the big man to wince. "Easy there, lad," cautioned Morg with a laugh. "I'd like to keep my hair for a few years, if ye don't mind." Eileen pulled her son from her brother's arms and handed the laughing little boy off to Gallagher. "Would ye mind?" she asked softly. Gallagher took the boy, and Eileen hooked her arm in Morg's. "Come, brother, let's walk a bit." The two strolled back towards the castle, leaving Kat and Gallagher behind. Eileen looked up at Morg, her lovely eyes intense in her small face. "I wanted to thank ye for being there, Morg, for coming to my rescue this time." Morg stopped and took her face between his large palms. "I'm truly sorry for what has happened to ye, Leeni. Had I known what Canton would do, I would never have left." 139

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Eileen felt that flash of insight that told her Morg meant every word he said. His earnest green eyes told her the rest. "I know, I know ye would have been here, if ye could," she replied with a smile. "And I forgive ye for leaving. Ye were not responsible for Canton's evil." "I hope you'll be happy now, Leeni. Try to let go of the past." "Gallagher was just telling me the same thing. She laughed and tossed her wheat colored braid behind her shoulder. Believe me, I want to, it's just..." "Just what?" He brushed his finger down her smooth cheek. "I ... I'm not sure I'm in love with Gallagher. I don't really know how I would know that. And ... and the dreams ... they still plague me at night." She looked down at the ground. Morg lifted her bent head to look into her expressive face. "When I wasn't sure about Kat, I just tried to imagine my life without her. When I couldn't, I knew I was hooked. Besides, I knew she was coming before she arrived in Pirate's Cove." His eye's twinkled. "That uneasy nervous feeling wouldn't leave me be when she was on her way. I felt trouble before she ever got there!" "As for the dreams, perhaps tis time ye replaced that experience with a better one." He glanced meaningfully back at the couple behind them. "Gallagher is a good man, Leeni. He will take good care of ye, if ye let him." Eileen pushed her slippered toe into the grass. "There is one other thing ... something I don't like, Morg." She bit her lip and looked up at him. 140

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"What is it?" "He ... he spanks me! Like I was a little girl! Even with all that has happened, he says I deserve a spanking for going to the privy without him the night I was kidnapped. Can ye believe that?" Her small face looked pinched and anxious as she stared up at him. Morg threw back his head and roared with laughter. "Oh, aye, I can believe that. I fully agree with him too." "What?" Eileen was now embarrassed and indignant! "I take it Kat has not confessed to getting her backside blistered now and then?" "Kat?" Eileen was astounded. The fiery independent Kat didn't seem the sort to be bossed and bullied around and turned over a man's knee at all. Eileen's mind boggled at the thought. "Aye, Kat," agreed Morg, nodding his head. "I heard my name," said Kat, flashing her husband a smile. The other couple had come abreast of them and Soren ran for Eileen, throwing his arms around his mother. "What have I done now?" "Shame on ye," responded Morg. "Ye haven't told Eileen that ye get spanked too. She is worried and embarrassed about it." "Humph!" Kat brought her small chin up, her aristocratic nose in the air. "You had best hush, mon cherie. Strange things happen to people in their sleep!" The men just laughed, and Eileen shook her head. Would wonders never cease? **** 141

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Two days later, Morg and Kat were gone, taking Soren with them. There was a feeling of celebration in the air. Melba had ordered a special dinner prepared for Eileen and Gallagher and had the servants serve it in their new quarters. Gallagher had completely redone the master suite, removing every trace of Donald Brincairn's presence, even the bed. A new bed stood in its place, made of fine cherry wood, hand carved by one of the village carpenters of LaCra. The heavy draperies had been removed, and new, lighter ones in pretty white cabbage roses now adorned the balcony window, tied back by thin gold cording. The heavy brooding air was completely gone, and Eileen loved it. Eileen was, however, nervous—very nervous. She became more and more tense as the evening wore on, barely touching her food. Gallagher finally reached across the supper table and took her hand in his. "Leeni, eat your dinner. There is nothing to be afraid of. Nothing has changed just because Morg and Kat are gone. I'm not going to jump on ye the minute we go to bed." He gazed earnestly at her across the table, worried because she hadn't eaten much. He didn't like the shadows under her gorgeous eyes, and he didn't want to be the cause of them getting worse. On the other hand, he wasn't sure how many more nights he could lay beside her without betraying his promise. He was only human, after all. Eileen smiled and picked up her bread, nibbling on it as she watched him eat. She had made up her mind that she 142

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was going to give him a chance. Even if he didn't love her, she knew she had feelings for him. She had taken Morg's advice to heart and really thought about her life without Gallagher in it. She had been very surprised to realize how much she wanted him to be there. The thought of leaving him made her feel dark inside, and heavy hearted. And there was Soren to consider. Gallagher was good with her son, and Soren loved him already with a childish enthusiasm. Even when his over boisterous spirits led him to disobey, Gallagher's firm words would set him straight immediately. And last of all, there was the way her body reacted to his nearness. She enjoyed his kisses, even though she hadn't been able to keep herself from blocking him with her hands against his chest. Still, his touch made her feel trembling and weak inside. Her thoughts strayed back to that morning she had been over his knee and the explosive way her body had reacted to his intimate touch. She found herself wanting more, yet afraid to try. When he looked up at her with a quizzical look, she blushed and averted her eyes. Surely, he couldn't read her thoughts as well! It was just getting dark when they decided to finally retire. Gallagher couldn't help being nervous himself, and hopeful that tonight she might turn to him. That perhaps she might feel a bit of the desire that burned within his blood and wish to do something about it. He had done all he could to understand and be patient, but he was starting to get a bit evil tempered with his men. She had agreed to give their marriage a try, but had shown no warmth towards him as 143

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yet. At least not in the way he needed. He found her looking strangely at him at times, like over dinner, but he didn't know what she was thinking. Gallagher was very surprised when Eileen walked to the side of the bed and began to take her clothes off. Women usually liked to spend some time putting on lovely gowns and brushing their hair, getting ready to greet their lover. He sucked in his breath, as she stood there naked, her exquisite skin glowing in the soft candlelight. She was trembling visibly as she stood there as if awaiting his inspection, and he was puzzled. Not that he didn't enjoy the view; he admired her high full breasts with the rosy pink peaks. Oh yes, they were delightful! Her beautiful hair hung around her shoulders, a strand of curl tickling one nipple. Her narrow waist flared out to small but shapely hips that curved down into long slender thighs and narrow tapered ankles. Gallagher loved small ankles and feet on a woman, among other things, of course. "Are ... are ye going to close the drapes and tap down the candles?" She asked nervously. "What for?" Gallagher approached her cautiously, not wanting her to shrink away. "Is ... isn't that how its done?" She lifted her chin bravely, looking like a sacrifice, ready to lie on the altar of love for his sake. "Not with me, Leenie," he replied softly. "I have no intention of dousing the candles. I want to see ye." He reached out and gently touched a rosy peak. "Ye are beautiful," he said huskily. He grimaced when she flinched back from his touch, and then sighed. 144

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"I ... I'm sorry," she apologized quickly, trying to stand still. "There's no need to apologize." He decided on a different approach and began taking his own clothes off. He watched her, studying her reactions as each piece of his clothing came off until at last, he stood naked before her. Apparently, she had no idea what the sight of her pink tongue slipping out to wet her lips did to him, but his lower extremity was certainly showing her! "You can touch me, if ye like," he said throatily, thinking perhaps she might feel less trapped if she initiated things. Eileen reached a timid hand out and stroked down his broad chest, the skin warm and firm to the touch beneath her fingertips. She moved in a bit closer and stroked the fine dark hair that peppered his brown skin. She glanced down to where the sun browned skin ended, and the pale skin began ... where his large shaft was full and hard. Blushing, she looked back up into his warm smoky gaze, her heart beating fast. Gallagher began to caress her back and shoulders gently, his hands sliding over the smooth porcelain and finally down her hips to caress her buttocks as he gently eased her towards him. When his wandering fingers moved to the apex between her thighs, she froze in place. He could feel her retreat, and he groaned silently, but moved away and waited for her to relax again. Eileen was trying hard to stay relaxed, but she dreaded the moment when the cream would come, and then the invasion of her feminine sheath. She closed her eyes and tried to 145

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remember that it had been Jamie, and he hadn't wanted to hurt her—just to do what had been necessary. She scrunched her lids tightly closed. "What are ye thinking?" The question caught her off guard, and her eyes popped open. "I ... I was thinking of Jamie..." She was shocked when Gallagher pulled away and sat on the side of the bed, his head dropping into his hands. "Did I do something wrong?" She asked tentatively. Gallagher looked up. "A man doesn't like to think that his woman has another man on her mind when he's trying to make love to her," he answered dryly. Eileen folded her hands together and stood there, feeling uncomfortable. "I ... I was only trying to remember that he didn't hurt me on purpose," she answered painfully. "I'm sorry if I disappoint ye." Suddenly, Gallagher had an idea. "Come here," he said, and patted his knees. "Lay yourself over my lap." He smiled when she didn't seem to have a problem with that, and he adjusted her to his liking as she obediently lay down. "Are ye going to punish me for thinking of Jamie?" She asked breathlessly. He hadn't been, but it seemed like a good idea, so he embraced it. "Not much," he chuckled, "but a little. After all, I want ye to be thinking about me." He raised his hand and brought it down with a sharp splat on one cheek. "Oh!" Exclaimed Eileen. She yelped again when he landed another slap on the other side. "That hurt!" 146

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"Aye, it's supposed to," he replied, chuckling again. But his words belied their sternness as he began caressing the handprints he had laid out on the pale skin. "Let this be a lesson to ye, wee one," he said as he spanked he three more times, each one hard and measured. "Ye should only think of me." He landed a lighter volley of smacks, turning her fair skin rosy. He was delighted when her legs fell open this time as he caressed her, and he led his caresses into that warm soft center, feeling her relax. "Ohhh ... mmmm," Eileen moaned, unable to help her reaction. Thoughts of Jamie and those dark nights faded from her mind as she enjoyed the caressing and the touching of Gallagher's hand and fingers. Her body began to tighten like before, and she found herself trembling, desiring the release, and she pushed back against Gallagher's fingers, silently begging. "Just a bit different this time, my love," whispered Gallagher as he shifted her to the bed and eased out from under her. "What are you doing?" Eileen asked as she found herself face down on the bed. She jumped when he smacked her buttocks with another volley of swats. "Ohhh!" "Putting ye in a better position to enjoy your pleasure, he answered, caressing her warm bottom as he lifted her hips and spread her knees apart on the bed. Once again Eileen relaxed in spite of the incongruous position and closed her eyes, giving herself up to her own pleasure. "Naughty lass," crooned Gallagher, "ye are loving this, aren't ye?" His fingers slid slowly inside her womanly sheath, 147

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delighting in the tightness and warmth. Then his hand slid around the front of her thigh, finding that fleshy nub and rubbing it softly, rhythmically. Eileen was lost in sensation as her body took control, and she begged for release. "Oh, please, Gallagher ... please..." "I'm coming, my sweet," he replied and quickly slid his throbbing shaft home with a gentle push. He felt her stiffen, but he crooned softly, his fingers continuing their magic. "That's it, ye are doing fine, let me make ye happy, Leenie." Eileen was stunned! The feeling of Gallagher suddenly deep inside her, filling her, took over and she couldn't stop the pleasure from the union, nor did she want too. She shook violently when he began to move inside her. The movements of his fingers were driving her to distraction. Her body took over, and she began arching back to meet him, her eyes closing as wave after wave of desire crashed in on her, building, tightening until at last, her body had mercy on her. She cried out with joy and shook with the force of her release. Gallagher held back until he felt her body tighten, and then he allowed himself to find release with her. They both collapsed, panting and exhausted on the bed. He rolled to the side and gathered her in his arms, immensely satisfied that he had found a way to pleasure them both. "Ye were wonderful, wee one," he whispered in her ear. "So were ye," she whispered back shyly. "I didn't know ye could do it like that." "There's a lot ye don't know, but it will my pleasure to teach ye," he replied with a satisfied smile. 148

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She blushed at the wicked grin on his face. [Back to Table of Contents]

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Chapter Ten Morg watched Kat, enjoying the sight of her brushing her long, red-gold tresses in the candlelight. "That Soren is a handful, isn't he?" He grinned at her, knowing Kat had been unusually busy all day keeping an eye on the lad. "Oui, mon cherie" she agreed, "but I have enjoyed having him here. I shall hate to return him to Eileen, but I know she must be missing him by now. It's been two weeks, and our time is up." Morg was lying back on the bed in all his naked splendor, his hands tucked behind his head. "It seems strange that ye have not conceived, Kat. I would have thought you would by this time." He sat up, concern etching his brow. "Do ye suppose we won't be able to have children?" Kat started guiltily, and then laid the brush down on the oaken dresser. "No ... no I don't think that. It probably won't be much longer, I imagine." Morg got up and padded quietly over to her on bare feet. He pulled her up from the padded bench she was sitting on and turned her towards him. "Ye do want children, don't ye, Kat?" His green gaze searched her face. Her matching green gaze looked up at him. "Of course, I do! More than anything! But the time wasn't right in Pirate's Cove. Maybe now that we are here, it might happen." "Babies don't generally wait until the time is right, they come when they are ready." He looked suspiciously at her. 150

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"Unless ... ye haven't been talking to Alyssa, have you?" He knew the woman in Pirate's Cove was a witchy woman and had all sorts of potions and powders for all sorts of ailments. Kat lifted her chin uneasily. She hated lying to Morg— hated the consequences even more when he found out, which he always seemed to do. "Okay, oui! I did talk to Alyssa, and she gave me a powder that mixes with water. It helps to prevent unwanted childbirths." "Without talking to me about it? It's my choice too, Kat," he growled. Kat shifted uneasily from one foot to the other. "Morg, why didn't you take Eileen with you when you left here?" "Because the life I would be leading was no place for a child, especially a girl. Ye know that!" "Exactly!" Announced Kat triumphantly. "And Pirates Cove is no place for a child either. It seemed a simple choice at the time." "Ye should have told me! We are in this marriage together." "We are now; we weren't back then, if you recall." "Aye, I do remember." They had more or less been forced to marry after Kat's mother had recovered her memory and insisted they abide by protocol. "But that's in the past. Ye knew I was in love with ye long before we left Pirates Cove; ye should have told me." Kat flushed, and then reached a small palm up to caress his face. "I'm sorry, mon cherie, perhaps I should have." "Bring me the powder." 151

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Kat sighed and turned to her dresser. Opening a drawer, she took out a small cloth bag and handed it to him. "Is this all of it?" Her eyes shooting daggers at him, Kat turned around and took out the other bag and handed it to him. Knowing his little spitfire, he asked again, "Now is this all of it?" "Oui, that is all of it." She turned around and flounced to the bed. Sitting down, she drew her knees up under her nightgown and hugged them, her small toes peeping out from beneath the hem. Morg walked over and stood in front of her, fists planted on his hips as he gazed down into her face. "Stand up." Kat looked up mulishly, although her insides took a nosedive. She shivered suddenly at the look on his face. She hated it when he ordered her about, and she recognized that look. It usually preceded a trip over his lap. Instead of obeying, she reached out and grasped his already throbbing shaft in her small hand. "I'd rather lay down," she murmured throatily, caressing him. "Aye, I intend to let you ... right over my lap." He reached down and scooped her up, his large hands beneath her small bottom, and then turned and sat on the bed. Kat grabbed him around his neck with an 'oh' of surprise and 'oomphed' as his arm slid under her stomach, neatly flipping her around to lie over his knees. She hated the fact that he could mover her around easily at will! She began to squirm and kick. "Let me up, Morg! I've done nothing wrong!" 152

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"Did I say you had?" Morg asked mildly, caressing the mounds sticking up in the silky fabric. He held her down easily with one heavy arm across her waist, his hand gripping her hip. "Well—no," Kat admitted. She stopped kicking and glanced back at him. He had a wicked glint in his eye that she didn't trust! Kat knew her sneaky pirate! She could feel his hard shaft through the thin material of her gown, and she hoped he was just toying with her. Desire was already settling over her like dew on a rose, soaking her just as effectively. She moaned as his palm slid slowly back and forth, warming the fabric and the bare skin of her buttocks below it. "Smack! Smack! Smack! Smack!" The sharpness of the blows caught her by surprise, and she couldn't help but squeal. "I thought you weren't mad at me," she complained as his hand returned to caressing. "I'm not mad at ye," he chuckled, but I do want ye to know I'm disappointed in your lack of faith in me." "Smack! Smack! Smack! Smack!" "Ohhh ... Morg! Okay, I'm sorry, I should have told you." Morgan McAlester didn't need an implement to get his point across when he chose to. His massive palm was hardened from wielding heavy weapons, and hard work, and he had the muscle power to back it up! Kat's poor cheeks were already throbbing, and her heart sank when he lifted her gown to expose the reddened nates. She braced herself for the blows to come, but was surprised to feel him softly caressing once again. 153

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"No, not should have—could have," he conceded, his fingers dipping between her creamy thighs. No matter how much his little Kat protested, his spanking her never failed to get her excited and ready for his lovemaking. He watched her beautiful eyes as she looked quizzically back at him. He could see the pupils dilating in the candlelight and the lids getting heavy as he slipped his finger into the moist curls to find that pleasure center. "Ye didn't trust me." Kat realized suddenly that the big lug's feelings were hurt. A woman never really realizes the power they have over a man twice their size until these small intimate moments occur. "It wasn't you, mon cherie," she assured him huskily. "I trusted you with my very life—more than once. It was the situation at hand. But I'm truly sorry if I have hurt you, I never meant to." She struggled to get up and he let her, his hands clinging to her curves as she straddled him and lifted her arms to take off her gown. "Let me make it up to you," she whispered as she hugged him fiercely, delighting in the feel of him between her lush, naked, breasts. "Ye are going to have to work hard," he replied hoarsely as he allowed her to push him back on the bed. Kat grinned impishly at him. "I think I can handle it." "I think ye can to," he gasped as her hips centered themselves over his hard member and began to glide slowly, agonizingly down it. He groaned from the sheer pleasure of her tightness, his hips beginning to move involuntarily.

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It was only a short while later, that Morg began caressing Kat's perky bottom cheeks once again, his desire returning quickly. "Again?" Kat asked sleepily, yawning widely. She had been fully satiated and was ready for sleep. Her green eyes blinked languorously up at him as he moved over her. It was a mock question, for she could feel desire returning too. Her fingers trailed up the smooth hard muscles of his arms planted on either side of her and tiptoed around his neck as he settled himself between her milky thighs. "We have a baby to make," he whispered, his tongue flicking a rosy nipple. "Got to make up for lost time." His shaft found the entrance to her woman's sheath. "Oh ... yes!" Exclaimed Kat as he drove home in one hard thrust. Morg chuckled. "I knew you'd see it my way." Gallagher was in heaven. Eileen was caught up in the delights of the flesh as they explored different settings and different positions, none of them having anything to do with the way it had happened before. Eileen only had nightmares a few times and each time, Gallagher was there to comfort her. Her trust grew in leaps and bounds. They finally visited Jamie's mother, who still lived on the estate in a small cottage, and told her the truth. Ester McCann was not as surprised by the news as they thought she would be. "I have often wondered," she said in her gentle voice. "Many times, Soren has reminded me of Jamie when he was a small lad, but I didn't say anything." 155

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She served them some tea and biscuits as she continued. "I knew something was wrong during those dark days, when ye were incarcerated. But Jamie did not confide in me. In all ways, he was a loyal son, but I could tell he was troubled. He couldn't sleep quite often, and he would roam the estate, sometimes not coming in until dawn." She looked sadly at them, her huge blue eyes, so like Jamie's, held pain and hurt in their depths. She smoothed back a strand of dark hair that had come loose from its snood and her ringed fingers trembled slightly. She continued. "I know Donald was a wicked, driven man, but I didn't know he went to these lengths for revenge on ye, Gallagher. I'm glad Jamie did the right thing in the end, even if it meant his life. I would not like to think my son died dishonorably." She gazed earnestly at Gallagher, silently pleading. "Don't worry, Lady McCann," replied Eileen impulsively. "Only a few of us know the truth behind Soren's conception, and it shall remain with us." "I know it is a sacrifice of your honor," Ester replied, her lip trembling. "I don't wish for ye to appear unfaithful to Donald." "Loose lips will talk, it is the way of life. I care naught for what they have to speculate upon. All that I hold dear, and those who love me, know the truth. That's all that matters." Eileen smiled and laid her hand over Ester's. Tears filled Esters eyes. "Ye are a good lass. Thank ye." They both knew it wasn't Jamie's reputation that would suffer when it was known he was Soren's father, but Eileen's. 156

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It was a cruel standard, but it was the way of life. Many men had trysts with married women, and they were not looked down upon for it. If anything, they were given hearty slaps on the back among their comrades. Gallagher lifted Eileen's hand to his lips and gently kissed the palm. "Ye are a generous lass, wee one." "No more than ye," she replied, her eyes twinkling. "After all, ye have married a fallen woman. Most men try to be more selective." "Mother would be proud of her, wouldn't she, Aunt Ester?" Gallagher's smoky gaze swung back to his Aunt. "Aye, she would indeed. She would be most happy to know ye have found love, Gallagher. It was her deepest desire." Eileen waited with bated breath for him to confirm his Aunt's words, but it didn't come. "Tis time for us to go, Aunt," said Gallagher huskily, getting to his feet. "I promised Eileen a picnic in the woods at the Rose cottage." He pulled Eileen to her feet. When he touched her, Eileen knew immediately he was holding back. She could feel the tension and strain inside him like a stab of instant knowledge. It seemed she only got these insights when someone touched her—when they were in the depths of strong emotion. Gallagher must be having a hard time with their relationship. He must not be able to love her and didn't know how to tell her. She gave him a faltering smile and ducked her head to hide the disappointment she knew would show in her eyes. 157

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She knew she was in love in with him. That first night, when he had been so patient with her, had sealed it. She had only fallen harder as the days had gone by. "The Rose cottage, how delightful! Such a beautiful place," replied Lady McCann. "The perfect place for lovers." She followed them to the door. "Have a good time, my dears," she added as she gave each of them a gentle kiss on the cheek. When Eileen didn't answer, she sensed something was wrong, but held her council as she watched them down the path. "Bless ye, my children," she murmured. "I pray that whatever is wrong, ye are able to work it out. Tis obvious ye belong together." Gallagher sensed Eileen's withdrawal, and her replies to his questions and comments were short and clipped. He finally lapsed into silence. He carried the basket with the picnic food inside it in one hand and held Eileen's hand in his other one. Had he really offended her so much? He hadn't replied to his Aunt's comment about his mother wanting him to find love. He knew Eileen didn't love him, and he didn't want to push her. He was doing his best to make her love him, the way he already did her, but he was worried. Not once had she even whispered her affection for him. Gratitude—yes. Affection—no. The Rose cottage never failed to lift Eileen's spirits, and she had spent many happy hours here with Soren as a babe in her arms. Donald had never come near the place. It had been designed and tended by the Lady McDuggan, his wife, and he didn't like to be reminded of her. 158

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Amelia McDuggan had loved roses, and there were all kinds of them. The arch that stood at the entrance path to the cottage was lined with rambling red roses, their pretty scent filling the air. The roses continued along the low brick wall that surrounded the thatched cottage. Pink ramblers climbed the twin trellis on either side of the door and ran along the wooden ledge above the stone doorway. Behind the cottage, was a rock patio made of many different colors of rocks and surrounded by large white rose bushes. Near the feet of the bushes, short lavender lilies grew, their beautiful heads just meeting the whiteness of the roses, creating a soft elegant look. A large oak tree stood in one corner of the backyard, a white wrought iron bench beneath its spreading branches. Everywhere the eye looked, there was a profusion of green foliage and bright heads of colored roses. There were dainty arbors to sit beneath, each covered with brightly colored rambling roses intertwining among the iron supports. There was a peace and serenity here that had been a balm to Eileen's troubled spirit, and she had spent as much time here as she could. After Donald was gone, she had spent many nights here as well, enjoying the evening peace and a cheerful fire in the stone fireplace that ran along one entire wall of the cottage. Gallagher spread the blanket he had brought beneath a red rose arbor, its flower covered roof providing a shelter from the hot sun—and any curious eyes that happened by. He began taking the food out and setting it on the blanket, hoping she would begin talking again. 159

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Eileen watched him silently, her disappointment almost a tangible thing. She had allowed the physical side of their union to overcome her concern for the future. She hadn't realized how much she had hoped he might fall in love with her until she had been brought up short at his reluctance to say anything earlier. What if he were to get bored with her and resort to another woman? Wouldn't she be better off to end it now and take Soren back to Castle McKenna? The longer she put it off, the harder it would be, and she didn't know how much more sorrow she could take. When Gallagher urged her to eat, she smiled wistfully and tried to obey him, but the food seemed to choke her. They made love beneath the rose arbor. For the first time, Eileen was able to accept Gallagher's body above hers, to accept his kiss as he gently took her. The tears trickled down the sides of her face at the sweetness and beauty of it. She made up her mind then, she couldn't stay. Not when every day tied her more strongly to him. Soon, she would never be able to leave, and Gallagher deserved to find that true love his mother had wanted for him. He had helped her to heal; the least she could do was let him go. "What is it, wee one?" Gallagher caught a tear with his finger as it trickled down the side of her face. "Why the tears?" He pulled her into his embrace on the blanket, tucking her small head under his chin. "Ye have given me so much, Gallagher," she replied softly into his chest. "Ye have taught me the true beauty of physical love. And ye have chased away the darkness. For that, I thank ye." 160

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"It has been my pleasure, Leeni. Ye are a very special lass, and I'm grateful to have ye in my life." Eileen regretfully rolled over and sat up. This was going to be hard, but she might as well get it over with. "I ... I'll be leaving for Castle McKenna in the morning. I'll take Melba and a few personal guards with me. I ... I just wanted ye to know." She was shocked when she was suddenly slammed back against the blanket, the breath whooshing from her as Gallagher pinned her beneath him. "What do ye mean— leaving? Why would ye be leaving?" The smoky haze turned to glinting steel as his eyes raked her face. "Because this isn't going to work, and ye know it," she hissed. "So ye are leaving me? Just like that?" He looked so angry that Eileen turned her face away from him, flinching. "We had a deal!" Desperately he looked for a reason to make her stay, despair filling his heart. "Ye promised me, Eileen!" When she closed her eyed and refused to answer him, he flung himself off her. Tears streamed down her cheeks as he yanked his clothes on. "Go then, damn ye! But don't bother coming back, I'm not interested in a woman who doesn't want me." Eileen's heart broke as she watched him stride away. It was a long time before she was finally able to dress and go back to the castle, her feet dragging with every step. She didn't see Gallagher anywhere, and it only deepened her sorrow at having hurt him. He would get over it, though, once he found real love. She would only be a brief memory in his 161

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life. She would always remember him, though, and she didn't think she would ever marry again. Eileen was as pale as death when she and Melba began to pack. Melba fussed and scolded, chiding her young charge for her foolishness. "Why ye would want to leave a man who is so obviously taken with ye, I can't imagine," she said scathingly. Unable to endure her old friends censure any longer, Eileen burst out, "He doesn't love me, Melba. I love him, but he doesn't love me, and I cannot tie him down, knowing his mother wanted him to find love above everything else in this world. Don't you see?" She sat down on the edge of the bed, the tears flowing once again. "Oh Melba," she said brokenly, "I have to leave, while I've still got the strength to do it. I can't do this to him, I can't tie him to a loveless marriage." **** "What do ye mean, she's leaving?" Dungally scowled at Gallagher, his expression fierce as he asked the question. "Ye heard me," replied Gallagher, landing another fierce blow to the log he was splitting. After leaving Eileen, he had taken the axe from the gardener and began chopping kindling and firewood, his back glistening with sweat as his powerful muscles took his frustration out on the hapless logs. "Why?" Gallagher stopped to wipe the sweat from his forehead, glaring angrily at Dungally. "Because she doesn't love me, that's why!" "Huh?" Dungally grunted, scratching his head. "Just how do ye figure that one? Are ye daft, lad? Did she tell ye that?" 162

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Gallagher swung mightily at a new log before answering in a clipped voice, "She didn't have to. Why else would she leave? And don't call me daft!" He stopped again to scowl at Dungally. Dungally bowed mockingly. "Pardon me, my Lord, but have you ever told her ye loved her? Women need to hear these things ye know." "No, I didn't want to push her." "God's breath," muttered Dungally. "It's obvious ye don't know anything about women." "I know plenty about women—I've bedded my fair share," growled Gallagher, flushing at Dungally's mocking tone. "Aye, but ye've never loved one—until now. Love and lust may be cousins, but they aren't the same shaft at all." Gallagher looked suddenly unsure of himself. "It's too late now, I told her to never come back." "May the saints preserve us," sighed Dungally. "Mayhap we can yet pull your bacon out of the fire. Go to her, tell her ye love her, then see what she says." Gallagher looked doubtful. "What have ye got to lose?" Dungally asked, getting aggravated. "Go! Before she leaves ye!" Gallagher looked at the older man, then threw the heavy axe on the ground and stalked off determinedly. He would tell her, he decided. And if she didn't stay then, he would just put her over his knee and remind her of her commitment to him! Eileen looked up, startled at the brown-skinned, barechested man storming into her bedroom with the angry scowl 163

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on his face. He looked furious, but she stood and faced him bravely. Gallagher waved Melba out of the room, and she left, closing the door behind her. Hands on his hips, Gallagher studied her pale face. It looked like she had been crying again. He cleared his throat and spoke, "I love ye, Eileen McDuggan. Are ye going to stay with me, or do I have to turn ye over my knee and spank your bare arse until ye give in?" At first Eileen stared at him in unbelief. "Say that again," she demanded. "I love ye, ye wretched woman!" Tears spurted into Eileen's eyes once again. "Oh, Gallagher," she sobbed flying to his arms and burying her face in the broad chest. "I love ye too." Gallagher sighed in relief and held her so tightly that Eileen thought she might suffocate for a moment. "I love ye so much, Leeni, I can't imagine my life without ye." He tipped her chin up to kiss her soft trembling lips. The knowledge flashed through Eileen once again, the strongest impression she had received yet, and she cried and laughed with pure joy. Then she surrendered to a long drugging kiss. She was shocked when Gallagher suddenly sat on the bed and flipped her over his broad thighs, her long skirts tossed over her head. "What are ye doing..." Gallagher cut her off with a sharp spank to the creamy rounded globes peeking from between the divided knickers. "This is for leaving me the first time," he growled. Then he 164

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smacked her again on the other side. "And this is for leaving me the second time and getting yourself kidnapped." Finally, he slapped her powerfully across the middle of her backside, eliciting a painful howl from his victim. "And that was for telling me ye were leaving me for yet a third time!" "But ... Gallagher..." "And this is to make sure ye never think of leaving me again," he said cheerfully. He laid into her then, despite her cries and protests and gave her a good hard spanking. At last he pulled her upright and began to take off her clothes. "Are ye going to leave me again, Leeni?" He asked, after he had her naked on his lap. Eileen's smile was beaming through her tears, and she wound her slender arms around his neck, pushing her soft breasts into his hard chest. "Never," she whispered throatily. He laid her back on the bed and quickly divested himself of his clothes and joined her. "It's a good thing," he said fervently. "I'd hate to have to spank ye again." "I wouldn't," she replied, and then blushed becomingly. "Sometimes, I like it when ye spank me, but not as hard as ye just did." He chuckled knowingly and smiled down into those gorgeous purple eyes that had so entranced him from the moment he met her. "There's plenty more where that came from, so ye had best behave yourself." "Aye, my Lord," she whispered against his mouth. "I'll try my best." Her eyes twinkled up at him. 165

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"Me too," he promised wickedly as he ran his palm beneath her warm buttocks and squeezed gently. He dipped his head and their mouths met. When his hard shaft found its home deep inside her, she knew instantly she had conceived. She thought her heart would burst with joy as she clung to Gallagher. Glancing out the brightly lit window, she thanked God fervently for this man, and the light he had brought into her life. "I love ye, Gallagher," she whispered ardently. He smiled gently down at her. "I love ye too."

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