Page 9 of Hope in the Highlands (Seduced in Scotland #1)

Belle stood along the side of the dance floor, appearing both worried and annoyed. Graham approached her quickly and dipped his voice.

“Yes?”

“Your uncle has informed me of some news,” she said softly, looking around to make sure no one overheard. “One of your cousins has asked to court Hope.”

“Court her?” he repeated. The fine hairs on the back of his neck stood up in warning. “She’s barely met anyone. Who in their right mind is trying to court her already?”

“Now, as I am the only guardian she has, I must tell you I am considering giving my consent—”

“You bloody well will not,” he said.

“Well, she won’t be available forever, MacKinnon,” Belle said. “And Jared McTavish would make a fine husband.”

“Jared?” Graham said loudly, causing several people to stare in their direction.

“He’s your uncle’s heir and in a better position than any other man here. Besides, he’s stated he’s quite taken with her—”

“He’s met her once.”

“That was enough to be charmed by her.”

For heavens sakes, had everyone lost their bloody minds? The woman had hardly been here two weeks. Was he the only person who thought it was an insufficient amount of time to get to know someone? And what was Jared playing at? He had never expressed interest in marriage before. Now all of a sudden he was keen on the idea?

Something suspicious was afoot, but Graham wasn’t sure what. All he knew was that the idea of Hope being tied to his cousin didn’t sit right with him.

“Over my dead body,” he said as he searched the crowd.

“MacKinnon, you will not interfere in Hope’s personal business. If you don’t want her, she will certainly have to marry someone else.”

“Och, so now you don’t want me to marry her?”

“I don’t care much what you do anymore if you don’t want her.”

“I don’t know why you’re so damned set on this plot of yours. I’ll not be bullied and threatened by you or anyone about my future,” he said through gritted teeth.

“No one is making you do anything. I’m simply pointing out that if you won’t have her, Jared will.”

He gazed across the sea of people and Graham saw Jared, dancing with a smiling Hope.

His jaw clenched.

“Why are you so desperate to marry her off?”

“I’m simply trying to secure her future, as well as her sisters’. They’re not as worldly as you or I and they’ll need someone trustworthy to protect them and help them through life when I’m gone.”

“And are you planning on dying any time soon?” Graham said sarcastically. Silence followed.

Graham turned his attention back to her. The crease in Belle’s brow was deeper, her wrinkled face twisted into a worried expression he had never witnessed before. Realization began to dawn on him, and he wondered if he had said the wrong thing.

“Lady Belle—”

Her hand flew up and he stopped speaking.

“So be it. Let Lismore go to you cousin. Stubborn fool.”

She swung around dramatically, her skirts puffing out as she did. He was dismissed and, apparently, freed from her meddling. But her failure to respond to his question irritated him. Was she unwell?

Glancing back across the ballroom, it took only seconds for him to find Hope again. Graham had never seen a woman so set on being happy. Almost as if she were determined to find joy in every situation. Even now, as the music played and she twirled faster and faster, the largest smile was plastered on her face. It made him inscrutably happy and oddly irritated that she should be smiling while being held in another man’s arm. He reminded himself firmly that she didn’t belong to him. But as he walked along the edge of the dance floor, watching her twirl across the dance floor, a new sensation sprung up within him.

Unwanted desire. Physically, he had craved her since he first laid eyes on her. But he had been able to chalk that up to mere animalistic instinct. What he hadn’t expected was to be enthralled by her and he couldn’t bear it. He refused to want her, if only to spite Belle.

Graham knew he should turn his back on the entire affair, make a clean break, but that prospect was equally unsatisfying. If he decided to wash his hands of the ordeal, he had no doubt that she would eventually marry someone else, possibly Jared, and he couldn’t allow that either.

He had never experienced such a sensation before. No person had ever stirred a possessiveness that seemed to swallow him up like when he saw Hope dancing with Jared. He had no claim to her, no reason to become incensed. Hell, he barely knew her. Jared was one of his greatest confidants, and yet it didn’t matter. All he saw was Hope, her body pressed against someone who wasn’t him, and his resolved snapped.

He crossed the dance floor and reached them in seconds.

“Ah, cousin, you should find yourself a dance partner,” Jared said with a friendly smile as he and Hope nearly bumped into him.

Graham didn’t reply. He only held out his hand, his complete attention on Hope.

“Oh,” she said, visibly startled by his actions. She seemed unsure of what to do as she glanced between Jared and Graham. “Um.” Swallowing, she slowly retracted her hand from Jared’s. “A-all right.”

“Ochs, no,” Jared said, annoyed. “Go find your own.”

But Graham didn’t listen. He steered Hope away, and they glided swiftly and effortlessly through the masses, edging closer and closer to the outside of the circle. Hope kept her eyes steadily on Graham, obviously waiting for him to speak, but he didn’t know what he wanted to say. He only wanted to be away from the crowd to give himself some time to think.

“That was rather impolite,” she said as they danced.

Graham tried to ignore the softness of her body beneath his hands. Instead, he focused on her words.

“So?”

Hope frowned.

“Is that all you have to say?”

He wasn’t sure what he wanted to say. Hope let out a huff of disapproval and tried to wriggle away from him, but Graham couldn’t let her go.

“Wait. Come with me,” he commanded.

He didn’t know what propelled him to hold onto her, but he wouldn’t release her, and by the expression on her face, he wondered if she perhaps wasn’t at least a little curious herself.

On the third go about the room, he slipped out the back door, pulling her along.

His hand went through his hair as he tried to sort out his emotions, all the while with Hope standing before him. Perhaps it was because of what she represented. She was his chance to regain ownership of his heritage. Surely that was why he had dragged her out of the castle, fighting off the urge to snarl at anyone that got in his way. Surely it was just the idea of what he could have that made him feel so desperate.

They stood on the slate stacked terrace that overlooked a winding stream that cut through the forest. She was breathing deeply; arms crossed and visibly agitated.

“Why did you bring me out here?” she asked, with a shiver.

“Are you cold?” he asked.

“No. Actually I rather prefer the cold.”

“Aye, so do I.”

She looked at him for a long moment with a puzzled expression.

“Why are we out here? What everyone must think we are doing?”

“Ack, tis only the McTavish Clan. They probably think we’re having a row.”

“And they would be correct,” she said quickly. “You had no right to pull me away from that gentleman.”

“Save your praises for a better man. Jared isn’t a saint.”

“He’s a sight more well-behaved than you.”

Graham took a step towards her. “I’ll have you know, I’m the most levelheaded Scot for a hundred miles.”

“Ha,” Hope said boldly. “If you’re the most levelheaded, I should return to England at once.”

“Aye, perhaps you should,” he snapped. “You being here is causing far too much trouble for me already.”

His annoyance, desire and agitation seemed to reverberate between them. She titled her head, as if it were hard to understand him.

“What do you mean? I’ve not done anything.”

“You have,” Graham said, crowding her in a way that demanded she crane her neck back to see him. “Since before you got here. Never have I known a woman to cause such trouble before I even met her.”

“That’s hardly fair. You didn’t know me before I arrived.”

“Aye, and now I do.” His voice dropped slightly as he glared down at her. “And I was right. You’re nothing but trouble.”

His words seemed to have an odd effect. Hope stared at him, pain crossing her face, and Graham hated himself. He hadn’t wanted to hurt her, but Lord above, he couldn’t be conned into marriage just for a house.

His fingers moved through his hair. It was hard to focus with her so close.

“I’m sorry you feel that way,” she said softly as her hand rose to her chest. Toying with the brooch, she appeared unaware of the fact that she was fidgeting. A click sounded, followed by a small snapping noise. “But it isn’t my fault that you find me so terrible.”

Damn it. Graham groaned.

“I don’t find you terrible,” he said, feeling compelled to apologize. She clicked her brooch. “What I meant to say was—” Click. Click . He frowned. “I just find you—” Click. Click . He couldn’t finish his thoughts with that constant clicking, and the placement of her hand was rather distracting. “What is that?”

“What’s what?”

“That.” Graham nodded towards her chest. “What’s that noise you’re making?”

Her hand dropped instantly.

“It’s nothing,” Hope said quickly.

Too quickly.

“It’s something. Show it to me.”

“No.”

He stared at her for a moment and, without thinking, without breathing, he took another step towards her, eliminating what little space was between them. She didn’t retreat. With their bodies only inches away from one another, he peered into her deep, brown eyes.

“Let me see it,” he said huskily.

She seemed slightly dazed by his words and how close he was. Hope shook her head, but Graham was already lifting his hand to her chest.

With his eyes locked on hers, his large, calloused hand covered her smooth, elegant one. His fingers rolled her tiny treasure away and though he couldn’t remove it from her gown without undoing the pins that held it in place, he thumbed to the edge of the brass ornament until he found a latch.

Graham pressed on it and with a soft click it opened, like a little book in his hand. Her pink cheeks flushed and while he initially supposed she was embarrassed by how close he stood, as his eyes drifted down to the locket, he understood the real reason.

There in his palm, no larger than a skipping stone, showed the MacKinnon family plaid. He hadn’t been expecting that. To see the red and green tartan, held in place on her dress, very near her heart… well, it did something to him.

“I’m sorry,” she whispered after a long time, sounding worried. “I didn’t mean to offend you by wearing it.”

“You haven’t offended me,” he said, his tone rough. “You’ve surprised me, ’tis all. Where did you find it?”

“There was a torn piece in one of the wardrobes at Lismore Hall. I wouldn’t have taken it, but it was so small a piece that I thought it would be a sort of tribute to your family, in a way. I thought it would signify our appreciation, mine and mine sisters, for how kind you’ve been to our aunt over the years.”

What stories had Belle told her nieces about their friendship?

“What did Lady Belle say about me exactly?”

One of her slender shoulders shrugged as she lowered her head.

“She said that you’ve been a dear and loyal friend since she came to live here permanently, ten years ago. That you’ve always been kind and patient and that there was no better man she’s ever met.”

The crest of Graham’s cheeks burned at the praise Lady Belle had bestowed on him. It was an outright lie, of course. They had butted heads since the beginning and he had been a hellion to her in the beginning of their acquaintance.

“Did she really say that?”

“Yes.” Hope nodded. “Anyway, I thought it was a fitting thing to wear here, but now I think I was mistaken.”

“It’s not your fault. I was just surprised to see it. I don’t wear the MacKinnon plaid.” His gaze dropped back down to the locket. “I never have.”

“Never?” she asked, surprised. “Is it because of what happened with your father?”

He was quiet for a moment, unwilling to share such a private matter with her, and yet, unable to stop himself, he spoke at last.

“Aye,” he said slowly, eyes on his plaid. “Losing the house was my father’s biggest regret in life, or so my uncle told me. He was never able to recover from it. I was ashamed of him for a long time. There was never any amount of pride for being a MacKinnon. I wear the McTavish tartan out of respect for the uncle who took me in, but also, because I was ashamed of my own family’s legacy.”

He had never said the words out loud, and though Graham knew it was a dreadful thing to admit, it was true. Maybe he was a traitor, but he had always been ashamed of his father’s choices and thus had little pride in the plaid he was supposed to wear.

“I swore as a boy that I would not wear the MacKinnon tartan until I recovered what my father lost.”

She looked down at his hand. Her cool fingers wrapped around his. Suddenly, heat and desire shot through his veins. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt you by wearing it.”

“You didn’t,” he said.

“No?” she replied, skeptically. “Then perhaps I shocked you. You don’t have a very pleased expression about you.”

Graham took a deep breath as he stared into her eyes.

“Don’t I?”

“No.”

“Then I supposed you did shock me. Not any more then my own feelings though.”

“How so?”

“Honestly?” he asked, and she nodded. “It would only frighten you if I explained it.”

“Please?” she said softly. “I won’t be afraid.” He found he couldn’t deny her.

Leaning forward, he bent his head so that his mouth found the edge of her ear. Hope shivered as his bottom lip gently grazed the soft cartilage.

“The truth is, that up until this moment, MacKinnon plaid has never made me feel anything except shame. But seeing it on you, as small as that piece of it is, well… I didn’t expect to be so moved at the sight of it…”

The gentle intake of breath reminded Graham of that soft moan that had escaped her lips when they first kissed. As he bent his head, his mouth found hers with a captivated urgency. He didn’t know what divine power had forced those words from his lips, but then, he didn’t care. Kissing her was the single most important thing he had ever done in his life.

His arms wrapped around her, drawing her against his chest as a dozen sensations ran through his mind. She tasted like sugar and smelled like the glen after a rain. She was tender and curious as her hands came up to his chest, tentatively touching him as though he might vanish. Graham kissed her harder, eager to demonstrate that he wasn’t going anywhere.

What had come over him? Never in his life had he allowed himself to be so at the mercy of his own desire. Since the moment he saw Hope in the walled garden, she had fascinated him, even though the mere idea of her should have made him wary. But her authenticity had confused him. Hope was far too forthcoming. She was clever and optimistic and he found himself wanting to protect her, even though he was the exact person she should be most cautious around.

Did she realize what her aunt was doing? He needed to come clean and tell her the truth, but the more he kissed her, the less he wished to talk and the more he wanted to touch every inch of her.

His hands grazed over her arms, tugging at the short sleeves to expose her perfect shoulders that he kissed and licked and nipped at. His mouth roamed back up her neck as she gripped his head to her. She seemed just as affected as he, and he was filled with a fierce desire to carry her away to some secret place.

Only he wouldn’t be so lucky.

A soft feminine cough sounded from far away. They both froze, and he slowly lifted his head to see Rose, who appeared very torn indeed.

“Oh!” Hope said, backing away from Graham, who let her go immediately.

Rose came forward with determined steps, peering over her shoulder as she did.

“I’m sorry to interrupt,” she said, her eyes darting between Graham and Hope. “But you mustn’t be doing that. Not here anyway.”

“Oh goodness,” Hope said, a blush coming over her face. She tried to cover her embarrassment with her hands as she pressed her fingers against her cheeks. “I am mortified.”

“Was your plan to shame her?” Graham said accusingly, coming up to Rose. “You’ve some nerve, Miss Rose.”

“Of course, it wasn’t. I didn’t come to shame anyone,” Rose said in a harsh whisper. “I’m trying to save you.”

“Save us?”

Just then, Belle, Laird McTavish, Jared, Faith, and Grace rounded the corner.

“MacKinnon! Alone with my niece?” Belle said in mock shock, followed by genuine surprise. “Uh-oh. Wait. Miss Rose?”

“Yes, ma’am,” Rose said, stretching her arm out over Hope’s shoulders. “We’ve all come to take a bit of fresh air. Terribly stifling inside, it is.”

“Yes, that’s why Lady Belle suggested a tour of the grounds,” Laird McTavish said, his brow knitted together as he stared at Hope.

Graham looked between Lady Belle and her secretary. As he saw a stilted glare exchanged between the two, he realized what had nearly happened. Belle had tried to trap him in a compromising position—and Rose, for whatever reason, had stopped it.

Unbridled fury bubbled up inside his chest as his angry eyes landed on the old meddler. He was very close to wringing her neck and if there wasn’t an audience surrounding them at the moment, he’d certainly have given her a piece of his mind.

“You,” he snapped at Belle, his tone furious.

“Ah, Mr. MacKinnon,” Hope said, coming up. Her voice stilled him for a moment. “Thank you so much for showing Miss Rose and me the grounds. They were quite beautiful to see in the moonlight.”

He knew she was trying to defuse the situation, but he couldn’t help but feel hostile.

“If you appreciate the moonlight,” Jared said, coming forward, “I’d be honored if you and your sisters would join us at the games. Of course, the majority of the events take place during the day, but we do have a bonfire of sorts afterwards. It’s in about two weeks’ time.”

“The games?” Grace asked, her head tilting.

“Aye, the highland games,” Jared said, smirking at Graham. “You all are more than welcome to attend.”

“Oh, that would be lovely.”

Lord above , Graham thought as his gaze traveled from person to person. The whole damn clan was becoming smitten with these Sharpes, and they were becoming equally invested, seemingly unaware that they were each merely pawns on Lady Belle’s chess board. Well, the McTavishes could have the lot of them. Graham stalked away, right through the middle of the group.

“MacKinnon,” someone called after him, but he didn’t stop.