Page 22 of The Chief's Wild Promise
Kylie’s brow furrowed. “Or Errol.”
“Stop comparing my situation to yers,” Makenna snapped, vexed that the two of them were carrying on as if she weren’t even there.
Liza fixed her with a stern look. “Ye should try to put things right …beforethe ceremony.”
Makenna’s chin kicked up, heat flushing over her.
Liza’s dark eyes narrowed. “A man’s wounded pride isn’t something to be taken lightly. Ye may feel justified, but since it wasyethat ensured this marriage must take place, I suggest ye swallow yer pride and apologize.” She paused then. “It’ll make yer wedding night easier, at least.”
“Liza’s right,” Kylie chimed in. “I know it’s not what ye wanted … but ye will have to lie with him soon.”
“For the love of God,” Makenna choked out, mortification flooding through her. “Don’t remind me.”
Her sisters annoyed her further then by exchanging knowing looks.
Of course, they were both experienced in the ways of the world, whileshewas a virgin still. Neither knew it, but Makenna hadn’t even been kissed. There had been men in the Guard she’d fancied over the years, men she wouldn’t have minded a kiss from. However, they’d all been too intimidated to try their luck. And now, here she was, three and twenty. A lass who’d never been kissed, but who had killed. Her lack of experience frustrated her. She liked to feel capable in all areas.
“Mackinnon is a little proud and fiery to be sure,” Liza said then, “but he’s a fine-looking man.” Her mouth quirked, her dark eyes glinting wickedly as she winked at Kylie. “And he’s got large well-shaped hands … a favorable sign, indeed.”
Kylie snorted a laugh, while Makenna yelped as she accidentally stabbed herself in the finger with the needle. Sucking her stinging digit, she glared at Liza. “What the devil have his hands got to do with it?”
Liza’s smile widened. “Och, lass … ye have been well-cosseted, haven’t ye? The look of a man’s hands tells ye much about his character … and the size of his—”
Makenna gasped an oath, cutting her off.
Both her sisters were smirking now. It was too much, and she closed her eyes to block them out. Her cheeks were burning. She wondered if she should tell them that she already had an idea about the size of her husband-to-be’s manhood, after today’s incident. She checked herself though. Revealing such a thing would only encourage them.
“Christ’s teeth, what nonsense,” she muttered.
However, neither of her sisters was listening to her.
Liza flashed Kylie an impish grin. “Have ye seen the size of Alec’s hands?”
“Can’t say I have,” Kylie replied with a giggle. “However, Rae’s got hands like a blacksmith’s. When I saw him unclothed for the first time, I got a pleasant surprise, let me tell ye. He had—”
“That’s it!” Makenna threw down her wedding gown in disgust and leaped to her feet. “Ye won’t drag me into such lewd talk!”
Kylie flashed her a look of mock hurt. “Lewd?” Her sister was so different these days. Before falling in love with Rae, bitterness had cast a shadow over Kylie. She’d been prim and easily offended. But now, she laughed easily and took life more lightly.
It’s as if our roles have been reversed.
Nonetheless, Makenna wasn’t going to linger here and listen to any more of this. She had the sneaking suspicion her sisters were just getting started. But this wasn’t a show put on for their benefit. It was her life.Herfuture. Jaw clenched, she headed toward the solar door, her boots sinking into the soft sheepskins that covered the wooden floor.
But Kylie wasn’t letting her escape without a parting volley. “Go on … seek yer betrothed out,” she called after her. “Andmendthings.”
It galled her to admit it, but her sisters did have a point. If she didn’t try to repair her relationship with her husband-to-be, their wedding day—and night—would truly be an ordeal.And in the man’s defense, he’d thought he was protecting her by not engaging during their fight.
Unfortunately, Bran Mackinnon wasn’t easy to find.
Makenna searched for him in the bailey, and in the orchard and gardens, before checking inside the guard barracks, the chapel, and the great hall. She’d even gone out into the woods again, although he was nowhere to be found.
Eventually, irritation buzzing inside her like a hive of bees, she climbed the steep spiral staircase that led up to the highest level of the tower house. It was the only place left to look. Stepping out onto the narrow walkway that led around the edge of the roof, she halted a moment. A breeze feathered across her face up here, the soft coo of pigeons drifting across the ramparts.
Rounding the corner of the square tower, she halted, her gaze alighting upon the lanky figure that leaned upon one of the battlements. Mackinnon was in profile and hadn’t yet seen her. As such, she halted, her gaze raking over him.
Damn him, he was far too attractive, with his flame-colored hair and patrician features. Her betrothed appeared to be a hundred leagues away at present, his attention trained west. He was looking in the direction of home, and no doubt wishing he were there right now.
Makenna cleared her throat.