For Love or Loyalty: The MacGregor Legacy | Book 1 by Jennifer Hudson Taylor Read Free Book Online

me why this Mr. MacGregor would take such an aggressive action in kidnapping you.” Mr. MacKinnon crossed his arms over his chest and waited, giving her a pointed look.
    Lauren confessed the truth, the whole sordid detail of what her father did to the MacGregors, Malcolm’s reaction, and her desire to go home. Mr. Kerr appeared standing at attention with his hands folded behind his back. A moment later, Malcolm arrived with his new roommate. His dark eyes met hers, and for an instant, she sensed his remorse. He averted his attention to Mr. MacKinnon as he approached.
    “I understand you brought this young woman aboard. She says you stole her from her family. Is this true?” Mr. MacKinnon asked.
    “Nay, I did not take her,” Malcolm said, glaring at Lauren.
    Heat rushed up Lauren’s face, boiling her blood. An image of Colin MacGregor came to mind. Malcolm had not lied, but how dare he make her sound like a liar. “Ye poisoned me.”
    “True. I thought it would calm yer fears an’ ease yer anxiety. I knew ye was not keen on sailing.” Malcolm raised an eyebrow, twisting his lips into a patronizing grin.
    “Aye.” Mr. Kerr stepped forward. “The gel was asleep when he brought ’er aboard, but he did pay her fare. She is no stowaway.”
    “I knew someone saw us.” Lauren lifted her chin. “Now, ’tis the matter of my abduction I want to set straight.”
    “What have I got to be ashamed of, Miss Campbell? I have paid for yer passage.” Malcolm crossed his arms and emphasized her name. “I am not the one who sold yer family as indentured servants without their consent—like slaves at an auction.”
    “And neither did I!” She stepped forward on her tiptoes to meet him, but her head ached since she had to lean back so far to look into his eyes. “I am sorry for what happened to Iona and Carleen, but ye’re a different matter—entirely.”
    “I only want the truth,” Mr. MacKinnon said.
    “I told ye the truth.” Lauren appealed to Mr. MacKinnon. “Please . . . take me back. I am sure my father would make it worth yer time. He will pay ye well for yer trouble.”
    “Too late. We stand to lose more money than your father would
pay to cover a hold of over a hundred or more souls.” Mr. MacKinnon rubbed his jaw. “Things do not add up between the two stories, but it would take a simpleton to ignore the obvious history between you two.”
    “There is no history,” Lauren said. “Please, ye have to believe me.”
    “All the signs point to a lovers’ quarrel.” Mr. MacKinnon raised a palm. “I do not care to know the details. We are not turning back.” Mr. MacKinnon crooked a finger at Mr. Kerr. “Now if you will excuse me, I have a crew to manage.”
    Lauren glared at Malcolm. “I hope yer revenge against my father was worth selling yer soul for.” She turned, unable to hide her contempt at how he had gotten his way. Tears blinded her vision as she stomped down the steps to the main deck.

    Lauren’s parting words still roared in Malcolm’s brain like a prophecy of doom. Had he really sold his soul with his vengeful deed? The burning question was more than he could bear. No doubt, he would have to face the consequences of his actions at some point. At least he was able to save her from the misery of the hold. Relief filled him at the sobering thought of being responsible for her welfare while aboard. This way he could protect her from roving sailors and still exchange her for his mother when they arrived.
    “I think I am gonna like ye.” His new roommate grinned with a curious expression as he crossed his arms over his chest. Logan’s blue eyes glimmered with a thirst for adventure. “Looks like ye’ll be keepin’ things lively ’round here. We shall need some of that while on this long journey at sea.”
    “Believe me, my life is full of unwanted controversy, but I am not sure I would call it an adventure.” Malcolm scanned the main deck below, but saw no sign of Lauren. “Be