Highland Destiny by Laura Hunsaker Read Free Book Online

uncomfortable.
    Perhaps that was why she felt the need to ask him,
    "Is this where you live?" Her hand encompassed the whole area; lake, forests, and mountains. It suited him. He hadn't answered her, so she turned to him, "It's so beautiful."
    He stared at her for a long time before he answered her,
    "Aye."
    Monosyllabic again. Great. She was annoyed, she was trying really hard here, he could at least make an effort to be civil. She tried again,
    "Has it been in your family for very long?"
    "For several generations, off and on. You are trying my patience Miss Stewart."
    "Mackenzie," she answered automatically, a reflex to being called "Miss."
    She'd been studying the lake, thinking, without really paying attention to the fact that Connor hadn't yet answered her, when the grip on her wrist tightened until she winced.
    Her eyes flew to his, confused, and she gasped. The black fury on his face had her trying to yank her hand free and step back. Her forehead creased in her confusion.
    Connor growled at her, "Your name is Stewart, is it not?"
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    Still trying to free her wrist, "Ow. Connor, you're hurting me. Please..." she trailed off at the glare on his face.
"Your name, lass." He was still glowering at her, but at least his grip had loosened fractionally.
    "Mackenzie Isabella Stewart. Why? What's the matter?"
    She was whispering now.
    "Your given name is Mackenzie?" For a brief second she thought Connor looked confused, but she couldn't be sure; he hid his emotions well and his poker face was back.
    "Yes." Her voice was stronger now, and impatience flashed in her green eyes. He hadn't said anything. Her chin tilted a fraction, and she challenged, "Is that a problem?"
    She should know by now not to challenge him. His anger was palpable, and she knew he was dangerous. He'd noticed her irritation, of course. She realized that there probably wasn't much this Highlander would miss. Mackenzie didn't know too much about Scottish history, but she'd seen enough movies to know that Highlanders liked to fight. They'd fought to the death for their laws and principles during the Jacobite Risings, so she really shouldn't antagonize Connor. They reminded her of the Vikings they were descended from. He was a warrior. Perhaps he'd honed his skills at reading people on the battlefield?
    "We have been at war with the clan Mackenzie for years."
    Whatever she expected, it wasn't his softly spoken answer.
    "They are a brutal people who care not for whom they hurt, or from whom they steal. We had been allies for a long time, but now, they are backed by your betrothed. Surely you are 49
    aware of this?" He raised a dark brow as if to dare her to deny it.
"Actually, no, I wasn't. I'm not from here, in case you can't tell, and my Scottish history is minimal." Mackenzie was furious at the assumption that she would approve of any violence or cruelty. "So please forgive me, my Lord , as I am not familiar with your little feud." Her sarcasm was not overlooked, which she would have noticed by the narrowing of his eyes, if she'd been looking. But she had yanked her wrist free and was stalking away. For a split-second, she remembered that she was supposed to use her middle name, and thought that perhaps his over-reaction might be the reason why, but she was interrupted by a long arm catching her about the waist and dragging her back to him. Her breath hitched as her breasts grazed his chest.
    "You'd best guard your tongue, lass, or I'll be forced to help you do so." His threat was so soft and low that she almost missed the menacing tone.
    Mackenzie was weary and annoyed, and the idea of being chastised for her lack of etiquette and knowledge had her at her breaking point. She had been asked to accept quite a bit on faith, and her mind was rebelling at the idea of being scolded for her understandable ignorance.
    "Oh, right, and what'll you do, cut out my tongue? You need me and we both know it, so cut the bullshit, and tell me what your problem is?" She was