Highland Scandal by Mageela Troche Read Free Book Online Page B

stopped at the table where the apple sweets were. She gave one to Lachlan. He took it and snatched another one. He dodged the flap of her kitchen linen before it struck his arm.
    “Lachlan. Lachlan.” Connor jumped to his feet and dragged Lachlan to the table. “Look what I’ve done.” He picked up a turnip and made a roar as he showed Lachlan.
    “If I wasn’t a brave solider I would be scared but the ladies shall be running away from that one.”
    Lachlan peeked at Rowen. The man smoldered. She couldn’t stop herself. She grinned at him. He returned it. She had made a promise to Caelen to stay away. She would break it.
    She rose from her seat. Ailsa pretended not to notice even lowered her head more when Lachlan followed.
    In the hallway just outside the kitchen, she halted. Lachlan appeared. Her breath caught in her chest. She put her hands behind her and leaned against the wall to stop herself from wrapping her arms around him and kissing him.
    “Meet me tonight.”
    One corner of his mouth lifted before his lips spread into a bright grin. “I shall.” His heated gaze dropped to her lips. He didn’t touch her. Yet, she felt the brush of his lips across her own. Her lips tingled. He stepped back and hurried away.
    She let out a drawn-out exhale to cool off the heat radiating from her. It helped very little. She still shook. She ran her hand over her hair to smooth it down. She strolled back in to the kitchens on shaky legs. She swore every eye landed on her. She peeked about. None paid her any mind, caught up in the preparations for the meal and for Samhain. Tonight was when summer ended and winter began. Herds were gathered. The animals that could not survive the harsh winter were slaughtered. Tonight would be a feast as the line that protected the living from the dead dissolved and the spirits could return. The men would be masked to make mischief and do pranks.
    The rowans were placed over the door to keep them from entering the home. Men were out building the bonfire so the clan could light their hearth fires from it for the new year.
    Rowen hated this night. This was the first year she had spent away from her home. Most MacLeans did not flee from her. Nevertheless, there were a few. Some who taunted her or chanted to protect themselves. She had seen enough amulets and charms to keep every spirit away from Scotland and England, probably Wales as well.
    She settled back on her stool.
    Ailsa cocked her brow. Her jeweled green eyes were large in her face. Her lips pursed. “Be careful, Rowen.”
    “Why does she have to be careful, ma?” Connor asked.
    “Because we don’t want her to be hurt.” She brushed back his thick, black hair, and then planted a kiss on his forehead.
    “Aye. The knives are sharp, but I’m heir to Laird MacLean, so I know how to handle them. That’s what da said.”
    “I promise not to get hurt.”
    “A grand promise,” Ailsa said. “Can you promise not to hurt another?”
    Rowen rolled the turnip between her palms. She couldn’t break another promise so she stayed silent.
    “Ma, I can do a trick.” He balanced his play sword on his small, plump palm. It teetered then smacked Connor on the head. Both she and Ailsa drew in a shocked breath. Connor was wide-eyed then his face crumpled. His face reddened as he rubbed the heel of his palm against his forehead.
    He sucked his teeth. “I did it before. Don’t tell da, I want to show him.”
    “Very well.” She brushed his black hair from his face and kissed his head. He rolled his eyes. “Let’s get you a treat.”
    She spent most of the morn with Ailsa. She had not seen Eacharn since they broke their fast. She made her way out of the castle to where the Murray men had setup their tents. Their gruff voices and raunchy jokes reached her ears. They must have spotted her because an embarrassed quiet fell over them.
    “Good day, men. Do any know where I can find Eacharn?”
    She noticed two men backing up and the uneasy glances