Highlander of My Heart (Mcardle Sisters of Courage 1)

He dropped his head back against the stable wall and shut his eyes for a moment. He didn’t want to remember, but his left hand drifted over to rub at the shackle on his right wrist. He could rid himself of it, but it wasn’t time yet. Someday it would be, but not today.

Today, he wanted nothing other than to sit in the shadows of this corner in peace and quiet and think of nothing, not the past or the future, just this moment of solitude. That was all he wanted, nothing more.

The door to the stable flew open and Sorrell stomped in and went to one of the stalls and began pacing in front of it.

John watched her. She was a tiny one. When she had turned and slammed into him earlier, the top of her head had barely reached his chest. Somehow, though, she seemed taller or maybe it was the way she carried herself, her shoulders drawn back and a slight lift of her chin. She had the loveliest face, not stunning, but fine features that caught the eye and held it. Then there was her red hair that looked as if it blazed one minute and was a deeper red the next and damn if that slim piece of plaid cloth couldn’t contain the frenzied curls that fell well past her shoulders. He also couldn’t help but take note that even though she was slim, she curved in all the right places. A sudden image caught in his mind of his hands hugging the curves of her waist, catching him off guard, and he was quick to banish it.

He turned his thoughts empty once more, though not for long. The black horse stomped his hooves in agitation, gaining his attention.

“I’m annoyed too, Prince,” Sorrell said and stopped pacing long enough to soothe the horse with a gentle touch to his face. “How could James do this to me? Wed me off to an arse of a man who claims he will dictate to me only when necessary. It’s horrifying.”

So, she was being wed off like many chieftains and lords did with their daughters. It was a daughter’s lot to do her duty whether she liked it or not. Evidently, Sorrell didn’t like it. It would be a shame to see her spirited nature subdued. But it didn’t concern him. He would be here three days at the most, then he’d be gone.

“I want to decide who I wed,” Sorrell went on explaining to the horse. “It should be my choice who I spend the rest of my life with, whose bed I share and whose bairns I carry and birth, and who I love with all my heart.”

Love. It disappointed, if it at all existed, and he chuckled at her wishful thinking.

“Who’s there?” Sorrell demanded, swerving around.

John cursed silently, annoyed that he had made her aware of his presence.

“I found the shelter you offered here,” he said, not bothering to stand and show himself.

It didn’t matter, Sorrell followed the sound of his voice to the darkened corner.

“What do you hide from?” she asked, squinting her eyes to try and see him.

“It isn’t what I hide from, it is what I seek.”

“And that is?”

“Solitude.”

“Are you telling me to go away and leave you be?” she asked with a tinge of annoyance.

“I believe I made myself clear.”

She wished she could see him better. With the shadows hugging him so close, he was barely visible. Peoples’ faces expressed so much more than their words.

She continued with her chatter, making it clear she wasn’t ready to leave yet. “Have you eaten?”

“I have and again I appreciate your generosity.”

“Do you not like people?”

“I prefer to be alone.”

“Another hint to leave you be?” she asked, not caring if he wanted her to leave or not.

“I told you what you wished to know.”

“You are a strange man.”

“How so?”

“You don’t give a direct answer.”

“I think I made myself quite clear.”

She said it more bluntly than he did. “You want to be left alone.”

“See how clear I’ve been.” He was glad she couldn’t see the smile that touched his lips.

“I will leave you to your solitude,” Sorrell said with some regret. He might be an odd man to talk with, but that was what made speaking with him interesting. She turned to leave.

“Sorrell.”

Her name falling with such strength from his lips sent a slight tremble through her.

“Aye,” she said as she turned around.

“You are a kind woman.”

Sorrell gave a hardy laugh. “You will find none here who would agree with that.”

“I care not what others think.”

“Now there is something we both agree on. Have a good night, John,” Sorrell said and closed the stable door behind her.

Dusk was near and with it a sharper chill to the air. Sorrell wasted no time in returning to the keep. She had gone to the stable to calm her anger before delivering the news of her impending wedding to her sisters. She had only grown angrier talking to her horse, Prince. It wasn’t until she talked with John that she calmed.