Tender Feud

“I mean to call the officer in here so you may train my uncle’s pistol on him.” With a brief movement of her head she indicated the weapon she had hidden in the pocket at her waist. “Then you can tie and gag him the way you did the turnkey in Oban.”

Raith’s chuckle was rich and delighted. “By God, Katie, I’ve turned you into a bloodthirsty Highlander.”

His mirth earned him another furious glare. Giving him her back again, she managed to peel off a skirt of fine black broadcloth. Raith shook his head. “I’m grateful for your concern, Katrine, but I meant it when I said I’m not leaving without you. Unless you’re prepared to marry me, I’m not budging an inch.”

The sudden determination of his tone gave Katrine pause. Still holding the skirt, she turned to stare at him. Raith was serious, she realized as he steadily met her questioning gaze. He was willing to risk his life in order to achieve his own ends, whatever they might be. But just what were they?

Uneasily Katrine searched his face, trying to find the answer. She wanted more than anything to be his wife. Raith was the one her heart yearned for, the one her soul needed. She loved him to distraction.... But despite his avowals last night, Katrine wasn’t so certain he loved her in return. She was sure, however, that he was somehow maneuvering her into an agreement that suited his own purpose.

Slowly she shook her head. “I have no idea what scheme you have up your sleeve, Raith. Why this sudden desire to marry me?”

“I told you last night, I only recently came to my senses and discovered I couldn’t live without you.”

Katrine’s look was skeptical. ?

??My uncle thinks you want to wed me simply to mitigate the duke’s anger.”

“I assure you, one has absolutely nothing to do with the other.”

“Well, my marrying you wouldn’t make any difference to Argyll, you said so yourself.”

“And so it won’t. But it would make a great difference to me.”

“Would it? I think you just want to give our child a name.”

Raith sighed. “No, sweeting, that isn’t so. I decided to marry you before I ever learned about the child.”

Katrine’s brows drew together, her eyes narrowing. “You decided.... You decided?”

Raith realized his mistake, even before he heard the warning tone in her voice. He braced himself for the new storm he saw brewing in her eyes, quickly raising his hand in a gesture of surrender. “Ah, dear heart, I’m not so practiced as Callum at spouting the phrases that lasses love to hear. But I’m far more sincere. I don’t want you for Meggie or simply to give our child a name. I want you for myself…for always.... I love you, Katrine. I don’t know what else to say to convince you.”

Her rising anger suddenly dwindled. She could almost believe him.

As she stood gazing at Raith in indecision, he rose slowly, his dark gaze holding hers as he slowly moved toward her. “I want us to be married right away, Katrine,” he declared, his voice soft and persuasive. “Call your officer in here and have him fetch one of his men. They can act as witnesses.”

Witnesses, Katrine reflected, remembering Scottish law. She and Raith had only to speak their vows before witnesses and they would be legally married. But that would take time, far more time than they had. The thought made Katrine cringe inside. The fear that had kept her awake last night returned in full force, twisting in her stomach. With a choked cry, she stepped back, clutching the skirt to her breast in a defensive gesture. “Raith, no, we can’t be married. Then it will be too late for you to escape.”

“Katrine, how many times do I have to tell you? I don’t want to escape. I want to marry you.”

An ache filled her throat as she took another backward step. “Why? So I can become a bride one day, a widow the next? Please…” she begged. “You sent me away once, and I thought I would die. I don’t want to go through that again. I couldn’t bear it.... I won’t…” The tears that shone in her eyes threatened to spill over.

“Oh, God,” Raith breathed, gathering her in his arms. “I hate it when females cry.”

“I’m not crying,” Katrine gulped, struggling for control. But she buried her face in his shoulder and allowed him to stroke her hair.

“I had to console Meggie just like this,” he murmured softly. “She was crying over you. Do you know she spoke for the first time two days ago?”

Her tears abruptly arrested, Katrine slowly lifted her head to stare up at him. “Meggie? She did?”

“Yes, Meggie. And do you know what she said? Katie. Your name. She wanted me to bring you home. She needs you, Katrine. I need you.”

Katrine closed her eyes, fighting against the overwhelming desire to give in to him. “Raith…please, don’t do this.” Mustering her strength, she pressed against his chest, trying to push him away. “You must leave before the duke comes.”

Raith’s arms tightened, refusing to release her. “No, you were right. This has to be settled, and it can only be done by approaching Argyll. I’m not leaving until I have a chance to talk with him.”

Katrine didn’t reply.

“You wanted me to speak to the duke, didn’t you?”