Annie didn’t know much about Irish politics, but everyone had heard of the recent “Flight of the Earls.” “Didn’t the current earl just flee to Spain?”
Niall nodded. “One of his vassals, Donal O’Cahan, has claimed the former Lamont lands, but my kinsman has told me they are mine if I can take them.” He smiled. “It’s tough, rugged country, and I won’t lie. There will be challenges, and we will have to live simply for a while, but I promise it will be worth it.”
“And naturally you assumed I would have no objection to rustic conditions as that is what I’m used to.”
Dirty, foul MacGregors. Descended from kings but now little better than peasants.
The taunts that she usually ignored reared their ugly head.
His frown deepened. “I didn’t assume anything. I hoped you would want to come with me. I hoped that you would love and believe in me enough to weather the short-term challenges for long-term happiness. I know you are strong and thought you would relish the adventure.”
Annie couldn’t completely ignore the pang in her heart. It didn’t sound so horrible when he put it like that.
Perhaps he sensed her wavering and gave her a smile that could melt her knees and the defensive shield she’d been holding out in front of her. The shield that prevented anyone from hurting her like he had again.
“Ascog Castle was built by my ancestor Ewen Lamont after the war as a testament to his love for his wife and mother,” Niall explained. “I will build you an even grander castle when I am done.” He took a step toward her. “Don’t you see what a great opportunity this can be for us? We can build something together—a home and a future. Something we can be proud of. Not because of who we are but because of what we accomplish.”
Despite her lingering hurt and suspicion, the idea resonated. Clearly Niall hadn’t lost any of the ambition that had separated them two years ago. Annie knew that as a second son Niall had felt the pressure to make something of himself. Maybe she shouldn’t have been surprised at Dunvegan that he’d thought the way to do so was through marriage. But now he’d shifted focus, and all that determination was fixed on Ireland.Irelandof all places!
But even if she could be sure his motivation for leaving had nothing to do with her, could she just pick up and leave her home and family? Patrick, Iain and Lizzie were all the family she had left. And despite the years of persecution, she was a MacGregor. She was a part of this land. Of thisScotland. She belonged roaming the heather-covered hills and moors of the Highlands.
His head jerked as if he’d heard something. Annie followed the direction of his gaze but didn’t see anything.
Still, she felt the urgency in the air. “What is it, Niall? What is really going on? Why the sudden rush?” Her eyes narrowed with suspicion. “What did you do?”
* * *
Niall could feel his hunters closing in. He knew he didn’t have much time. It had been a risk coming here. But a risk he’d had to take.
Maybe he should have confided in her earlier about his plans. But he’d thought they’d have more time.
His time, however, had run out.
He wanted to tell her the reason for the urgency, but he didn’t have time to explain. Or rather, he didn’t have time for her to get over her anger.
Assuming she got over it, which was probably a big assumption when it came to this stubborn lass that he loved. But he would never apologize for trying to protect her. Not when he’d failed so miserably before.
That blasted promise!He regretted breaking his word, but she’d backed him into a damned corner.
“You know who is chasing me. Campbells. The king’s men. Does it matter? I’m an outlaw. I can’t stay here forever.”
Her eyes fixed on him like two pointed needles, as if they could prick through his vague explanation. Clearly, she knew he was hiding something.
“I’m not asking you to stay forever,” she said. “But you are asking me to leave my home and family for the wilds of Ireland to face war and strife. Surely I deserve more than a few minutes to decide.”
“I don’t have more than a few minutes.” He didn’t even have that. “Ireland is not so far away that you cannot come back to visit. And is there any less war and strife here? Patrick may have found peace with the Campbells, but do you think the king is done in his persecution of the MacGregors? What is really holding you here?”
Niall heard another sound in the distance—the precariouslyclosedistance—and looked east in the direction from whence he’d ridden. He could practically feel the air reverberating with the thunder of hooves hitting the ground. Did he imagine the plumes of dust in the air just beyond the hillside?
He had to go. He couldn’t stay any longer. It might already be too late for him to slip through their noose.
He held out his hand to her, begging her to take it. To give him her heart again. He swore he would treat it with all the tenderness and respect it deserved this time. “You have to decide, Annie. I wish I could give you more time, but it has to be now. Are we going to work this out? Will you forgive me for disappointing you and not protecting you or not?”
Annie’s eyes grew wide and slightly panicked. She seemed to realize that the time had come but was warring with herself. “I don’t know.” She looked anxiously back and forth to the castle as if it could provide the answer.
Niall knew it wasn’t fair to give her an ultimatum like this, but maybe that’s what she needed. They couldn’t go on like this forever. If what had happened between them the past few weeks, culminating in the infirmary, wasn’t enough for her, what would be? This beautiful woman who’d been hurt in the worst way a woman could be hurt had trusted him. She’d found her passion again with him. That meant something.
“You do know,” he said. “You either love me or you don’t.”
