Page 26 of How to Woo a Highlander

It must have hurt him gravely for his sister to abandon him in such a way. It was probably one of the reasons why he was so unapproachable.

"I'm sorry," she said honestly, to which he simply shrugged.

"Tis alright, I dinnae mind being alone. In fact, it is for the best. I focus on what is important, like the clan and the people. That is why I dinnae entertain women. I dinnae want love. It is a distraction at most and would only leave me hurt."

She chuckled bitterly, causing him to look up at her in question.

"I wish I had your resolve. I’m weak to my feelings, unfortunately. Even when I try to keep them under control, they always seem to run wild."

He met her gaze, and his dark eyes bore into her soul. She wished he had not said what he did. The last thing she wanted to hear was that he did not entertain his feelings. Did that mean that she was alone in hers? How was she supposed to feel when he was telling her that he was uninterested in love.

A distraction.

Another bitter chuckle left her lips. It stung more than she cared to admit.

"That sounds troublesome," he added, oblivious to her thoughts. She met his gaze again, barely containing her frustration.

"It is indeed, troublesome. Lately, these feelings are all I can think about. The worst part is that they leave me so confused because the one that I care about stirs up so many conflicting emotions while he remains unaffected," she said, confessing to his face.

He did not seem to understand her words, however, as he looked away, deep in thought. In her frustration, she closed her eyes and was shocked to feel his fingers caress her face. Her eyes flew open to meet his heated orbs.

"I am sure ye are wrong, Jane. He would be a fool to be unaffected by ye," he said. Her heart thudded in her chest as his eyes fell to her lips.

"Ye are so beautiful; any man would be lucky to have yer heart. Ye should be cherished." His eyes glazed over as he spoke, and his thumb brushed over her lower lip. She could not believe what was happening.

Does this mean that he feels the same thing I do?

"Alastair…" she breathed, and as though that was all he needed to hear, his lips descended on hers in a passionate kiss.

* * *

His heart pounded as though it meant to break out of his chest, but Alastair did not mind. She was in his arms, her flesh soft against his, and lips like the petals of the sweetest flower. She kissed him back just as fervently, her small tongue meeting his as he delved into her mouth.

His head swam with confusion, but he did not want to let go nor try to understand. When she had spoken, he felt his heart grow heavy as he thought she spoke of William. He had meant to comfort her with the assurance that William must like her as well, but when she said his name, he lost the reins on his feelings.

He had told her that he was uninterested in love and that feelings were simply a distraction, but it was more of a reminder to himself than anything. Now he had finally lost control, the last of his walls crumbling.

Did this count as betraying William? He did not know, but it felt as though he were tasting heaven in her arms. She pressed herself even closer against him, wrapping her arms around his neck, and his hands went to her waist of their own accord.

He almost gasped at how small and soft she was. He wanted to lift her into his lap, but he did not dare as it would certainly drive him to the edge.

"Alastair…" she called again, but this time as a breathy moan. He felt as though lightning had seeped into his bones as he shuddered and held her at arm's length. He shut his eyes, trying to regain control and swore profusely.

He got to his feet, pacing to cool himself. He glanced her way and found her looking at him with a dazed and wanting expression, her lips plump and bruised from their kisses. The cloak had fallen open, leaving her shoulders and the bindings on her chest visible. He shut his eyes again and stood in place.

Gods give me strength; this woman will be the end of me!

He opened his eyes again and went to his table, pouring himself a full cup and downing it in one go.

"Cover yerself. I will take ye back to the castle." He began to walk out of the room. Her eyes were wide, and she looked disoriented as she followed him with her gaze.

"Be quick, and follow me!" he ordered harshly, this time reaching her as she snapped out of her daze and hurried to her feet, grabbing her short sword, clutching the cloak to herself and following him out.

Bertha noticed him leaving and smiled, beginning to approach, but then she noticed his expression. She looked back at Jane, who had covered her head in the cloak and was following him with her head bent. He couldn’t imagine what Bertha was thinking.

He hurried them into his carriage, and off they went in a matter of minutes. He made sure to leave as much space between them as possible, completely ignoring her for the entire ride, although he was painfully aware of her presence.

He could feel his heart beating in his throat and stared out into the night.