Page 51
“Secure Lady Montforth somewhere where her daughters will no’ come upon her,” Broden said. “Preferably a room with nae windows. She’s to have three guards present outside at all times. See that she has somethin’ to eat and a cot.”
Liam gave a grim nod.
“I’ll join ye in the courtyard in a few minutes.” Broden linked his fingers with Kendra’s. “I’d like a few minutes alone with my betrothed.”
Liam and Graeme hauled the still struggling Narcissa from the chamber.
The minute the door closed, he pulled Kendra flush to his chest and claimed her mouth in a blistering kiss. She wrapped her arms around his back, holding him every bit as tightly as he held her.
Several breathless moments later, he lifted his head. “Dinna ever do anythin’ so foolhardy again, my love. My heart nearly stopped when that bitch pointed the gun at ye. I couldna think of life without ye, and I feared ye’d be taken from me before I ever made ye mine. Or I told ye how verra much I love ye. Love yer soft gray eyes, and stubborn chin. Yer glorious hair and luscious curves. Yer obstinance and kindness and generosity and yer untamable spirit.”
She cupped his stubbly jaw with her hand, her eyes wide and luminous, her lips rosy from his fervent kisses. “Do ye truly love me?”
“That’s all ye heard of my fine speech?” He chuckled and gave a wry shake of his head.
A smile crept across her mouth. “Och, the rest was lovely, as were yer kisses, but ye’ve never told me ye loved me.”
She stood on her toes, pressing a reverent, sweet kiss to his mouth.
“I do, lass. I have for so verra long, and I couldna tell ye because ye loathed me.”
“I didna loathe ye. I realized some time ago, ye stirred things in me I didna understand. Didna ken what they were, and they made me uncomfortable. I think I’ve loved ye since I was a wee lass, toddlin’ around after ye.”
He cradled her, relishing her warmth and her scent. “Ye will marry me.”
It wasn’t a question.
She tilted her head, an eyebrow cocked. “I shall? A lass rather prefers to be asked than ordered to wed.”
He growled and nuzzled her neck. “Will ye? Gift me such an invaluable treasure as ye by my side all the days of my life?”
“I shall if ye will do the same for me.”
Releasing her, he frowned. “Can I impose upon ye to stay with my wards? I ken ye havna met them yet, but as my wife, ye’ll be a vital part of their lives, too. I want them to come live at Glenawayshire. To start over. They’ll need time to heal after their mother’s—gone.”
Kendra bowed her head. “She will hang, willna she?”
“I dinna see any other recourse.”
He tilted her chin upward. “Are ye sure about weddin’ me? I come with five lasses who barely ken me and will be recoverin’ from a tragedy nae bairn should ever have to endure. Things may no’ be easy in the beginnin’. Mayhap no’ for some time.”
“Broden McGregor, I’ll take ye any way I can have ye.” She gave him a little push. “Now be off. I’ll go to the girls and introduce myself and keep them entertained while ye deal with the other unpleasantness.”
A smile worked its way across his face, and he brushed a thumb over her cheek. “Thank ye.”
A sharp knock echoed at the door. “We’re ready, Broden,” Bryston called.
Kendra caught his hand. “Come see me when ye return. No matter how late. I need to ken ye are safe.”
