Highland Hellion (Highland Weddings #3)(53)

Marcus slowly nodded. “In that case, ye’d best get on with being grateful that I managed to catch up with ye, because ye will need all the friends ye can muster. Even so, ye stand a fine chance of losing yer head.”

*

Katherine felt the world spinning.

It was fortunate she was leaning against a wall, because her knees felt weak.

Morton will no’ hesitate to chop yer head off…

Rolfe was noble to his core, something she admired about him. There was no doubt in her mind that he would face Morton, because his father had ordered him to.

But Marcus never spoke in jest when it came to matters of life and death.

And then there were her own dealings with Morton.

Oh yes, she recalled the way the man had looked at her.

Rolfe was a Highlander. A man who lived his life by the code of facing his enemies. She didn’t think him simple enough to discount the fact that some men didn’t hold themselves to a code of honor, but he would still maintain his own, even at the risk of placing himself in Morton’s power.

And for what?

Marcus was correct about Morton being very good at finding people’s weaknesses. Duncan might try to protect her, even send her north again with Marcus, but that help would not come for free. No, she’d always know that her freedom cost something. Maybe they would keep the details from her, but she knew Morton would not be bested without extracting his vengeance.

It made her sick to think of the MacPhersons suffering for her. They had given her so much.

Damn her need to defy the world! If she had not been so childish and had minded Marcus, none of this ever would have happened.

You never would have met Rolfe…

Tears stung her eyes as she contemplated that. It tormented her, deep in her heart. Her feelings stirred, roiling as if they were about to boil over.

She would not let Rolfe lose his head.

No, the solution was simple, and Marcus had made certain she had the skills to see her decision made into reality. She pressed closer to the door, listening as the men planned.

Because she would be riding out with them.

*

“Ye do nae have to remain wed.”

Marcus spoke to her from beneath lowered brows. He was displeased with her as much as with the situation he was attempting to remedy.

“I apologize for riding out,” she began. “It was childish of me not to think about who would come after me.”

Marcus contemplated her for a long moment before he drew in a deep breath and let it out. “Rolfe has had a good effect on ye.”

Katherine shrugged, feeling suddenly shy as heat teased her cheeks. She shifted, causing Marcus to narrow his eyes at her. His expression darkened slightly as he tightened his hold on his sleeves.

“Damn him.” Marcus spoke at last in a tight voice. “Part of me wants to thrash him for putting that look on yer face.”

“You must not.” Once again her English accent was more pronounced as she became agitated.

“And the other part of me wants to shake his hand.”

Katherine smiled, feeling as if everything was suddenly right with the world. There was a storm on the horizon, but for that moment, seeing Marcus nodding with approval, everything that mattered was in its place.

She ran toward him, jumping up to wrap her arms around his neck. He caught her and hugged her tight before setting her back on her feet.

“I mean it, though.” His eyes were glittering with happiness now. “Just say the word, and I’ll have ye on yer way back to MacPherson land. Being foolish does nae mean ye should have to live with a marriage ye do nae care for.”

“More than one foolish action has resulted in dire consequences.”

Marcus’s lips curled a tiny amount. “Let others call ye hellion as an insult. For meself, I enjoy the frank way ye speak.”

He beamed at her for a long moment before his expression went serious. “Ye’ll tell me, Kat, if ye change yer heart? For all that I did nae want ye for me own wife, I would no’ see ye unhappy.”

“I was a child when Morton tried to force that match,” she said, defending Marcus. “He’s a monster, Morton is. You must convince Rolfe not to go to court.”

Marcus stiffened.

“He’s given his word to his father and laird,” Marcus responded. “I agree with ye. Morton is blackhearted, but honor is no’ something a man chooses when to uphold. I’d take ye home to MacPherson land, sheet or no soiled sheet, if Rolfe struck me as the sort of man who did nae keep his word.”

He nodded, making it clear he considered the matter closed.

She knew he would not change his mind.

Why was it that all of the traits she loved about Scottish men were also the ones that threatened to take them away from her?

Fate was still intent on toying with her.

Marcus reached out and patted her on the shoulder. “I see ye care for him, lass. Go now, for he’s leaving at first light.”

It was a test of whether or not she’d left childhood behind. Women straightened their backs and bid their men farewell with dry eyes and confidence in their safe return, when they knew very well the risks.

Katherine sent Marcus a steady look before she lowered herself formally. It earned her a glint of approval in his eyes before he nodded.

“I’m off to find some sleep.”

She watched him go and felt an urgency to seek out Rolfe.