Page 102 of My Brave Highlander

"Keep lying, little one," Maighread called back, then followed her sons as they exited the chief's bedchamber, carrying a trunkful of Aiden's clothing down the corridor to a smaller room.

Dirk studied Isobel, trying to discern the truth, but at the same time wanting to choke his stepmother for making Isobel cry. Even if they were angry tears.

Though he knew Maighread was a liar, he hated her all the more because she'd planted a seed of doubt in his mind. Did Isobel find him disgusting and brutish? Considering what happened last night, it was possible. He couldn't remember if he'd been too rough with her. He hoped not. The last thing he'd want to do was hurt her.

"That woman is truly mad," Isobel whispered, wiping the tears from her eyes. "I said none of those things."

He wanted to believe her. But a doubt lingered in his mind. Was she using him simply to escape the MacLeods? Or was her attraction to him genuine? Had she drugged him last night so he'd give in to his desires for her… so he'd be forced to marry her? Women were fond of manipulation to get what they wanted. What if he became like his father, allowing attraction and lust to blind him to a woman's cunning ways? He shook his head and forced himself not to look at Isobel, for he couldn't think logically when he did.

"Surely you don't believe her." Isobel grasped his hand and peered up into his face. He avoided her eyes. "You were the one who told me she lies and she is untrustworthy."

"Aye," he admitted.

"Haldane probably told her he walked in when I was warming you last night. Besides, she's obviously realized I'm fond of you."

Fond of him? He detested the way his heart sped up with hope. He even longed for something beyond fondness.

"Dirk?" Isobel touched his face, her cool hand against his skin, stroking the scratchy roughness of his beard stubble, her midnight eyes gazing into his with a plaintive expression, silently begging him to believe her.

Everything deep inside compelled him to trust her, but the rational part of his mind fought against it. All he could think of was how easily Maighread had fooled his father, perhaps much like this. But he didn't know.

He took Isobel's hand into his own. He wanted to kiss it, but refrained. He stroked her palm, then released her. He didn't know….

He didn't understand the many nuances of emotion he saw in her eyes, nor the intensity she made him feel. Could he trust her, or himself?

After having just been named chief of the clan that morn, he didn't ken who he was anymore. His own view of himself had shifted drastically. Somehow he felt validated, more worthy than he had in years. At the same time, he wondered if it was too good to be true. Would it last? Could he successfully lead the clan?

Aye, he could. He had to. It was his legacy and what his father expected of him.

"Chief," someone said behind him. It took Dirk a moment to realize they were talking to him.

Abruptly, he turned. One of the clansmen stood there, staring at him. "Aye?" Dirk asked.

"The clan elders would like to meet with you now."

What could they possibly want this soon? It must be of vital importance. "I'll be right there."

Once the man had disappeared down the spiral stair, Dirk turned back to Isobel. "Just stay away from her. And watch your back. None of us ken who we can trust yet."

She nodded, sadness lingering in her eyes. He wished he could say more, comfort her, but he needed to think about everything that was happening so fast and figure out how he felt about it.

He descended the stairs to find the clansman waiting at the bottom. "They await you in the library, m'laird."

Laird. That title made his pulse shoot skyward. Several of his friends were lairds, but he was unsure if he could get accustomed to the title.

He entered the library to find Uncle Conall and five clan elders awaiting him.

"Have a seat, lad," Conall said, waving to the head of the table.

"What is this about?" Dirk took the seat indicated.

"Well… now that you're chief, 'tis time for you to be thinking of marriage," Conall said.

A laugh burst from Dirk's mouth before he could prevent it. A brief, disbelieving laugh. "I've been chief for a few hours, and already you want me to marry?"

"Nay. I don't," Conall said, glancing nervously at the elders. "But there is the matter of an agreement the clan elders, your father and Lady MacKay made with Clan Murray while you were away. Almost five years ago, in fact. I couldn't prevent it without revealing to everyone that you still lived."

"What agreement?" Dirk asked with dread.