Page 29 of Highlander’s Beautiful Liar

Growling, Alec pushed his friend away. “Father, I trust that will suffice to satisfy ye?”

Apparently not. “Lady Isles, I really must insist that we speak in private.”

“’Tis all right, darling,” Alec said as he nodded. “We’ll be right here waiting.”

He didn’t mind giving Cora some time alone with Father Donnelly. He trusted that she’d make the right decision.

A few minutes passed, and he began to doubt his decision. What if she loved Innes? She could deny everything she’d just claimed and ruin his whole plan in one fell swoop. With a scowl, he crossed the hall and opened the door into the kitchen. Startled, Cora jumped. “Laird Sinclair. So impatient,” she said with a fake smile. “What did I tell ye, Father? We are meant to be together.”

“But Lady Isles, don’t you think he has the right to know?”

“My father is dead, Father Donnelly. If he cannot explain his actions, I certainly cannot. In this regard, I am making my own decisions. You will marry us this morning.”

The priest sighed and stood. “Very well. We’ll get started right away.” He walked back into the hall leaving Cora and Alec alone.

“Problem?” Alec asked quietly.

“It appears that Father Donnelly recognized my name. My father told him of my impending marriage to Innes Campbell, but he doesn’t know why.”

“Ye could have told him.”

“But I did not. Next time you think me devious, remember this moment.” She swept past him with her head held high, and he followed. There was a hollow feeling in his chest, and he began to wonder if he was making the right decision.

In the hall, Stephen, Jamie, Shane, and Kane waited for Alec. Cora stood in front of the priest. That irritating smile was still plastered on her face, but she twisted her fingers around themselves, giving her away.

“Laird Sinclair?” Father Donnelly asked nervously. “Are you ready?”

Alec took his place next to Cora and wed himself to the woman he knew he would never love.

It had only taken minutes for Cora Isles to become Cora Sinclair. Seated at the head of the table, next to her husband, she waited in terror as the rest of the MacKays began to trickle in to break their fast. Alec hadn’t said a word to her since the ceremony, much to the distress of Father Donnelly.

“Child,” he whispered to her urgently. “If you have any hopes to annul this marriage, you must not consummate it! I will not be able to help you after that.”

“Father Donnelly,” Alec interrupted coldly, “ye have traveled far to join us this morning. We have a chamber prepared for ye, and no one will think twice if ye choose to rest for the day.”

“But—”

“Shane, could ye please escort Father Donnelly to his room? I’m sure he is verra tired, and I would not want to bother him any further.” His command was clear, and Cora felt sorry for the priest. He was obviously a good man who would strive to see that she hadn’t just made a mistake.

“You didn’t need to banish him,” Cora admonished in a quiet voice. “He’s only concerned for me.”

“Have ye given him reason to be concerned, Lady Sinclair?”

His silky voice sent a shiver down her spine, and she turned her head. Is this how things would be? He ran hot and cold. She feared she would never know which face her husband would put on for the day. How could she live like this?

“I did as you wanted. Is there any hope that you’ll leave me alone?” she whispered desperately.

Instead of responding, he took her hand and brushed his finger over her knuckles. Surprised at the loving caress, she looked up and saw the soft look on his face. Breathing softly, she reached up to touch his cheek, but his eyes immediately turned to the front of the room. Cora followed his gaze and felt her heart drop.

King Edward had entered.

Alec stood, and when she didn’t immediately follow suit, the gentle caress turned into a squeeze. Quickly, she stood and curtsied as King Edward approached them. Edward took in her fancy gown and raised an eyebrow. “A bit early for a ball, isn’t it my dear?”

“Yes, my Lord. But I am not prepared to attend a ball. Today is my wedding day.”

“Sinclair?” Edward said questioningly. “Ye have married yer thief?”

Alec cleared his throat. “Actually, to that, I have an announcement to make. If ye do not mind?”