Page 21 of Highlander’s Hope

Her eyes widened in surprise. “Here? Nae! ’Tis my home. ’Tis my clan. They’ll all die before they let harm come to me or another woman here. As I will for them.”

He liked that, the Highland code of honor. He’d been ready to die for the men in his unit, was still ready to die for Andy. So maybe he and Marjorie weren’t that different.

“Okay, okay. But if you suspect anything or anyone, you tell me, okay?”

“I dinna need any protection from ye,” she said, although there wasn’t any of the previous spirit in her tone. “My brothers and father have trained me to be a warrior. I’m capable of defending myself. In fact, I am the one who supervises the training of the men while my father and brothers are not here.”

Konnor blinked. A warrior? She did look athletic and wore her sword confidently, as though it had always belonged to her.

Wow.

He couldn’t help being more attracted to her with each passing moment, despite her threats. He ran his hand through his hair. “Great. I’m sure you’re more than capable of defending yourself. You look like you know what you’re doing.”

“Aye.”

Konnor used the crutch to pull himself to a standing position. “I’m going to look around,” he said.

Marjorie threw him a hard look and shook her head. “I still dinna ken if I believe ye or nae. If ye’re with the MacDougalls and are here to spy for them—”

“I’m not with the MacDougalls. I’m not with anyone. Just my buddy Andy.”

She sighed. “I may regret this, but ye have my permission to leave yer room. Every man in the castle has been warned about ye. One wrong move, and they are allowed to render ye harmless by whatever means necessary.” She looked at his ankle. “Ye canna get far on one leg anyway.”

If they’d met in another time and place, he would’ve asked her out on a date. Banter with her and enjoy a little playful flirtation. And if the chemistry between them was there, which he was sure it was, he might even get to take her on a very long and delicious climb towards a mind-blowing orgasm. He’d like to show her that not all men caused women pain. That if she would let him, he would only ever bring her pleasure.

The thought surprised him. He didn’t date. He didn’t want a woman in his life.

Maybe just for one night.

But he couldn’t sleep with and then abandon someone like Marjorie. It was best he didn’t think about her that away.

“Deal,” he said and cleared his throat, trying to chase the images of her naked body out of his head.

“Ah, yer strange words again.” She turned and went to the door, leaving the scent of wild flowers and leather in the air. “I must continue training the warriors. Forgive me if I dinna give ye a tour.”

She left, and Konnor stood there for a moment, inhaling her scent again. Why was he so attracted to her? She was exquisite, strong and fragile at the same time, but she’d made it clear she wasn’t interested.

He shook his head. Best just stop thinking of her.

Using the crutch, he slowly made his way towards the door. The crutch was a little short for him, but it was better than nothing. It would just take some getting used to. The way down the round stairs was challenging, that was for sure. The crutch slipped several times on the smooth stone, but by some miracle, and after several close calls, he made his way down. He stepped out of the tower and into the dirt-packed courtyard.

The chaotic sound of metal against metal rang out through the yard. Thirty or so people fought with swords against each other in pairs. They were all dressed like Medieval warriors with long, belted tunics or quilted coats, breeches or trousers, pointy leather shoes. All were men, save one.

Marjorie.

Konnor’s breath caught in his throat at the sight of her. She was graceful and strong. She cut and stabbed with precision and elegance. When her partner thrust his sword at her, his giant muscles bulging, she twisted out of his reach like a spinning top and slashed her sword at him, stopping right before it reached the man’s side.

She stole Konnor’s ability to breathe. Not only was she gorgeous, but she was strong, and kind, and brave. She was like Joan of Arc on the front lines, fighting for others. He’d never seen anyone quite like her. Something boiled inside Konnor’s chest, trembling and vibrating.

And that was bad.

He should get out of here, get far away from her as soon as he could. He didn’t need more mess in his life than he had already. There was no woman in his future because he would never be a good husband or father after what he’d seen growing up. All he could offer a woman was a good fuck and a brooding face. He was done hurting women emotionally.

Chapter 8

In a downward stroke, Marjorie pummeled Muir’s raised sword like a blacksmith. Her shoulders and arms were on fire from the exercise. Sweat covered her whole body. And through it all, she felt Konnor’s gaze on her skin like the caress of a cool breeze.

“You’re so beautiful.” His words rang in her head again and again. She was flattered. No one had told her anything like that since she’d come back from Dunollie. She didn’t think he’d meant to offend her. But even the reminder that she was a woman and he was a man who might want her triggered memories of that week with Alasdair.