Chapter One

1753

 

“I’m here to see Miss Maisie,” Hawk said as he rocked on the heels of his well-shined boots.

He held his hat in his hands, twisting the brim, his nerves rattling around inside his body. If she refused to see him, he wasn’t at all certain what he intended. Perhaps an abduction would be in order. He wasn’t about to waste more time with silly rules of etiquette. She was his. He was hers. This moment had been three years in the making. The woman was his for now and into eternity. Maisie wasn’t going to get away from him. Three years ago, he made a ferocious mistake. One he had to fix before making things right was too late.

Three years he spent running from his feelings for Maisie. Terrified. Annoyed. Frustrated. Confused. Sometimes furious. She refused his sincere offer. When Maisie rejected his request for her to come to Selkirk, Hawk’s heart broke, splintering into thousands of tiny, jagged pieces. Repairing his heart turned out to be impossible. The woman was his mate. The devil, what was he supposed to do? Maisie didn’t want him then. Why would she change her mind now? When he first met her, she acted so sweet, sincere in her feelings, wide-eyed with her innocence. At least he thought she was earnest as well as guiltless. Turns out everything she did was a lie. Lies didn’t matter to him. She was his mate. He would have to figure out a means to keep her from lying to him.

“I’ll tell her you’re here. Would you like to wait in the foyer?”

The man’s snowy white eyebrows arched in speculation. He was tall, thin, his speech perfect Scottish brogue. The servant must be new to Highland Manor. Riley was fixing the home up. It appeared nothing as Hawk remembered. The road to the house was no longer rutted. The shutters were fixed to the windows. He didn’t see any more peeling paint on the outside walls nor in the interior.

A maid bustled around the drawing room, dusting the tables and plumping the pillows. He knew from everything Houston, Riley’s older brother told him, that Riley and Shawna meant to restore the place to its earlier grander. Riley had the money to do so. Now that he found his mate along with the home of his dreams, Riley would prosper. Hawk was happy for his good friend.

“Hawk, welcome.”

Shawna’s smile could light up a room. She walked to him. Her arms outstretched for a hug. They kissed each other on the cheek. The welcome was warm. Hawk prayed they would both be on his side when it came to his courting of Maisie. While Hawk had not seen Maisie for three years, Shawna and Riley were frequent visitors to McKenna land. They came often to see Riley’s brother, Houston, especially now that she was pregnant with their second child. Mac was adorable. The wee lad looked just like his papa.

Ah, he sighed softly, inwardly. Shawna’s smile was not the one he coveted. After a quick hug and another gentlemanly kiss to her forehead, he said, “It’s nice to see you, Shawna. You’re looking well. The pregnancy? It’s treating you right. I hope.”

Distracted by his thoughts for the woman he was here to visit, he turned to look up the stairs leading to the upper floors. A huge breath of air left his lungs in a heartfelt whisper of air. “She doesn’t want to see me, does she?”

He didn’t understand. All he wanted was to comprehend the stiff rebuff, along with the nerve-straining silence following his letter in response to her questions. Needed to see if there was some way they could try again.

“I didn’t say that, now did I? The pregnancy is fine as Houston assured me just a week ago. Come along. I’ll pour you a brandy. Told cook to bring something to eat.” Shawna whirled, her skirts lifting slightly off the floor. Looking over her shoulder, “Riley is visiting with some of the crofters. He won’t be back until dinner. I’m assuming since you rode this far, you plan to stay the night.”

Clearing his throat, his gaze continuing to search the upper floor, “If it’s not too inconvenient I’d like to stay until I…well…I need to convince Maisie she would not be amiss to let me court her. I hope and I pray that she will talk to me.”

“For one of Riley’s friends?” she said as the amber liquid spilled into a glass. “Never an inconvenience. Maisie, she has turned inward since you two were unable to come to some type of agreement. I shouldn’t say anything more. You will have to determine for yourself how to proceed with her.”

“Will Maisie see me?”

He had to discover if he had a chance. If she wouldn’t talk to him, he would kidnap her. Take her to the McKenna cabin. Keep her there until he convinced her to marry him. He would do whatever was necessary to fix this conundrum the two of them wallowed in.

“When she gets her fury with you under control, I believe she might speak with you. Be patient.” Shawna sat, smoothed her skirts. “She is curious, you know. She didn’t understand anything that happened that summer. After that, until I met Riley, our lives were in turmoil. Mac was born. I was married to the wrong Riley Stuart. It took all our energy to survive, to put food on the table. We had nothing except each other and Mac of course once he was born.”

“Fury? What does she have to be angry about?” Hawk was confused. He was the one wronged. She didn’t even reply to the second letter he sent. His friends convinced him that he was too terse in the first letter, didn’t explain himself. When he wrote the second letter imploring her to come to Selkirk, he made certain to tell her he wanted to marry her. She never answered. He waited. After that he waited some more. When two months passed, he sold his practice then left for the colonies hoping to start a new life. Without Maisie he found emptiness, nothing more.

“Oh?” Shawna watched the brandy she poured herself swirl in the glass she held. After she looked up, a sparkle in her eyes, she told him, “Believe that conversation should be between the two people involved. I only have secondhand knowledge. First, she was broken. Next, the hurt turned to despair then anger. Maisie doesn’t get angry often. She doesn’t have much of a temper. She is always cool and serene. Your expectations toward her changed that.”

Ah, but Hawk was certain his knowledge of the event was true. If what he heard from Maisie during their way to their short courtship, the two young women shared everything. “Can’t have that conversation if she won’t talk to me.”

With his harsh words she flinched.  Next, she lifted slim shoulders as if she didn’t know what to say to him. “You do understand her personality. At times my sister can be painfully shy, one might also call her timid. For you, she opened up. Too bad the new Maisie only lasted a short time. Now, if anything, she’s more withdrawn into herself than she was before. She is open with Mac. She laughs at his antics. Mac is the only male who has won her heart. Other than that…I can’t say.”

Shawna would defend Maisie. He needed to proceed with caution. If he aggravated Shawna, he would get nowhere with the woman he wanted to woo. “I’m impatient. Admit to that fact. I would get this settled then move on. More than three long years have passed without her by my side.” He wished the woman was in his arms now. He was a fool to wallow in his own self-pity for so long.

“Get it settled?” One of her eyebrows slanted upward. “Get it settled? You act as if she is something to be purchased.” She snapped her fingers, her gaze boring into him. “Believe this settling business of yours will take more than a second. You need to assure her you’re not the cad she thinks you are.”

Admitting to himself he didn’t understand how to court a young woman, Hawk was willing to take advice. He fumbled the first time. He should never have kissed her. Hawk understood that now. Rushing her would never do. She was so damn beautiful; he hadn’t been able to keep either his hands or his lips to himself. This time he would have to do better. He didn’t even want to think of putting the ‘if’ in his thoughts. She would come around. They were meant for each other.

He rubbed his sweating hand along his thighs. Berating himself, he sent an apology Shawna’s way. “Sorry, didn’t mean that the way it sounded. I’m not real good with words.” Riley as well as Houston berated him for the proposal he sent after he left for Selkirk three years ago. If it would do his cause any good, he would apologize as many times as it might take to reassure her he didn’t mean the proposal the way it sounded.

“No, don’t suppose you did. What are your intentions?” Shawna blurted the question then looked surprised. “We thought…well…no, imagine Maisie should ask these questions. I won’t like it if you hurt her again.”

“As you just stated, I’d rather speak with Maisie about intentions. Don’t want her hurt either. Think I can make this right if she will only speak with me.” If she would accept his proposal, he’d marry her tomorrow. He was more than ready for a family. Wanted children. His practice with Houston thrived.

Shawna rose, “Thank you, Lilith. You can set the tray on the table. We will serve ourselves. Would you tell Maisie she can come down anytime.” She turned her attention to Hawk, “If you’re hungry, you can help yourself. I’m certain the ride was long from McKenna land. It must have taken you two days.”

“Yes, I stayed at the Stuart townhouse in the city then came out here first thing this morning. I’m eager to get reacquainted with your sister.” He felt as if he was repeating himself. His nerves threatened to unravel while he impatiently waited. He shoved his hands in the pockets of his frock coat.

“You should understand, she is not eager to speak with you. It is only Riley’s approval of you that has her wavering. You did hurt her.” It seemed she needed to keep reminding him of his past horrendous deeds. He still didn’t know how he hurt her. A proposal of marriage should never have her furious with him or hurt anyone’s tender sense abilities. He wanted to yell that fact.

That was what Riley told him. He didn’t want to cause her pain. All he wanted was to love the woman. “Is that why she has not come down?”

Shawna nodded. “Courage…” Shawna paused as she sucked in a raspy breath of air. “She’s afraid.”

The devil, he didn’t want her to be afraid of him, afraid to even talk to him. What could he do to change that if she wouldn’t show herself? How could he convince her he wanted only the best for both of them.

Hawk followed Shawna’s gaze. Maisie stood at the top of the stairs. His heart did a little flip, slid to a stop for seconds on end. She was just as beautiful as he remembered. No, she was more so. While the years aged her very little, they did give her a more mature look. She would be twenty-one now. This was three years waisted. If he’d worded that damn letter right, they would be wed now. Might even have a child. His heart sank.

It didn’t happen. He couldn’t let the past get the better of him. With slowness that didn’t speak of his needs, he stood. He wanted to walk to the steps, to escort her into the drawing room. As if floating on air, she walked down the stairs. Dressed in a light blue muslin gown, her skirt flowed around her legs. The fabric molded lovingly against her breasts that were high and rounded sweetly. Once, he knew they would fit in his large hands with perfection. Now, he didn’t dare rush her. Her hair was piled in intricate curls on top of her head.

“Maisie.”

He nodded to her. Swallowing hard, he held his breath while she walked into the room. “You’re more beautiful than I recall.”

She was breathtaking, heart stealing. From the moment their gazes met, she enchanted him. The moment seemed magical.

“Hawk,” she acknowledged with a curt nod to her head.

All magic vanished.

Her voice held a decided chill. Yes, he would have his work cut out for him. He didn’t believe he could erase that wariness he saw in her eyes with a single apology. Shawna poured her sister a cup of tea.

“I’ll leave the two of you to talk,” Shawna spoke amidst the strained silence.

“No!” Maisie clutched her teacup as if it was a lifeline, staring at her sister as if she’d gone mad.

Hawk’s work would be cut out for him. She would not be easy to reassure.

“If you need anything, I’ll be in the library. The two of you need time together.”

Without a backward look, Shawna left.

The room was so very quiet, so still. Sunlight flitted in from the window behind Maisie. Her hair caught the golden beams shimmering in splendor that left his hands itching. He wanted to run his fingers through the long, silken strands. Maisie’s fingers wound in then out of her skirt, crumpling the fabric. Hawk’s mouth was parched. The brandy he sipped didn’t ease the dryness.

“Maisie…”

She looked at him, her eyes wide with apprehension. Fear. She spoke so very softly. “I don’t want you to hurt me again, Hawk. Last time the pain was nearly unbearable.”

Well, he didn’t want that either. “I promise you I’ve no intention of causing you any type of pain.”

Just as three years ago, he wanted to marry her. He needed to learn how he hurt her. What he did to set her against him. “The problem is, I don’t understand how I hurt you. I’ve no idea what I did wrong.”

Putting the cup of tea on a small corner table, she walked to the window. It didn’t seem she had anything to say to him. Strained seconds passed while she stared down the long drive to Highland Manor. Her back was stiff, her waist small, her hips curved sweetly. Hawk wanted more than anything to pull her into his arms then promise her anything she wished for. He needed patience.

After some seconds ticked by, she turned to face him. He saw the mad pounding of her pulse at the base of her neck. He cursed himself knowing he was the cause, understanding the wild beating was triggered by fear, fear of him, not passion. That was perhaps why he stayed away for so long.

With an air of finality, she spoke again. “You only wanted me for your mistress. Unless your feelings have changed, you need to walk out that door and never come back. I won’t be any man’s play thing.” When she pointed toward the door, her finger was shaking. “Never will be any man’s mistress.”

Her words stunned him. He couldn’t help the look of shock that must have crossed his face. “What the hell ever gave you that idea!” Now, he was vibrating, his anger increasing with each beat of his heart.

Her back hit the window pane, her eyes huge wide saucers of confusion. “Y-you d-did.” She was shaking her head at him. “You…” She ran her sweet pink tongue between her lips. “You wanted me to live in sin with you. I couldn’t do that. Even for you.” Her voice quivered as hard as her small body.

After he started forward, her hands came up as if to stop his advance. “I never asked you to be my mistress.” He was angry, couldn’t keep the harshness from his voice. “Never!”

His teeth gnashed together. His jaw twitched. He would have to get control of his emotions. Yelling at her would never help his cause.

“You did,” she said her voice so restrained he could barely hear. “Do you want something different this time? I think you should go home. I don’t want to see you again. Your presence here is a travesty.”

“Like hell I will!”

He didn’t move closer. He was moving his head, a wealth of conflicting emotions rolling inside. To Hawk it was apparent she didn’t intend to explain herself. He sucked in a deep draught of air, while his fists clenched then unclenched. “I’ve been invited to stay. I’m going to do that. Come here and sit down. We need to talk about what happened three years ago. We don’t seem to have the same understanding of the events.”

“No, if all you plan on doing is yell at me, we’ve nothing to talk about.”

She looked as if she was about to run.

He stepped to the door. She would have to leave by another means. “Sit down, Maisie. You need to start from the beginning. Tell me what happened or what you think I did. I thought, hoped, you would fall in love with me.”

Her posturing surprised him. She made a tiny face at him, one that spoke of rage. “No! Go away!”

“Why the devil are you picking this moment to show backbone?”

By the thinning of her lips, he understood he was digging his grave even deeper. He didn’t care if she showed strength of character.

“Insults? Is that all you know?” Her words were clipped. “I thought you might want something different. Now I know this is the travesty I thought it was three years ago. You haven’t changed.”

Drawing in a deep, long breath of air, willing himself to calm, “I never asked you to become my mistress. Tell me why you believe that so we can move on. What gave you that idea?”

The moisture forming in those silvery-mauve eyes had him feeling the size of a pinhead. With a heavy sigh, Maisie began, “The letter you sent me asking me to come to Selkirk.” While she said the condemning words, her chin tilted into the air. “I think it’s time you let me go back to my room. Since you will not, I don’t ken what more we need to speak about.”

“Never!”

He gritted his teeth, searching his mind for more information. The realization he had his work cut out for him didn’t go over his head. His nails scraped the palms of his hands. The explosion in his head wouldn’t leave him. After great effort coupled with long deep breaths of air, he said, “Could we possibly start over?”

“I don’t see why.”

She chose this time to become obstinate. Where did the shy, willing woman of three years ago go? Well, he didn’t care if she spouted horns. He would deal as best he could with all the pitfalls, she sent his way.

“Because we are meant to be together.”

She was his mate. He could marry no other woman. If he didn’t claim her in this lifetime, they would never be together again.

She seemed to be more interested in staring at the blue and gold carpet than speaking with him. He thought he should begin where everything went haywire three years ago.

Placing his hands behind his back then bracing his feet apart, he cleared his throat. If they were going to get anywhere, perhaps he should continue to speak. Should tell the story the way he perceived it to be. “I asked you to come to Selkirk. A week or so later, I received a missive asking some pertinent questions. I answered them. Sent the reply to you. After that letter was sent, all I received in response was silence.”

He watched her tilt her head as he must have caught her interest. “I didn’t receive any answers to my questions.”

That reply stopped him cold. Riley told him what he sent made it sound he wanted her to live with him, not that we wished to court her with the hopes of marriage. Momentarily, he’d forgotten about that. If Maisie didn’t receive the answers to her questions, of course she would think all he wanted was sex from her. Once more the thought he rushed her with his questions detonated in his head.

“I see…”

He was beginning to see quite clearly. He didn’t think a denial would help his cause. He would have to show her how he felt. Win back her trust. She would have to give in a tiny bit, allow him to court her. Persuading her to try seemed a monumental feat.

“What exactly do you believe you see?”

Her lips thinned again. The brows, he wished he could run his finger gently across knit together.

He wished he dared kiss those lips, tug on the bottom one so it wouldn’t be so tightly pressed against the top. He wished he could once more taste her sweetness. He sent those thoughts to the back of his head. “You don’t believe me, do you, Maisie?”

“I cannot find the trust I once had for your person. You broke that faith. So, I suppose I would have to agree. I don’t believe anything you say.”

“You trusted me once. You will trust me again. If you remind me of the questions you asked, I’ll answer them.”

He expected the answer before she said the words.

“You would lie to me for your personal gain. How do I know you just don’t want me in your bed?”

“Lies…no…I’ll never lie to you, Maisie. I will be honest.” Hawk paused as he thought, taking the time to consider his next words. “I do want you in my bed for the rest of my life. I don’t want anyone but you.”

He certainly didn’t know how to rectify this situation. She was stubborn. He’d give her that. Today, he was seeing new sides to her. He liked every component. Except perhaps her stubbornness, her unwillingness to trust him.

When she jerked in a long breath of air, he watched her bottom lip quiver. She tilted her chin up a notch. “I wouldn’t ken what to believe, Hawk Frasier. Why did you come back? Riley said you were in North Carolina, or was it Virginia?”

She was feeling something for him, weakening a wee smidgeon. He would take that question as a good sign even though by her tone she sounded as if she wished he would have stayed there. He knelt beside her, taking her cold hand in his. “Both. I came back for you. That’s the god’s honest truth.”

Maisie was tugging on her hands. He didn’t want to let them go. Reluctantly, he gave in to her wishes.

“To make me your mistress.” The icy chill returned. “I wouldnae do that.”

Unable to help himself he cursed, hoping she wouldn’t hear the damning words. “I haven’t had a mistress in three years. You are not mistress material, Maisie. Since I met you, I’ve had sex with no woman.”

His grave grew deeper as he watched her tuck her bottom lip beneath her teeth. “You should go, Hawk. Ride back to town, to your home. I wouldn’t be your mistress if you asked, then or now.”

“Not going anywhere without you.”

Hawk wasn’t surprised at the conviction in his voice. He would take her with him kicking and screaming if that was the only way. He would keep her close until she listened and understood.

“Hawk! Good to see you.” Riley strode into the room, his smile broad. “I see the two of you are speaking to each other.”

Riley was looking from Maisie to him. He stopped, seeming to understand the situation was not exactly conducive to good feelings.

“Papa!” Mac ran past Hawk then straight into his father’s arm. “You’re home.”

A green wave of jealousy swamped Hawk when he watched one of his best friends twirl his little boy after tossing him into the air. He wished for a son or a daughter, a child of Maisie’s. He sipped in air.

“Look who is here.”

Riley pointed to him. He set the boy down.

“Hawk!”

The boy lifted his arms for more play time with his honorary uncle. Hawk did the same as Riley. When he was done, he kept the boy in his arms.

“I missed you,” Mac told him, the boy’s hands on his cheeks.

“Yes, dear laddie, I’ve missed you too. What, has it been a week since you visited Carnoch with your mama and papa?”

His gaze swiveled to Maisie who, for the first time since she entered the room smiled.

“Are you staying?” Riley asked.

Hawk set the boy back in his father’s arms. “For a week. Your Uncle Houston did give me permission to stay as long as needed. Nonetheless, I’ve a contract to fulfill. I can’t leave Houston with too much work.”

“Why did you come visiting?” Mac asked, all smiles coupled with a youngun’s curiosity.

Riley ruffled the boys deep red hair. “That’s none of your business, Mac.”

Well, by the end of the week, all would know. He came looking for a wife, a very reluctant wife. His thoughts shuffled around in his head searching for the right words, words she would believe. If he couldn’t think of the right phrases, the words would have to wait. It seemed the Stuarts were descending on his and Maisie’s private time. So far, all he managed was to put his foot in his mouth time and again. He didn’t think his lot would improve until she opened her mind to him.

“Another brandy?” Riley asked while Maisie took that time to flee. “I interrupted something important.”

That was blatantly obvious by the expression painting her lovely face. While he watched her back, he murmured, “Might as well. Another brandy would be nice.”

This was not how he hoped his evening would end with her. Perhaps she’d join them for dinner. He could always hope. Though he didn’t expect her to suddenly gain the needed courage. Hawk knew he needed alone time with her. There was only one way to get it if she wasn’t willing to see him here.

“She is very angry.” Riley handed him the refilled glass as he too seemed to stare at the chair Maisie once occupied. “You’ve got a great deal of explaining to do. Not to me. To Maisie.” He shrugged his shoulders while he stared over the rim of his glass. “Whether she’ll listen to you is another question. Seems she’s had her mind made up for the past three years. Your absence wasn’t well done.”

“I gathered that. I’m a damn nitwit.”

Hell, a week? He’d need a month to thaw the ice in Maisie’s veins. She wasn’t about to give way to the tenderness she once showed him. Drastic measures would have to be employed.

“You should not have waited three years to return.” The advice was sage. “Should have returned here as soon as you sensed trouble.”

Sensed trouble. That was a novel idea. His sixth sense cut in after the second week he didn’t hear from her. “A coward, that’s what I was, a damn coward. Everything you’re telling me is right on the mark.”

“Why didn’t you ever write back to her, answer her questions? Shawna told me over then over again that she never heard a word from you. There were days she sat in her room, sobbing. One day she came out, her back set and told Shawna she wasn’t going to ever think of you again. Now, you’ve turned up rather unexpected. The poor frazzled girl doesn’t ken what to do or think. This situation is new to her.”

Riley set his foot on the hearth, his brandy glass in his hand while he looked to be patiently waiting for an answer.

The queries were always the same, directed to the fact he made no attempt to explain the first letter he sent. “I answered every question. Told her I wanted to marry her. Laid my heart on my sleeve. When I didn’t hear back from her, thought she just swore me off. I was in such a turmoil; I didn’t know what to do with myself. Remembered Kit and Roby went to America to search for their mates. Thought possibly I’d been wrong about Maisie.”

“Were you?”

“No. She is my mate, my very reluctant mate.” He looked up the steps wishing he dared go to her.

“Wouldn’t do what you’re thinking,” Riley said, his voice bland.

“Mind reader, are you?”

“In this case, yes. Can read you like a book.”

Once again, Hawk looked up the stairway as if she might reappear. Not even a shadow. He turned back to Riley. “Do you think she will join us for dinner?”

He wanted to feast his eyes upon her. Needed to take every possible opportunity to show her he wasn’t the cad she thought him to be. Dinner might be a good start. A walk in the gardens afterward would be even better.

In answer, he saw Riley shaking his head. “Probably not, she requested her dinner to be sent to her room earlier today. Shawna told me. That was when she learned you would arrive before dinner with the intention of staying for the meal.”

“She despises me that much?”

His heart lurched. He wanted to throw the glass against the stone fireplace. Needed to hit something. There wasn’t a damn thing he could do at this moment to change her mind.

“This will take time.”

“I understand. Still…”

“No, she doesn’t despise you. Believe she loves you with all her heart. Maisie has no experience with men. You were her first. For the longest time she couldn’t talk of anything but you. At least that’s what Shawna told me. By your absence you hurt her deeply. By the way you invited her to come to Selkirk, she thought you believed she was like her mother.”

“I’m trying to rectify that now. What is this about her mother?” He tossed back the brandy wondering exactly what Riley meant by his words.

“That is for Maisie to tell if she’s ever speaking to you. Shawna will try to convince her to come down for dinner, though I’m not certain she will come. Shawna thinks you have her sister’s best interest in mind. My wife is wary of your intentions. She was also shocked by your silence. When you first met Maisie, Shawna encouraged her to see you.”

“I’m a twit.”

Riley tossed his head back then hooted with laughter. “At least you don’t have a loss of memory. For the longest time I blocked out the night at the Campbell’s. While I never saw her face, I forgot about the lady I met there. Thought she was a virgin whore. Mac was conceived that night.” Riley seemed to go back in time, his eyes taking on a faraway look. “Because I couldn’t find the lady, I lost the first two years of my son’s life.”

Lilith retrieved Mac. They disappeared up the stairs.

“You know, the moment I saw you with your son I was jealous. I ken if she received that letter from me three years ago, we would most likely have a son now. We’d be happily married. I wouldn’t be clawing at my mind for ideas to make her trust me again. She let me kiss her that first day I was with her. Not just a peck on the cheek but a real kiss.”

One of Riley’s dark red eyebrows shot toward the ceiling.

Hawk understood he shouldn’t say anything more. This kissing business was between Maisie and himself.

“Most likely,” Riley agreed with a smirk. “You will have to contrive to fix this mess you got yourself into. The sooner the better by my way of thinking. Take her somewhere private. A place where family won’t interrupt. Where you can have the needed time to talk about what is bothering her.”

With very little effort, Hawk recalled the sweetness of her lips, the soft way she responded to him. He taught her how to kiss with her mouth open. Taught her how to give back. He thought of other parts of her that she might open for him to explore. He groaned low in the back of his throat. When he heard his friends soft chuckle, Hawk understood that Riley once more knew what he was craving.

“I’ve considered your suggestion. Thought to take her to the McKenna cabin. Before I left Carnoch, I got permission from the head of the family. I do need time with her she doesn’t want to give me. Maisie doesn’t trust me. She believes I will lie to her, hurt her. I won’t do that to my life partner.”

“Her heart is hardened to you,” Riley seemed to agree with his assessment of himself. “Go in the morning. I won’t stand in your way. Take her with or without her permission.”

If he took her now, she wouldn’t be a willing participant. Short of hogtieing her he wouldn’t get her there. He didn’t know what to do. “Didn’t mean to fail her or hurt her. Suppose she had expectations as did I. What she doesn’t understand is that her refusal to come to me changed me. In the process I was also hurt. Now, I’m here to set everything right if she will allow me to do so. It’s a damn annoying situation. One I don’t, at the present, see a way out of.”

“Perhaps Shawna and I should go to the city. We’ve things to purchase for the renovation. We can leave the two of you alone, unchaperoned. Imagine if you seduced her, she wouldn’t have a choice except to see things your way.”

“No, if you left here, she would remain in her room. Locked, I’m guessing. I would have no recourse to do anything except kidnap her if she doesn’t come around in the next day or two. I’ve that thought stuck in my head. So, I should stay until I feel as if I reached a quagmire. When that happens, I’ll take her where I will have her all to myself. Someplace where she cannot hide from me. I must speak my peace soon. My patience is at a low point.”

“You will not hurt her.”

Hawk stared open mouthed at his friend. How could Riley possibly believe he might hurt his mate, the woman he loved, the woman who would bear his children.

“I apologize,” Riley told Hawk, “I’ve become quite fond of Maisie. She is my wife’s sister.”

~ * ~

Maisie sat on the big comfortable chair in front of her fireplace watching the flames leap and dance in the grate. All of her was shaking, her entire body. His appearance wasn’t a total surprise. Shawna found out he would arrive just after the noon hour then passed on the information.

He was even more handsome than she remembered. When his silver-blue eyes focused on her, she nearly swooned. Her heart did a little dance. She recalled every conversation, his kiss, the way his fingers felt when they caressed her. Maisie wanted to feel all that and more. Her courage though was at a low ebb.

Why did he come back?

How dare Hawk return as if nothing happened between them? He told her he sent answers to her questions. Liar. More than anything she wished she could believe him. She didn’t think he had reason to lie to her. He did. The man wanted her for his mistress, not his wife.

I can’t just forgive the man.

You love him. If you don’t want to chase him away do as he asks. Talk to him. Listen to him. You can start over again. Say the word.

I want to.

You’re a coward, Maisie. A big coward. You understand the letter could have been lost in delivery. If that is the case, he isn’t lying to you.

Yes, I am. He needs to prove himself to me. I’m not going to give in to his wishes without an apology or without good reason. The man needs to prove to me he is sincere.

She knew she could argue with herself until dooms day. Debating wouldn’t solve the problems that separated them. Listening to him might help. Saying her piece would make her feel better. The fact of the matter was that she was in love with him. In return, she wanted him to love her. She didn’t know how he felt about her.

I’m not mistress material. What the devil did that mean?

Well, of course, you aren’t. That was your mother’s role. Your mother didn’t want to be any man’s mistress. It just happened.

“I’m not going to follow in her footsteps.

She immediately took offense at his words. Why, she didn’t know. Being a man’s mistress, even Hawk’s, was not acceptable. His wife was the only suitable label for her. Demeaning herself wasn’t in the way she would live her life. She watched her mother struggle for so many years to keep her head held high. Her mother would wait with breath held for her father to visit. He would come when he could get away. Sometimes once a week, sometimes a little more. Sometimes even less.

When she first saw Hawk, sitting in the drawing room, her heart flipped over several times. Her breath caught in her throat. She wanted to fling herself in his arms. Her finger touched on her lip as she recalled their first kiss. His mouth was so sweet. His tongue touched upon hers. His hands rose to cup a breast. She remembered all the strange feelings, the sensations that centered between her thighs in parts of her she never noticed before.

They needed time alone. She should give him a chance to explain why he wanted her to travel to Selkirk, to answer all her questions.

“Oh, my…” she whispered at the leaping flames. “I vowed not to give in to his easy manner, sweet talking words as well as that Fraser charm that exuded from him. He could melt her socks off if she gave him the chance.

When the knock on her door came, she stiffened. “No…”

She wasn’t ready for another confrontation with Hawk, especially a private one. Her mind still vibrated from the last encounter. Coming to terms with her own desires needed to happen before she could give him the consideration he wanted. The pressure she felt in those few minutes she was with him were far too intense. That was what he would do. He would pressure her until she would say yes to whatever he wanted. It would not be difficult, she had to admit to herself.

Shawna would never allow him in her bedroom.

“It’s me,” Shawna poked her head into the room. “Want to talk?”

“More than you can guess. You must have been reading my mind. I’m so confused. I’m even talking to myself.” She didn’t want to give in to easy seduction. The first time they were together she allowed him to sweet talk her until she was mindless.

Shawna sat down beside her. She held two wine glasses in one hand, an open bottle of wine in the other. Without speaking she poured them each a generous amount. “A little predinner spirits to relax. I’m sure the men are having something to drink. Now, tell me how you are feeling? Were you excited to see Hawk? Do you want to spend time with him? You can be honest with me. I’d never give your true feelings away.”

Maisie drank. The wine was delicious. “I want to believe him.” Those words were true. “I can’t.” As were the next ones. “Yes, I was excited to see him. He’s just as handsome as I remember, just as compelling. His eyes hold me. I’m afraid to be with him. Terrified I’ll give in to whatever he wishes, give in to whatever he asks of me. Don’t know how to be strong where that man is concerned.”

“Hawk says he sent you answers to your questions. You don’t believe the man? I doubt if he would lie about that.”

Shawna seemed to study her sister over the rim of her glass, tapping the crystal with the tip of her finger.

“Where is the letter? What happened to it?” Maisie felt her back stiffen. “He can tell me over and over that he sent me the answers I needed. He can give me the reasons he wanted me to live with him. None of that matters now. The question remains, why didn’t I get that letter? Also, why did he wait so long to come here, to talk, to see what happened to me. It’s been three years. I’m having a difficult time forgiving him.”

“I don’t know any answers. Anything could have happened to stop the letter from arriving. It was three years ago. In this current time, does it really matter?”

“That is my point,” Maisie spoke with soft longing, looking wistfully into the embers. “He stayed away for three years leading me to believe what I thought we had together was never real. Now he is back expecting me to fall, without a single question, into his arms.”

“Why don’t you allow him to answer now? It couldn’t hurt to listen. You might be pleased with the outcome. If you still love him, do you want to run from him without hearing him out? That would be the height of stupidity.”

“I was thinking along the same lines.” She let a bit of air whoosh from her lungs. “He’s so very charming and handsome. When he talks about the past, he looks remorseful. Is that look just another lie? How will I ever know the truth?”

“He looks desperate to me,” Shawna said with dry amusement. “Like a man who kens he made a huge mistake and now he doesn’t know how to rectify the error. Not that it matters what I think, but I want you to understand I believe him.”

“Desperate?” Maisie questioned wondering about that. “He should be desperate.”

She wanted to hate the man. She couldn’t summon those feelings any more than she could vanquish the love in her heart.

Shawna held her hand for a moment. “A man wouldn’t travel all this way to convince a woman he wants to marry her if he doesn’t. What do you think? Come to dinner? Give him a chance? You won’t regret the action.”

“He hasn’t said anything about marriage. That word has never entered any conversation we’ve ever had. Though we haven’t had many…conversations,” Maisie said, censure in her voice. “All we’ve spoken about are the questions along with the missing letter. I hardly know the man.”

“You understand that you love him. You comprehend the fact you missed him. That his absence hurt you. Let him give you the answers you both seek to understand. After that you can figure out if he’s telling the truth. Otherwise, how do you feel about him?”

“You are right. I still love the man. I thought all he wanted from me was my body. You’ve always told me how beautiful I am. Men seem to gawk when they see me. You’re more beautiful. Your backbone as well as spirit shows in your face as well as in the way you carry yourself. All I know about Hawk is that he is a doctor.”

“You know how gentle he is.”

“There is that. Unless his gentleness was also a lie.” Maisie just didn’t know what to believe.

Maisie was feeling both confused as well as desperately afraid. She wanted Hawk. Needed him to be in her life. Giving him, them, a chance was important. If she refused this time with him, she would regret it forever.

Reaching out again, Shawna covered her hand with her own. “You should come to dinner. You will have company so you won’t have to carry the conversation. Hawk is one of Riley’s best friends. He’s a doctor because of Houston’s influence. I’m certain there are tales that can be told about their life as children. Things that will give you some insight into who the man is.”

Shaking her head, she heaved in a huge breath of air. “I don’t know. Nothing has changed between us. I’m still terrified of my feelings for him as well as what I don’t know about his feelings for me.”

Maisie understood it was past time for her to grow up. She couldn’t run from herself forever. She had to face her fears. If she wanted to find true happiness, she needed to face Hawk as a woman.

Shawna stood. She smiled. “Think about it. Dinner with the family would be good for both you and Hawk. He cannot try to sway you to his way while we are all gathered around the dinner table. He cannot seduce and charm. Any sweettalking would be wasted on the unwanted company.”

“I will think about it.”

Shawna was wrong. Hawk could seduce her with his charming smile. Could sweettalk her with the silver shimmer of his eyes when they seemed to caress her. She swallowed down the lump in her throat. She did want him to kiss her again. Telling him so could wait.

“Good. I hope to see you in an hour.”

Sitting back and closing her eyes, she let her body relax, felt the heat of the fire warm her body and soul. Her mind refused to relax. The agile brain in her head kept spinning and fabricating different scenarios with Hawk. No, Maisie couldn’t stop thinking about the blasted man. Couldn’t stop wishing what he told her was true. She drank more of the wine Shawna left on the table.

Mac ran into the room, startling her from her wandering thoughts.

He climbed into her lap, his hair still damp from his bath. “Kiss Maisie goodnight?”

His fingers were on her cheeks, lips puckering in anticipation. His grin so endearing, Maisie knew when he was grown, he’d be a real charmer. The ladies wouldn’t have a chance if he set his sights on them. Just like Riley and Hawk. She didn’t have a chance.

The lad was incorrigible. Briefly, she wondered if Hawk was so sweet when he was a child, perhaps filled with little boy mischief. “Yes, little man, a goodnight kiss is fine as you well know. Then off to bed.”

Mac’s lips met hers. When he finished the kiss, he stared at her with the silver-blue eyes all the McKenna men had as well as the Fraser men, “Are you going to marry my Uncle Hawk? I want you to. He will make you happy.”

Unable to help herself, she laughed softly. She wanted to tell him Hawk wasn’t his uncle. Needed to figure out the answer to his question before she could tell the boy how she felt. “Mr. Frasier hasn’t asked me to marry him. If he does, I would have to give it a great deal of thought. One doesn’t marry just anyone. A body must be in love.” She tapped him on the nose. “You remember that.”

“Hawk will ask. Just wait and see. Mama says he loves you like Papa loves her. I want him to be my real uncle. So, you have to say yes.”

She did, did she? Maisie wondered why her sister didn’t tell her those words of encouragement. How would Shawna know that Hawk loved her when she didn’t know. He’d said nothing of the sort to her.

“Yes, I heard Mama and Papa talking.” Mac nodded his head; his grin so wide Maisie thought the lad might burst.

Mac left the door open on his mad dash to see his aunt. Lilith now stood in the doorway, her arms crossed beneath her rather large bosom, her graying hair poked out from beneath the white cap she wore. She looked as if stampeding horses ran her over. “Come along, Mac. It’s time for bed.”

“Aunt Maisie is going to marry Uncle Hawk,” Mac said while he climbed down off her lap.

“Is she?” Lilith looked surprised by the little boy’s announcement.

Maisie found herself shaking her head. “No, no I haven’t been asked. If he does, I don’t know what I would say. He would have to love me.”

“Good night, Aunt Maisie.” Mac was waving his hand a grin so endearing on his little face the sight caused Maisie to groan.

“Good night, Mac. Sleep well. I’ll see you in the morning.”

The boy wore her out just watching him. He was filled with such energy, even at the end of the day.

Mac stopped at the door to wave then blow her a goodnight kiss.

Marrying without love was not a proposition she could ever consider. While he lived, her mother had been her father’s mistress. Her father was wed to Shawna’s mother. Nonetheless, the man didn’t love either woman. At least that was the conclusion she and her half-sister came to one day when they were lying on their backs in the shade eating apples. If he loved Shawna’s mother, he would have never taken hers as his mistress. Of course, he might have loved her mother. A divorce would have been unheard of.

A loveless marriage was not for her. She didn’t know if Hawk did love her or how she could ever learn the fact. The situation returned full circle to trust as well as faith. For Hawk. she held neither. She wanted that to change.

Deciding she wasn’t going to hide any longer, she dressed for dinner. Shawna was right, in hiding she would never figure out the truth. The gown she wore was a light lavender which highlighted the mauve coloring of her silver-violet eyes. The corsage was modest yet showed the rounded tops of her breasts. Shawna picked it out for her. Once, Hawk told her he loved her eyes, the color, the shimmer when he kissed her, how they darkened with her passion. She wasn’t certain exactly what his words meant. She found herself touching her lips, wanting another kiss, perhaps another one after that. She shook her head forcing her mind back to the reality of her situation. Until she comprehended for certain what Hawk wanted, she wasn’t about to allow kisses.

No kisses!

When she entered the dining room a few minutes later, he looked up seemingly surprised at her appearance, yet pleased too. When he smiled at her, his dimple showed. With easy fluid motion that reminded her of a cat, he stood, escorting her to the empty seat across from his place. His hand on her elbow warmed her, sent shivers of pleasure rushing through her. His simple touch did that to her three years ago. That was when she thought she melted when he touched her, kissed her.

Where Hawk was concerned, she needed to stay resolute against his innate charm. Granting him intimacies despite the fact she longed for him to hold her in his arms would not suit her purpose. Maisie was going to have to learn how to tell Hawk no.

Sitting across from the man, she would have to look at him during the meal. When she did, he smiled at her then winked. He had audacity. Was daring and bold. She looked at her plate, wondering if she dared meet his gaze. Catching her bottom lip beneath her teeth, she looked up. He nodded as if he tried to tell her something.

“You decided to join us.” When he spoke softly to her, his murmur was husky and rough, his silver blue eyes darkening to molten steel. “I’m verra pleased, lass. Thought I wouldn’t be seeing you until tomorrow. After dinner will you walk with me?”

He didn’t waste time.

“Well, I’m glad Maisie decided to join us for the meal. Won’t do the two of you a bit of good if she hides in her room.” That bit of information came from Riley. “However, there is to be nothing said here at the table that will ruin the meal. No arguments. No discussions meant for just the two of you.”

An agreement with her brother-in-law was necessary. “What Hawk wants to talk to me about is private. Not meant to be shared, even with family. Perhaps we should walk when the meal is finished. The weather is nice.”

With that said, she wasn’t at all certain she could eat. She worried about what he would say as well as what he would do. Would he try to take liberties? Could she tell him no if he did try? The wine she drank earlier seemed to roll around in her stomach.

“Good,” Shawna smiled at her before passing the potatoes. “A walk for the two of you might clear the air. We are about to start on the curtains for Riley’s office.” She turned to Riley. “What color would you like?”

“You ken I favor blue. Nonetheless, I will trust in your judgement on that matter.”

He was grinning at his wife and her attempt to keep the conversation bland. She was doing exceptionally well.

That was mundane. The chatter for the rest of the meal revolved around the renovations that now had been three months in the making. They worked on the roof first. Needed to finish it before winter arrived.

“What did you do in the colonies?” Riley asked changing the topic to Hawk. “I recall Roby and Kit had some exciting times with the natives there. Did you end up running the gauntlet?”

“Yes, what’s it like there?” Maisie asked more interested in that part of the conversation than the house renovations. She was curious, found she wanted to learn as much about this man as she could.

“Wild, free, much of the land is untamed. For the most part though, I stuck to the cities. Spent time in Raleigh then headed north to New York. The Boston whalers were fascinating just as were the large plantations growing tobacco in Virginia. The colonies are all so unique. Thought to make it to Florida. Never did though. Felt a driving need to return home.” Hawk spoke between bites of food using his fork to give emphasis to certain things. “There is unrest there. The colonials are not pleased with the strong British presence. They feel they are taxed unfairly.”

“Much like here in Scotland,” Riley said using a bland tone while he helped himself to another biscuit. “Seems the Scots don’t care for Sassenach interference either.”

One of the servants brought desert, slices of almond cake smothered in a caramel icing. All the food was delicious. Hawk ate everything while she found her stomach wasn’t up to the food. She was just too nervous.

The men retired to Riley’s office to drink a glass of brandy. She and Shawna found themselves in the drawing room doing the same, only their drink of choice was sherry. She wondered about the upcoming walk. What would he say to her? Would he try to kiss her again? Her mind wouldn’t stray from the kissing. She needed to learn about what happened three years ago.

“What do you think they are talking about?” Maisie asked turning her head in the direction of the office. “I hope it’s not me.”

“I’m glad you came down for dinner. You showed him you are not afraid,” Shawna said. “He seemed pleased to see you. Ask him what is important to you. After that, listen to what he has to say.”

“I’m terrified. I feel as if all my body is about to snap,” Maisie murmured as she walked around the room her nerves shattering. “He is going to try to see me tonight. I decided I must talk with him. If I don’t listen to his excuses, I might regret it for the rest of my life. Oh, Shawna. I want him to love me. How can he when he barely knows me?”

“Yes, and you will listen to him also. If you can trust him, perhaps the two of you can find a means to begin anew.”

“I need to learn to trust, to have faith. I’m not going to let him seduce me. I won’t be easy this time around. Don’t want him to think he can have his way anytime he wishes without some type of commitment.”

She felt his presence. When Maisie looked up, he stood framed in the doorway, a determined look on his well chiseled face. His body tense, straining. For an instant, her heart forgot to beat. She sipped a miniscule bit of air. He was so handsome. Did he hear what she said?

Hawk held out his hand to her. “Walk with me?”

His voice was so very quiet so soft. Gentle.

She rose, extending her hand until he wrapped her fingers within the strength of his hand. “Alright.”

Just as at dinner he looked both surprised as well as pleased with her compliance. “You won’t regret this. I promise.”

His deep husky voice thrummed though her body. Her breath wavered when she tried to breathe while her knees shook.

He squeezed her hand then brought her fingers to the crook of his arm. Maisie closed her eyes for a brief instant, inhaled the spicy scent of him. Memories rushed back to her. Again, the breath she inhaled was shaky, barely there. She didn’t know if she could walk without support.

When they reached the porch, he turned her so she looked into his eyes. “Is there a good place to stroll? I would not have you tripping. I know that the grounds have probably not been renovated yet.”

She nodded in the direction of the stable. “We can walk that way.”

On her way out, she picked up her scarf from the coat stand by the door. He helped her adjust the material around her shoulders. His fingers brushed against the rounded tops of her breasts when he fastened the covering. She gasped at the contact, her lashes flying upward.

He didn’t seem to notice. Once more, placing her hand near his elbow they walked toward the stable. Maisie didn’t know what to say. Had so many questions, she didn’t know where to start.

She pointed. “We can sit. There is a bench under that big oak tree.”

Maisie nodded in the direction she wanted him to go, thinking her knees were going to give out any minute.

“I’d like that,” Hawk’s voice was rich and dark.

His hand dropped to her waist. His fingers were long, bronzed. She felt them at the curve of her hip. Was he taking liberties? She didn’t know. Before when they walked together, he didn’t touch her waist or her hip. Of course he didn’t, you ninny. You were hardly with him.

When they stopped, he turned her, one finger under her chin. With slow, gentle precision, he lifted. There was enough moonlight she could see his eyes. They were very dark silver. She ran her tongue along her lips, terrified of the moment of this kiss. “I don’t want you to kiss me.”

She didn’t understand why she blurted those words. Did she expect him to kiss her?

His soft, chuckled words surprised her. “What if I wish to kiss you, Maisie. You know I do.” With a heavy sigh, he dropped his hand. “All through dinner I imagined my lips caressing yours, recalled the way you taste, the sweet scent of you. Even now I catch the trace of lavender floating around you. Seems you are partial to that flower. Did you know if you keep a plant in your bedroom the aroma will help you sleep?”

Maisie smiled staring up at his handsome face. She was curious at his knowledge, wondered what else he might tell her. “No, no I didn’t know that. Is that something you learn by being a doctor?”

“I learned a lot about herbs before I bought Houston’s practice in Selkirk. Many of the people I doctored didn’t live near cities or even villages. The people I saw didn’t have money to buy medicines. They passed on the healing knowledge from one generation to the next. Leah, Houston’s wife, teaches both of us even more. She’s very knowledgeable.”

“Do you like helping people?”

Still standing, she arranged her skirts, smoothed the fabric with her damp palms. She needed something to do with her hands.

He touched her hands with his, stopping the movement. “You don’t need to be nervous. Yes. What I do is rewarding. Would you like to work for me?” He paused at hearing her sudden gasp. “If we marry, would you do what Leah does for her husband?”

“I don’t know exactly what she does?” She supposed she could help with some things. “I don’t know anything about healing.”

“Well, Leah has this way with animals. Before Houston took her away from the mountain where she lived, she used to heal sick and wounded animals. She would keep them at a place she called her sanctuary. Now she pretty much keeps the shelves supplied and well-ordered with medicines. In emergencies, she lends a hand.”

“I could do that for you.”

She was rushing things, making him believe she would marry him. As of this moment, he hadn’t asked. He implied though.

“Shall we sit?”

“Yes…”

For a few seconds nothing more was said. She understood initiating further conversation would be up to her. She needed to begin. “You say you wrote me. So, do you recall the questions I had for you?”

Clearing his throat, he began to speak. “Not all of them. Seems the most prevalent one was why did I want you to live in Selkirk.” He touched her chin again, making sure she looked at him. “Because I wanted to court you in the proper manner. Knew we were meant to be together the first time I saw you. I didn’t realize I insulted you until it was explained to me by Shawna in an addition to the sweet letter you wrote.”

“Why didn’t you tell me you wanted to marry me before you left?”

This all would have been so simple if he’d done so.

“I was afraid you’d tell me no. You are so shy, almost timid. I didn’t want to have you run the other way if I asked too soon. As it was, I was shocked when you let me kiss you.”

He smoothed his finger along her eyebrows.

Maisie was trying to mull over his words in her mind. Yes, she was shy. Her back straightened with determination. With this man she needed more backbone. “I don’t wish to be labeled timid. Though I am shy. Was shy in the ways of men. As you well know, you’re the only man who has kissed me.”

“You’re an innocent, Maisie. I had no business kissing you.”

He picked up her hand, brought her fingers to his lips. After turning it over, he kissed the heart of her palm. She shivered. “I want to kiss you now, feel you, taste your sweet honey. Though I’m not going to give into my base desires. You deserve better from me.”

She shivered with the sensations he orchestrated. While she didn’t want him to kiss her, she wanted to be the one to tell him no.

“Not as much as I was three years ago.”

Her disappointment in his words flourished. Base desires?

“Where were you going to have me stay…if I had come to your village? Seems as if people would have condemned me if I lived in your office. The good people who were your clients would have labeled me your whore.”

He flinched at her harsh words. “I would never do that to you, to the woman I treasure more than my life. Mrs. MacKay, she along with her husband, own a small cottage behind her home. I negotiated for you to live there for as long as it took me to convince you marriage to me would be a splendid idea. I hoped that within the month you would agree.”

“Alright. That was perhaps a good idea. Why didn’t you tell me that to begin with? What was the town like? You say Leah lived there?” She wasn’t at all certain how to proceed now. “How were you going to court me?”

“You ask a lot of questions?” He smiled at her, his hand on her shoulder massaging, creating vibrations in her.

“Yes. Most of which were in my letter to you. Some I just thought of.”

“Leah lived up the mountain in a shack with her stepfather, a man who never legally adopted her. Because of that fact, she lost the only place where she could live. Ah, but Houston and Leah can share that story.” His knuckles grazed her cheek. “I’m certain you’ve heard some of the tale.”

She moved back. Her voice unsteady, “No, won’t be doin’ that. I don’t want to…well…”

He dropped his hand then settled the palm on her thigh. “How would I court you? That’s a good question. I’m not certain. Though I would like to spend as much time with you as possible. Maisie, I want to court you now if you’ll have me. We can go to the McKenna cabin in the highlands. I do have permission from Connal, the McKenna laird, to stay there. We could have time alone to get to know each other.”

“There would be no chaperone. I cannae be doin’ that. You ken?”

Panic set in. She fidgeted with her dress before she could meet his gaze.

“No, you’re right about that. The last person I want is a chaperone.” He was shaking his head. “No one to watch us or keep us apart. I want you all to myself. My intention when we return is for you to be my wife.”

“I would be compromised.”

“True. I have Shawna’s approval as well as Riley’s. Believe they both think that after three long years it’s about time I compromised you.”

Unable to help herself she sucked in a deep breath of air. “I won’t be lettin’ you make love to me or use my body for your own purposes. This be lust not love.”

She meant to tell him no forcibly if necessary, understanding full well if he set his sights on taking her innocence, he would win.

“We shall see.”

~ * ~

“They’ve gone,” Shawna said. “I had no idea he would have so little trouble convincing her to leave with him. Thought we would hear screaming, outrage. This morning there was only silence for their departure.”

She was settled in Riley’s arms, his hand stroking her back. They made love a few minutes before. Now they were speaking of her sister.

“That surprised me too. Maybe the situation was not as it seems,” he murmured, touching the tip of his tongue to her ear before biting gently on the tip. “Ah, but did he persuade her or abduct her? We may never know the answer to that little question.”

“He has no idea just how determined she is to withstand his Fraser charm. This will take longer than expected to reassure her he is the one for her. The man is one of the good guys. Though he will have to advance on his best behavior. Hawk is used to taking what he wants.”

“She has no idea how easily it will be for Hawk to sweettalk her to his way. The man could charm the socks off any woman he chose. Appears he has chosen your half-sister. The cabin in the hills will be a romantic adventure for the two of them. We haven’t been in a long time. I’d like to sit on the porch, drink wine, kiss you, caress those certain places that make you moan those soft and so very sweet feminine noises until you cry out your pleasure. Would you like that?” His questing nimble fingers found another tender spot then another. He was exploring, arousing her. He intoxicated her. She never failed to melt in his embrace.

Instead of melting, Shawna punched him on the arm to stop his ardent advances. She needed to talk. Point out his inaccuracies. “We’ve never been to the cabin. Is it someone else you took to the cabin to romance? Someone else who screamed your name. Arrogant beast. Big headed man.” She smoothed her hand along his chest then lower to his belly, enjoying the quick sucking in of his breath. He would pay for his superciliousness. “Perhaps after their wedding we can take a small honeymoon. You can show me just how romantic the place can be.” Her fingers closed around him.

“The devil, I can’t concentrate on the conversation. You need to stop that now!”

“Poor baby. Do you say you wanted me to stop? Imagine I didn’t hear you…or didn’t listen.”

“Don’t you dare. Who would take care of Mac?”

His ploy was ridiculous. He knew it too. He ran his knuckles down her cheek then along her neck until they grazed the hardened tip of one breast. He flicked the tip with a finger before attending more thoroughly to the hardened peak. Imagined he wanted her to beg.

Her hips arched. She would be ready for him. If she allowed him to do so, he would make love again and again. In this he was insatiable. “I’m certain your mother and father would be delighted to have him for a few days.”

She sighed with pleasure when his fingers pressed against her belly then cupped her mound. He found the most sensitive spot on her body. A broken sound escaped her lips then a soft purr, a little mewl of pleasure following. Resisting her husband was impossible.

“You are rounding nicely. His fingers spread from hipbone to hipbone. Soon you will be huge with the life of our child. I want to feel our babe kick. Want to be there when he is born. Missed all that with Mac.”

“What you want is to tease me about not being able to get up when I’m sitting. With Mac, I waddled the last month. Could not get out of a chair without assistance. Maisie sometimes would have to help me stand.” She would never forget those fearful days. The loneliness she felt from the moment she learned she conceived. For so many weeks she denied the possibilities. When she finally had to face the truth, she broke down in wracking sobs. Maisie held her, soothed her fears. She told her all would be fine. Neither sister believed those words.

“Did you now? I would enjoy helping you in every way possible.” He stroked her belly, massaged with gentle fingers. He would feel the tremors ripping through her. His long fingers searched through the swollen folds for that very special knub.

“Too bad you couldn’t have the morning sickness for me,” she said dryly. “For that matter, give birth. The pain should be yours.”

His fingers dipped between her legs, touched her, stroked her. She parted them wider, inviting him inside. Two of his fingers slipped into her core, stretching, heating, preparing his way.

“You like this. Do you want your woman’s pleasure again? You are greedy. If you keep this up, I’ll be exhausted, come morning.”

Not only would she be tired, she’d be sated and sweaty. He would want a bath together. “We will have work to do come morning, a son to take care of. Undoubtedly, he will be in this room wanting to play the game with us. You ken he cannot.”

“We can do both.”

“Only with you, Riley Stuart, only with you.”