Highland Promise Read Online Free

do naught about how he felt for this woman.  It didn’t matter how much she fit, he was promised to another, a woman he had never met, a woman that secured his alliance with the MacTaggarts. 
    An alliance that would save his clan from ruin.
    It didn’t matter how much he longed for Anne, how much he hungered for her, she was forbidden fruit.  He had to put his clan first.  He had to resist her at all cost.
    “I am earning my keep.”  Anne spoke with more fire than she had when they had last spoken.
    “Bahh, it looks like you’re playin’ with that lamb if you ask me.  That is nay earning your keep.”
    “I don’t recall anyone askin’ you what you thought.”
    Malcom fought a grin.  He was sure Anne had no idea that she was beginning to have a nice Scottish brogue.  It sounded far too sweet in her lilting voice, but it made his heart sing.
    He shifted.  His interests had to be stopped or they would grow more difficult to hide.  He propped his forearms on the paddock railing and watched Anne.  She was beautiful.  The stubborn set to her mouth told him she was intent on ignoring him completely and he wanted her to notice him.
    “Malcom, we weren’t expectin’ you.”  His brother John said as he stepped out of the barn.
     
    Anne looked up when John stepped out of the barn.
    John and Alan, who was married to Malcom’s sister Aggie, were their guards.  Anne didn’t understand why guards were needed, but she didn’t question it.  There were too many questions she needed to answer, she couldn’t worry about the politics of the highlands, but she felt safer with them around.
    “What is she doing out here?”  Malcom demanded in a voice that made her shiver inside.
    “Ah Miss Anne is a natural with the little ones.  We lost the mam and Miss Anne had taken over.  She’s a wonder.  Will make a fine mam herself someday.  We would have lost the wee one if it hadn’t been for her care.”
    “She shouldn’t be out in this night air John.  You are charged with keeping her safe, not letting her kill herself.  Are ye daft man?  Would ye let yer wife out in this?”
    John shook his head and laughed as if Malcom’s anger was a great joke.  “Aye, I rarely argue with a female who knows her own mind.”
    “I don’t understand what problem you have with me.  I am doing exactly what you wanted.”  Anne demanded as she set the little lamb on his feet.
    Malcom’s temper simmered.  “Where is my mother?”
    Anne plopped her fists on her hips and faced him.  She was tired of him treating her like she was nothing but a burden.  She had worked as hard as any of the others over the past few months and she was tired of him acting as if she were still sitting drinking tea.  “Inside.  She wasn’t feeling well so she went in to lie down.”
    “Have you checked on her?”  Malcom rushed out.  “Or was playing with your pet more important to you than her wellbeing?”
    “Of course I did.”  Anne had heard enough.  “I am not a monster.  Your sister is with her.  She is fine Malcom.  She was just tired!  We all are.  This life isn’t easy!”  Anne frowned.  Malcom looked as if she’d slapped him.
    He rushed into the house to find his mother lying on the sofa.  Aggie was by her side, her belly round with child.  John’s wife, Skye sat and rocked a squalling babe in her arms.  How could a woman like Anne ever be happy here?
    Malcom couldn’t stand it.  He couldn’t stand what his family had been reduced to and he hated the feeling of inadequacy that overtook him at the thought of Anne sharing his life.  It was impossible, but that didn’t stop his treacherous mind from throwing images around in his head.
    “I know that look.”  Moira said as she pushed up until she sat.  “We aren’t suffering here.  It’s only for a while and then we can all come home. I just tried to do too much.”
    “Aye, I know that.”  He backed up, intent on getting water so he felt like