Victoria Roberts - [Bad Boys of the Highlands 03] Read Online Free Page A

study her surroundings—the lochs, trees, anything that would help her escape from her purpose. It didn’t matter. She couldn’t see the bonny sights anyway through her haze of swirling emotions. She suddenly felt ill-equipped to undertake such a task.
    As if Colin read her mind, lines of concentration deepened along his brow and under his eyes. He’d flanked her the entire way, and she had to admit, his mere presence made her feel secure. Perhaps he only did it to make certain she would not flee, but she was comforted nonetheless.
    Overlooking beautiful Loch Omhaich, Glengarry was an imposing gray stone structure boasting a gigantic L-shaped tower house with a round tower. The castle was somewhat elegant and formidable. Although the beastly MacDonell would need a place large enough to house his big-headedness, his home was not as Sybella had imagined it.
    As her father entered the bustling bailey, he was immediately greeted by a wall of MacDonell men. Their untrusting eyes continued to survey him as he dismounted.
    “Your new home is quite lovely,” said Mary, her eyes glowing with delight.
    Angus lowered his voice. “Here comes your betrothed. Let him assist ye from your mount.”
    And there he was.
    His kilt rode low on his lean hips, and Sybella would recognize that arrogant swagger anywhere. He had a strong chiseled jaw, blue eyes, and light chestnut hair that was long enough to brush the outlines of his broad shoulders. The muscles under his white tunic quickened her pulse, and his stance emphasized the force of his thighs and the slimness of his hips. Praise the saints. He was definitely not the same boy she had met at the waterfall.
    When the MacDonell spotted her, his smile broadened and he walked to her side. He held up his hand to assist her. “Lady Sybella MacKenzie, welcome to Glengarry.” He had the nerve to wink at her when he caught her eye, and then his gaze roamed over her figure as if he undressed her with his eyes.
    Sybella couldn’t help herself. She refused to let the man get the best of her—again. She returned a frank and admiring look at him, studying his body unhurriedly, feature by feature. As if he enjoyed her subtle challenge, featherlike laugh lines crinkled around his eyes.
    “Sybella!” Mary’s tone was coolly disapproving.
    Ignoring the MacDonell’s hand, Sybella shifted her leg and slid from her mount. She would make it perfectly clear that she didn’t need the dastardly man or his help.
    A soft gasp escaped Mary, and Angus interjected. “Please excuse my cousin’s lack of—”
    The MacDonell chuckled in response. “There is nay need for apologies.” When an older woman with silvery hair walked up behind him and nudged his back, he turned and wrapped his arm around the woman. “Lady Sybella MacKenzie, pray allow me to introduce Lady Iseab— ”
    The older woman reached out and fingered Sybella’s curls. “Praise the saints. Ye are a bonny lass. I always wished to have honey-colored tresses myself.” The woman brought her hand to her own hair. “Now I am only graced with death-gray. And please donna listen to my nephew. Ye may call me Aunt Iseabail.”
    It was hard to believe that the arrogant MacDonell could have an aunt who was kind and free spoken. Sybella sensed a kindred spirit, and there was something warm and enchanting about this woman. She smiled and gave the MacDonell’s aunt a small curtsy. “ ’ Tis a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Aunt Iseabail.” Leaning in close, Sybella added, “I think your silvery tresses are verra becoming on ye.”
    The woman’s smile brightened. “Come inside, my dear. All of ye.”
    ***
    To say there was tension among the people in the room would understate the situation. Granted, it was hard to erase all the years of turmoil and hardship the MacKenzies had caused, but Alex’s clan needed to at least try to make amends. He hoped his impending marriage would open that door and only prayed it wouldn’t close before he