Page 346 of Wicked Highland Heroes

Chapter Eleven

Iain finished the last drop of ale and set the mug on the table as the postern door opened and Kevin Roberston entered the great hall. One look at him, hand on the hilt of his sword, confirmed the matter went far beyond a murder between lovers.

“Do not deny you have her, MacPherson,” Kevin said as he neared. “Wallace spoke with your man while we were searching for the criminal. We are not such fools as to think you did not have her. I will take her now.” Kevin’s hand shifted on his sword, bringing the guards behind Iain forward.

“Not such fools as to think I do not have her,” Iain replied, “but fools enough to come into my home with threats.”

A moment passed when Iain wasn’t sure the man understood, but Kevin’s hand dropped from his weapon.

“She was nearly dead when I found her,” Iain said.

“’Tis not your business, MacPherson.”

Iain raised a brow. “Did you come alone?”

Kevin blinked. “Nay.”

“Did you bring enough men to come here without invitation?”

“We never needed one before,” Kevin said, suddenly appearing to notice the warriors who lined the nearby wall.

“True,” Iain agreed. “But then, you never beat a woman half to death before—on my land, that is.”

“She belongs to us,” Kevin responded in genuine amazement.

“That gives you the right to beat her within an inch of her life?”

“She is a murderess.”

Iain caught the defensive note in his voice. “Mayhap,” he replied, “but it is an ungodly way to treat even a murderess.”

“Are you going to return her?” Kevin demanded.

“I will have to think on it.”

“Nay!”

Iain jerked his head in the direction of the familiar female voice. The lass stood in the kitchen doorway, eyes blazing.

“Murderess or not,” her voice rang throughout the room, “he will not return her. You are no better than a murderer yourself for treating her thusly.”

Kevin’s lips curled into a derisive frown. “Be gone woman. You have no place in this.”

Iain shot out of his chair. “Do you think to come into my home and order my women about?”

Kevin looked at the occupants of the room as if he’d entered an insane asylum. “She is a woman, man. You will allow her to interfere?”

“You seem to forget, ’tis not England we live in, but Scotland. Here, at least on MacPherson land, women are treated with respect. Listen carefully. I will hear the accusations and speak with the girl’s

protectors. Who are they?” Kevin hesitated.

“Answer my question or leave.”

“I do not know the details,” Kevin replied.

Iain recognized the lie. “Then bring me someone who does.” He started for the kitchen, indicating the meeting was at an end.

“You have no right to interfere!”