Page 52 of My Highland Love

“Are you sure you want her, Marcus?”

“Aye,” he replied, not taking his eyes off her.

Cameron slapped the table again. “A Celtish woman who can throw a knife. I knew I liked you.” He patted the chair. “Come, sit.”

Marcus tensed for the moment she studied them before crossing to the chair and reseating herself.

Cameron leaned back in his chair. “Why didn't you tell us you are Celt?”

“I didn't know it mattered.”

He gave Marcus a satisfied look.

“What?” she demanded. “What has happened?”

“'Tis as you said,” Cameron said, “you fall under Highland law. You're an Irishwoman. We are family.”

“I am free to go, then?”

“Well,” he answered slowly, “'tis not so easy.”

“But Winnie said any clansman who didn't agree with their clan could leave.”

Cameron's lips thinned. “I wouldn't speak of Winnie. That isn't working in your favor.”

“But—”

He shook his head. “She would be the first to admit that she wasn't talking about women traipsing off alone.”

“What?”

Cameron gave her a considering look. “Did she not send Peter with you?”

“Yes, bu—”

“And did she not tell you it was a bad idea?”

“I wouldn't say—”

Cameron raised a brow.

“I have a right to come and go as I please.”

“You're a woman,” he insisted. “You must submit to your lord.”

She stiffened. “I have no lord. I am unmarried.”

“All women have a lord,” he explained gently.

Elise shook her head. “I am free.”

“Aye, you are a free woman—not a slave—but I am your lord.”

“You? Ridiculous.”

“You are under my roof. You are a part of us.”

“Cameron—”