Free Love Letters from Largs: Brodie and Celestina (Highlander Clan Grant Series Book 3) by Keira Montclair

would he want anything to do with her or her family after that disgraceful scene? She blushed as she recalled that scant brush of his lips felt against hers. His lips had been warm and soft, not disgusting and slobbery like her betrothed’s.
    “I hesitate to speak t o him or to step near him again, else I might be compelled to grab him by the throat,” Brodie declared.
    The image of Brodie holding her father in a choke hold would never leave her...no matter what happened. She had to force back the smile that threatened to erupt on her face when she thought of her father under the control of another. He wasn’t quite so threatening with his windpipe in a stronghold.
    “What could you possibl y want with my daughter? She is a foolish twit. She is betrothed to another, but even if this were not the case, I will never allow you her hand. Though it would serve her right, the ungrateful cow. You two would be well-suited. Nevertheless, Lord Ivarsson and I have an agreement and I will not allow anyone to interfere, let alone a Highlander.”
    King Alexander ’s next question was clearly for Lord Ivarsson. “Are you still interested in pursuing this marriage? Or are you willing to relinquish your rights?”
    “ Nay, I will not relinquish my rights to this marriage. She is betrothed to me.”
    Laird Grant spoke next. “Why do we no’ ask the lass who she prefers? While I respect your reasons for political gain; in my clan, we try to find unions that suit both parties. I propose we invite her inside and ask for her preference. My brother deserves the chance of a proper proposal. Why no’ see if she will accept or refuse his suit? In the Highlands, she has that right.”
    Her heart did a tiny leap at the slim possibility that her king would do as the Grant suggested, though she suspected her father would never allow it. He had never asked for her thoughts on anything in her life. Why would he start now?
    Her father’s voice reverberated through the walls , confirming her fears. “Absolutely not. My daughter has no say in this. I will choose her mate. Do not even think of suggesting such a thing to her. Her mind is useless and of no value.”
    She stared at her fingertips again , hurt, though of course not surprised, by his words. Her brow furrowed as another thought crept into her mind. She had forgotten it in all the excitement. Her father had called her a whore in the corridor, hadn’t he? He’d said she was a whore, just like her mother. What had he meant by it? She had never heard him say much about her mother before; it was almost as if she’d never existed. Was this the reason why? Had she been with another?
    Celestina mulled this possibility over in her mind . After a moment, she decided she could not hold it against her mother if it was true. How could her mother have lived with such a nasty man without wishing for something better? She didn’t recall seeing the two of them together often, so she couldn’t remember if he had treated her well or not, but the way he treated Celestina certainly indicated the latter.
    Ivarsson ’s voice rang out next. “I do not relinquish my rights. She is my betrothed and the wedding will take place exactly as planned—in four days.
    Just like that, t he small flicker of hope that had bloomed in Celestina’s heart died.
    ***
    Brodie’s hope all but died. Whatever was involved in this arrangement, whether money or some political gain, he knew he had no chance. He was not a baron, an earl, or even a laird. Of course, the king would turn him down.
    But though he refused Brodie’s request for Celestina, the king still requested he stay on as part of his guard. He didn’t even know if he wanted to do that anymore, but he knew there was one thing he did want. He would have no regrets.
    He turned to the king before he left. “I request a few moments alone with the lady, Your Grace.”
    “Never!” barked the baron.
    “Absolutely not!” Ivarsson’s words echoed the baron’s