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

vehemence.
    The king smiled. “Gentlemen, mind your tongues. I see no reason to refuse Brodie’s small request, that is, if the lady is agreeable.”
    The baron marched into the corridor and whispered to his daughter. “You will not meet with this man alone. I will not have it.”
    Celestina jumped from her seat and stared at Brodie over her father’s shoulder. “I beg your pardon, Father. I do not understand.”
    The king stopped in front of her and grasped her hand in his. “My warrior has requested a few moments alone with you, but only if you are agreeable. Your betrothal stands and the wedding will take place in four days. Would you like to speak to the lad in private, my dear?”
    “N ay, you will not. Do you understand me, Celestina?” Her father’s eyes bored into hers.
    “Silence, Baron. I know this is a highly unusual circumstance, but the choice is hers, not yours. The man is a warrior and a sergeant of the royal castle. You need not be concerned for her safety. A member of the Celtic Church will be present as well.” The king crossed his arms in front of him and waited for her answer.
    Brodie stood inside the solar, hoping she had the strength to stand up to her father. He just had to talk to her before letting her go. However, he would understand if she denied him. Her father would surely punish her for countermanding his wishes.
    Celestina stared at him for a long moment before turning to the king. “Aye, I accept, my king.”
    Her answer made Brodie’s heart soar. Five minutes. He was sure five minutes would be all he needed to get an answer to his question. Would they have suited?
    A s soon as Father Padraig arrived, Celestina stepped into the room, which the others had already vacated, and the guard closed the door behind her. Father Padraig walked directly to the window and stood there silently, ignoring them. Celestina’s hands twisted the links of her belt as her gaze met his. Lord, but the lass was a vision of loveliness. Her smile, her luscious curves, her rosy lips all teased him. He could think of naught else but holding her in his arms in a soft bed and caressing every inch of her sweet body.
    Brodie walked over to her and reached for her hand. At first she held back, but then she grasped his hand in hers.
    “I am sorry, lass. I tried. I offered for you, but my suit was rejected. You see, the king turned me down because I have naught to offer you. ‘Tis probably for the best. You will have many riches and servants as Ivarsson’s wife.”
    She reached up and placed a finger on his lips before whispering, “Nay, never say such a thing. I would a thousand times rather marry you than that man.” Her hand fell to her side. “I need to thank you for coming to my rescue.” Her fingertips brushed at the small cut on his neck. “And I apologize for the way you were treated on my behalf. My father is a fool.”
    Brodie smiled, inhaling a scent of flowers and something he could only identify as Celestina. He gazed into her midnight blue eyes, a deeper color than he had ever seen before, with flecks of silver dancing through them. Curls of spun gold adorned her face, and he ached to run his fingers through those shiny tresses. He struggled to listen to everything she said, to memorize her voice, her appearance, everything about her.
    She blushed a light pink before speaking so quietly that she needed to lean toward him. “I must beg a favor from you, my lord.”
    “Aye, anything.”
    “You kissed me briefly in the corridor, but circumstances were not the best. Would you kiss me again? I must know.”
    Br odie, more than happy to oblige, brushed her cheek with his thumb and kissed her tenderly. She tasted of pure sweetness, so sweet he was lost in a matter of seconds.
    A knock sounded on the door and he broke the kiss. Their time had been too short, yet it had been enough. For now he knew without a doubt.
    They were meant to be together.

 
    Chapter Seven
    The Winds of Change
     
    An hour