Free The Fearless Highlander (Highland Defender Book 1) by Amy Jarecki Page B

snatched a piece of paper from his desk. Holding it up, he pointed. “Why in God’s name did you come here? Glencoe is under the jurisdiction of the Sheriff of Inveraray. Blast it man, you should know as well as I the proclamation states the oath must be taken ‘in the presence of the sheriffs of the respective shires where any of the said persons shall live.’”
    The man’s blue eyes grew fiercer. “Aye,” he grumbled. At his sides, his gloved fingers clenched into fists. “But you are King William’s highest ranking officer in the Highlands. Surely you would not deliver me into the hands of my greatest enemies whilst a blizzard blows a gale strong enough to move Ben Nevis.”
    Papa threw the proclamation on his writing desk and faced the Highlander with bold sternness. “If only I were able, I’d set quill to paper immediately, but you must gain an audience with Sheriff Campbell of Ardkinglas.”
    The old man crossed his arms and tipped up his heavily whiskered chin. “Bloody oath, I cannot reach Inveraray afore the first. And every Campbell for miles will jump at a chance to throw a noose around my neck. You ken you’re asking me to do the impossible.”
    Charlotte could have sworn she saw steam rising from the Highlander’s shoulders.
    The colonel backed toward his writing desk. “As I said before, I am unable to issue you the oath, but seeing as you have reached me by the prescribed deadline, I will write you a letter of passage, requesting that Ardkinglas receive you as a lost sheep.”
    Frowning, the Highlander took another step forward. “You mean to say you aim to make me turn around and ride seventy miles in a bloody blizzard? You’re spewing a cock and bull story if I ever heard one. I’ve received rumblings they— you intend to put all who do not pledge the oath to fire and sword.” He placed his big palms on the table. “Tell me these words are untrue.”
    Papa leaned in, challenging the Highlander’s intimidating stance. “I pray to God this madness will not come to that. My letter should allay all doubt.” The colonel reached for his quill with a trembling hand. “But you had best make haste.”
    “ Haste? By God, I will not stand idle while you ride your backstabbing dragoons onto my lands!” The man’s steely eyes shifted to Charlotte. “Och, forgive my vulgar tongue, Miss…”
    “Hill,” she said, holding out her hand.
    “No one is planning a raid on your lands,” Papa sputtered, however his stubborn frown didn’t prevent him from gesturing Charlotte’s way as the angry stare melted from the big Highlander’s countenance. “If you hadn’t barreled in here like a bull, I would have made the introductions forthwith.” The colonel cleared his throat. “My daughter came to Fort William to look after me when I took ill. I’m afraid I’ve enjoyed her company too much to send her home to London, which I will do as soon as the winter snows melt.”
    Charlotte smiled. “I’m pleased to make your acquaintance, Chief MacIain MacDonald, is it? You must be chilled to the bone, after riding in this weather.”
    He took her fingers in his woolen-gloved hand while a bit of mischief now sparkled in his blue eyes. “Aye, lass. You’re fortunate to have a fire to keep your toes from turning to ice.”
    When he bowed to kiss the back of her hand, Charlotte suddenly couldn’t breathe. For the love of everything holy, Hugh MacLeod—the very man who consumed her dreams watched her from the passageway. She wouldn’t have recognized him but for his stare. His eyes were even more intense than the old man’s…but darker with a burning fire so fierce it nearly scorched. Mr. MacLeod didn’t smile—showed no recognition whatsoever. The look on his face was hard, intense, and roused Charlotte all the way from the top of her head through the tips of her toes. Straining to steady her breathing, her blood ran hot, yet gooseflesh covered her skin.
    She could not pull her eyes away from the