Free Seducing Her Laird by Hildie McQueen Page B

cascaded past her left shoulder leaving the right one bare. Her eyes seemed brighter, golden specks brought out by the shade of the gown and her cheeks were flushed by the attention and comments from the women in the room.
    "You look beautiful , Meagan.  Because you are." Cailyn's eyes met hers in the glass.
    " I feel attractive. The dress..." She reached for her hair and touched it careful not to ruin the upsweep.  "The hairstyle is very flattering." With a sigh, she hugged her sister-in-law. "Thank you, Cailyn, I will feel pretty all day."
    "Should I speak to my brother? He may need to be knocked on top of the head with a fist." Cailyn's expression was serious.
    "No, I will take matters in hand and reclaim my husband's attention. If he resists my attempts to seduce him then I will face the facts and accept defeat. This will be the final test of whether or not I will remain married to a man who doesn't love me."
    Cailyn smiled and pursed her lips. "He will not be able to resist you."
    Meagan huffed. "D on't be disappointed at Calum's lack of reaction." She pointed her finger at her sister-in-law. "And don't you dare prompt him to make any comments."
    After her sister-in-law left, Cailyn remained in the bedroom. She moved to the window and peered out.  Some clansmen had arrived. Lads took horses and men hugged and clapped each other on the back.  Her lips curved at the sense of joviality in the air. Soon the same men would be battling each other to be the best in the games.

 
     
    Chapter Two
     
     
     
    "It's been a year since I've beaten you at the games." Dugan McDougall smirked at Calum over a cup of ale. The others at the table laughed and waited for him to respond.
    He and his cousin had been rivals at the saber toss since before both had grown to be the largest men in the clan. Although Dugan was taller, the huge Scot was not unbeatable. Calum, at only half a head shorter and as muscular, was the only man to have ever beat him several times.
    "It's only fair that you win at least once every few years," Calum countered to everyone's amusement. The seat to his right remained empty and he scanned the room for his wife. Meagan was very late to break her fast, which was unusual. The visiting clan had already inquired about her and he considered sending a maid to fetch her.
    His cousin Ian, next in line to laird of the northern McDougall clan, got his attention. "How is the fair Meagan? Does she not join you for the morning meal any longer? Perhaps tired of that overly ugly face already?"
    Although other s laughed, he didn't find any humor in his cousin's words. "My wife is normally an early riser. I don't know what keeps her today." Once again he scanned the room for Meagan.
    A serving wench neared and leaned across the table, her ample bosom taking Ian's full attention. "More ale, my laird?"
    "Aye. My thanks." She took as long as possible to pour his drink until he motioned with his hand for her to move away.  With a pout, she straightened and flounced to the next table.
    The room went quiet. Calum glanced at Ian, but his cousin did not look at the wench walking away, his attention was locked somewhere past the woman.
    A lady had entered the great room. The beautiful creature nodded at people as she glided past several tables and stopped to talk to some women seeming to know them. With a small waist and full breasts showcased perfectly by the low cut blue gown, she took Calum’s breath away. Her long auburn tresses covered the side her face and he was about to ask Ian who it was then she turned to face him.
    Meagan .
    He could only stare dumbfounded while Ian leaned over to him and made a remark about how lucky he was. If ever there was a time for him to control his rage, it was this day. Why was she dressed in such a manner? Did she have to look so beautiful and fetching with all the visiting clansmen about?
    She neared and stood next to her chair. "Good morning, husband."
    "Aye , good morning." Jaw tight, he