Free Highland Warrior by Connie Mason

anger me, you’re wrong, lass. Our clans are allies now, though if you wore the MacKenna plaid, it would endear you to my kinsmen.”
    “I doona want to do anything to endear myself to you or your kinsmen. Remember that, MacKenna.”
    Grasping her arm, he pulled her against him. “Remember this, Gillian. Befriending my kinsmen will save lives, not just MacKenna lives but MacKay lives. Are you so bitter that you care naught for your father and brothers?”
    Then he lowered his head and kissed her. The kiss was not gentle; nor was it meant to be, Gillian thought. Nevertheless, she was more aroused by it than she wanted to be.

Chapter Five
     
    The moment Gillian and Ross entered the hall, the buzz of conversation came to an abrupt halt. Gillian flushed with embarrassment when she realized everyone was staring at them as Ross seated her at the high table. Raising her chin, she stared back, refusing to be intimidated by Ross MacKenna’s kinsmen.
    As if she didn’t already feel uncomfortable, Seana entered the hall moments behind them. The attention of Ross’s kinsmen sharpened as his leman sauntered up to the high table and chose a seat next to Ross. To Gillian’s relief, Gordo arrived next and sat on her left. At Ross’s signal, the servants began serving bowls of oats accompanied by bannocks and pitchers of ale.
    Gillian nibbled at the bannock; oats didn’t appeal to her and never had. She preferred to break her fast with eggs and a rasher of bacon.
    Suddenly Seana leaned forward and said loudly enough to be heard by all and sundry, “I expected to see bruises and scratches this morning, but it appears you both survived your wedding night. I confess I am surprised you didna kill each other.”
    Gordo chuckled. “The absence of bruises is a good sign, lass. Our clan is better for the joining.”
    “Time will tell, Gordo,” Seana replied. “I personally doona believe the truce will hold.”
    “Enough!” Ross growled. “Why are you still here, Seana? Why did you nae return home with the escort I offered to provide?”
    Seana stared adoringly up at Ross. “I thought it would be fun to stay and see what comes of your marriage.” She slanted Gillian a sly look. “Your bride doesna look pleased with you, Ross.” She leaned close. “Nor you with her. When you have need of a real woman, I will be waiting.”
    Gillian popped a piece of bannock into her mouth and chewed thoughtfully, having heard Seana’s provocative words. “Stay if it pleases you, Seana. It matters not to me.” She turned to her husband, her expression bland. “What say you, MacKenna? Will you have need of Seana anytime soon?”
    Ross slammed down his spoon. “Stop making trouble, Seana. My marriage is none of your concern. You should have left Ravenscraig.”
    “Niall asked me to stay, and I decided to accommodate him,” she purred. “You aren’t the only attractive man at Ravenscraig.”
    Ross scowled at his former leman; Gillian wondered if he was jealous of Niall.
    “Do what you will, Seana,” Ross said sourly. “Be forewarned, however, that at the first sign of trouble, I will send you home.”
    “You shouldna let the lass stay, lad,” Gordo muttered. “Mark my words: Keeping a leman—even a former leman—and a wife under the same roof will cause trouble.”
    “Let Niall enjoy the lass, Gordo. I shall warn him to keep her away from Gillian.”
    Gillian had had about all she could take of this talking around her. “Seana doesna bother me, MacKenna. If you like,” she said for Ross’s ears only, “you may take her to your bed. I have no objections. ’Tis not as if I will be sharing your bed in the future.”
    “Find another place to eat,” Ross told Seana, ignoring Gillian’s pronouncement. “The high table is out of bounds to you. Gordo,” he said, turning to his uncle. “Round up some men. ’Tis time we went into the hills to drive cattle down to their winter pasture.”
    Given no other choice, Seana sputtered