Free The Campbell Trilogy by Monica Mccarty

asked suspiciously.
    “I want her.”
    The Lamont gave him a long look, making Jamie wonder how much he’d revealed by the fierceness of his tone. “The lass has a way of penetrating even the most hardened heart,” he observed. “But I’d not see her harmed.”
    Jamie’s jaw hardened. “I would never hurt a woman—despite what my enemies would claim. You and I may have been on opposite sides all these years, but have I given youcause to believe otherwise?” He paused, hearing the Lamont’s silent assent. “Your daughter would want for nothing. I would protect her with my life.”
    The chief nodded slowly, stroking his chin. “I will consider it.”
    Jamie gave the other man a pointed look. “Of course, my cousin will want some assurances.”
    The Lamont tensed. “What kind of assurances?”
    “Your loyalty, for one.” He held the other man’s stare, watching his reaction carefully. “There have been rumors.”
    “What kind of rumors?”
    “The kind that could get a man killed.” The punishment for harboring the proscribed MacGregors was death, and that’s what the Lamont would be facing for hiding the fugitives—the obligation of Highland hospitality or not. Jamie wasn’t without sympathy for the Lamont’s plight, choosing between his honor and the law, but he wanted to make sure the old man knew exactly what he risked.
    The old chief’s expression betrayed nothing, but he nodded. “I hope you don’t always believe what you hear.”
    “Not always.”
    Jamie started to walk toward the stairs, knowing that he might have just given himself away. But something had compelled him to give the Lamont a warning.
    Hell, was he growing soft? Jamie realized that he liked the Lamont … and his daughter.
    “Campbell.”
    He stopped and turned.
    “I’ll not force her to wed. If you want the lass, you’ll have to convince her.”
    Aye, Jamie thought, there was the rub.
    Caitrina waited in the stables long after he’d left, unable to breathe, her hands fisted tightly at her side. It was all she could do to hold back the tears. No one had ever talked to her like that.
    His accusations rang in her ears. Jamie Campbell had a way of making her feel foolish and frivolous. There was nothing wrong with her gown. She gazed down at the pink silk. It was one of her favorites, and she’d wanted to look her best. For him? She was a fool. She looked around; the rusty tools and chipped lime taunted her. She felt sick to her stomach.
    No. He was wrong. He didn’t even know her, yet he accused her of—
    She stopped, realizing that she’d accused him of the same. Of not knowing him before passing judgment.
    But this was different. Jamie Campbell knew nothing of her family.
    Still, after leaving the stables, Caitrina found herself searching desperately for her father—not a simple prospect in the crowds that had descended upon Ascog for the games. She passed through the gate and started down the path to the loch. There must have been a hundred people milling about the thin strip of muddy shoreline and slightly wider patch of moorland.
    She put her hand to her forehead, shielding her eyes from the bright light of the sun. The swimming races were set to begin. The competitors had lined up for the start, including her brothers Malcolm and Niall, but her father was nowhere to be seen.
    He should be here. Brian tried to run past her in a pack of young boys, but she caught him by the arm. “Brian, have you seen Father?”
    He shook his head. “Not since this morning, why?”
    “I need to see him.”
    “Have you checked the keep?”
    She shook her head. “No. He should have been here for the races.”
    “I’m sure it’s nothing,” Brian said impatiently. “Can I go now?”
    She could see his friends disappearing into the woods. She let go of his arm. “Go. I’ll look for him inside.”
    It wasn’t like her father to disappear like this. What was going on around here?
    Caitrina rushed up the path and passed