Free Kara Griffin - Gunn Guardsmen by On Highland Hill Page A

need of confession? Nay, don’t tell me because I haven’t time.” Father Geoffrey looked as put out as Elisa did.
    “I don’t understand what is happening,” Elisa said. “You are all brutes. I shan’t wish to wed any of you. Can we not just leave? I see the keep there in the distance. I wish to leave. I don’t need to wed a Gunn for protection. You’re all released of your vow, for I deem I’d rather be in danger.”
    Kenneth knew her panic was setting in, hell his was too. “Elisa.”
    She gazed at him, her pretty dark eyelashes so stark against her fair skin. He realized how deep green her eyes were, akin to the sea when it was angry. How she had a smattering of freckles across the bridge of her pert wee nose. Aye, she was bonny. He kept a blank look on his face as he continued to assess her. She was taller than most women he knew and barely reached his shoulders. She was somewhat slim and yet had a good bit of flesh on her, enough for a man to hold during the long cold winter nights.
    “Kenneth,” Grey called.
    He noted how long her legs were given the length of her skirts, and how dainty her feet were. Aye, if there were a perfect woman he was looking at her. Someone from behind him shoved his back.
    “Elisa, I will wed you. I’m the oldest and have that right.”
    She scowled like an ornery hawk. “You have the right? Never in all my days have I heard such nonsense. I’m sorry, Laird Gunn, but none of these men will do. This is unacceptable.” She stomped the grass with her lovely foot and walked away.
    James chortled, watching the fray with his hands on hips. “She’s got a wee bit of fire in her. Och, red-haired and green-eyed. You’ll be beset with torment all of your days, Kenneth, but at least the nights will be pleasurable.”
    All laughed except for Father Geoffrey who reproached James’ jest with a stern frown. The Father didn’t remark on it, but looked at him expectantly.
    Kenneth was unsure what to do. All stared at him and he wanted to laugh or shout or do something equally ridiculous. So he punched James’ upper arm and marched off.
    Elisa stood next to a large boulder that had embedded itself in the hillside. He caught up to her a few seconds later. Kenneth thought she might be crying, but she had no tears. He’d rather deal with an angry woman than a weeping one any day. So he was thankful she wasn’t the latter.
    “How am I to marry you when I don’t even know you? You could verily be an abuser like your friend.” She seemed calm even though she pointed out what was bothering her.
    “Many a bride weds without knowing her groom. We Gunns are honorable and would never hurt a woman that I vow. Sean didn’t mean to strike you so hard, but you were giving us a wee bit of trouble. Women are revered in our clan and are the heart of all we hold important, our children. Elisa, you must wed if we’re to protect you.”
    “Must you all make it sound like a death sentence? Aye, like you’re going to meet the executioner,” she said in a weak voice. “I won’t make us both miserable.”
    His heart thudded. They’d insulted her. Her pride was bruised and when a woman’s pride was involved there’d be hell to pay. Kenneth knew what that felt like because his pride had been bruised many a time, and he’d be damned if he’d be the cause of her affront.
    “I’m sorry, Elisa. We didn’t mean to make it sound that way. You don’t like Sean do you? If you would rather wed him …” Kenneth hoped not, because he’d be a fool for trying to rescue her from Sean.
    She clasped her hands in front of her and leaned against the boulder, looking distant. “Nay, I would rather not. He is … he is insufferable. But why would you sacrifice yourself for my safety? Are you all so honor-bound and willing to do whatever your laird bids you?”
    “Mayhap, we are. Aye, I vowed to protect him and the Gunn clan. And you’ll be safe on Gunn land after this day. I won’t let any harm to come