Page 3 of Highlander’s Evil Twin

Her father nudged her with annoyance, and she blushed. Just then, her future husband approached.

“I am so sorry my Lord, this is my daughter Heather. She does like her little jokes. Heather let me introduce you to Hiram MacGregor, your husband-to-be.” His tone was firm and gave no opportunity for her to say another word.

Hiram bowed graciously. “Milady, it is a pleasure.”

Heather blushed again and curtseyed. She couldn’t quite meet his eyes, knowing that he was scrutinizing her.

He had been shocked by her brashness and wasn’t sure what to make of her. While she was beautiful, he had a feeling there was fire in her soul and that she spoke before thinking, which could make it interesting. But did he really want that in a woman? His mind drifted back to the recent bevy of beauties who had tried to catch his eye. They had been so keen to attract him that it felt as if they had little personality between them. They agreed with everything he said and just gazed at him adoringly. He’d been bored with them in minutes. So, maybe, just maybe, this beautiful woman would be less yielding, and he could enjoy the chase.

“I must say that this gown brings out the color of your eyes...you are quite beautiful.” He bowed and pulled her hand up to his mouth, and she felt him lightly kiss her hand. But he didn’t try and hold it too long, releasing her with some reluctance.

“Thank you,” she murmured nervously. “The castle is quite beautiful too. I love the way that the hall has been decorated.” She smiled as her insides churned.

“Would you like something to drink Milady?” Hiram asked and waited for her response.

“Yes please.” She nodded. Her mouth was so dry. It felt as if her lips were sticking to her teeth, and she swallowed hard. The right words wouldn’t come at all. Her brain didn’t seem to want to work. It had to be nerves. She watched as he made his way to a bar that had been placed in the corner. Hiram didn’t push to the front, which he might have done, as it was his home, after all. Heather liked that about him at least.

She studied him as he stood behind the other men waiting to be served. His shoulders were broad and strong. He stood at least three inches above the men around him and his presence was commanding. He seemed well-liked, or perhaps, respected. His hair was red, a little lighter than her own, and it was unruly, but shorter than hers. She imagined him hastily trying to tame the ends, shaping them into a way that was tidy rather than cared for. He was rugged and his jaw was strong. Long muscled legs were revealed beneath his kilt and as if feeling her scrutiny, he turned to look at her as if apologizing for the delay. She saw a wry smile as he shrugged. His eyes were sharp. There was an emotional intelligence about him. It felt as if he could take in everything around him in one glance. Hope surged within. Perhaps he was nice. Maybe she could grow to like or...even love him. Perhaps their union could be similar to her parents, one born out of respect. She shook her head, clearing her thoughts. It was all too soon to think or worry about it. If he liked her then the wedding would be a done deal.

As Hiram approached her with two glasses of champagne in his hands, she felt the warmth of hope ignite within. She swallowed hard.

“I’m sorry it took so long. The line was pretty long,” he said, and handed her the glass. The crystal, light in her hands, sparkled in the flickering candlelight.

“It was nice of you to wait,” she said to him.

“Of course. I would not think about cutting in, ” he stated, looking at her curiously. “Are you okay Milady?”

She nodded. “I have a headache, and I feel a little...faint.” She stumbled slightly and he grabbed her arm to steady her.

“Oh dear, come with me to the garden and we will get some fresh air.” He took her glass and then escorted her out of the hall and through a doorway into the garden.

Heather breathed deeply, feeling the cool night air fill her lungs. Almost instantly, her head cleared and the dull pounding at her temples receded a little. She sighed in relief and glanced at Hiram, who was watching her with concern.

“Sorry.” She smiled weakly. “Maybe nervousness. This was all rather sudden.”

“I understand, for me too.” He handed her back her glass and she sipped delicately at the bubbling liquid.

There were fewer people here and she had space to think. There was a deep desire within her to run away but that was never going to happen, and she fought the desire down. Music drifted in a more subdued way towards them and it was far more pleasant. Now it was soft and lilting and she felt her body move in time instinctively, relaxing slightly. Several couples had joined them on the terrace and holding each other close, embraced the slow flow of the Scottish ballad. The terrace was lit up beautifully with an array of candles and even more flowers. It was incredible. Heather breathed deeply, feeling the intoxicating scent from the floral displays and, whimsically, gazed up at the open expanse of sky above her, now dotted with gloriously golden stars. It all seemed magical.

“Please sit down for a while.” He led her to a stone seat and she lowered herself, wrapping her flowing dress around her legs.

“Thank you Hiram. I feel much better for being outside.”

He nodded. “I don’t want you to worry about the wedding. We both know that we are here to ensure the future of our clans, but perhaps we can make it less difficult if we work together?”

She blushed, not knowing if he was asking her to acquiesce and make the conquest easier. “Yes, perhaps that would be sensible.”

“You are truly a beautiful woman. Your eyes...they are mystifying.” He gazed at her. “They are the deepest green and sparkle in this light.” He touched her chin, turning her face gently towards him as her lips parted involuntarily. He was so gentle and there was an integrity in everything he did. She wanted to believe him and to feel desirable, but there was this fear within her. She could never allow herself to fall for the wrong man again, not like last time. It had almost cost her life. She closed her eyes, fighting back her inner demons.

“Are you okay Milady...do I need to get a nurse to attend to you?” Hiram asked, the concern clear in his voice.

Heather opened her eyes quickly, brought out of her reverie. “No, it’s okay. But could I have another drink do you think?” She handed him the empty glass.

“Of course.” He smiled rakishly. “Champagne suits you Milady.”

Hiram ordered their drinks—champagne and water for them both. He wondered if she had ever had champagne before since her eyes were sparkling and her cheeks flushed. Several times, however, her cheeks had paled, and he had been concerned for her. He felt the stirrings of desire within him. He couldn’t quite believe his luck. She was beautiful. There was something deep about her. She wasn’t some servant girl hoping to be impregnated by the Laird’s son, or even one of the local women who had designs on him. There was a reluctance about her when it came to their union but she had accepted her fate, at least, almost accepted it. But Hiram knew there was much he could do to make their union pleasurable. He was tempted to seduce her here. Give her more champagne, flirt with her a little, but he hesitated. She was different. There was an innocence about her. He supposed if they were going to be together as man and wife, he could wait before seducing her.

Adrenaline pumped through his body. He felt as if he was in the midst of a battle. What was happening? Then he realized. It was the purest attraction. Something deep within him was responding to her. It wasn’t just her looks, although he was drawn to her. It was something else. He couldn’t quite fathom it but wondered if she felt it too. On a physical level, he couldn’t wait for her to be in his bed. He wanted to explore the softness of her body and run his fingers over every curve and make her cry out his name. But her innocence made him want to protect her too and this inner conflict irritated him.