Highland Flame (Highland Brides) by Lois Greiman

least."
    "There are those who say I will be dead first," Roderic admitted.
    "Mayhap that will happen when the lass shows ye her other pets," Troy suggested.
    "I await the introductions with baited breath," Roderic said.
    Flame watched the exchange. Was there comradery of a sort developing here? Or was it antagonism. It was difficult to tell. Only a few days ago, her men had screamed for justice, had insisted that they make the Forbes pay. But now they seemed intrigued by Roderic, cautious and sometimes fearful, but also amused and impressed. 'Twas like that among her wild kinsmen, she thought. Love and hate were so similar. Rage and respect only a heartbeat apart. She knew that, and yet she resented any admiration they might spare Roderic, for each day she fought to gain a little respect for herself and her leadership. Surely, it was not right or good that be could easily earn what she so desperately desired.
    "Mayhap ye should show him yer other steeds, lady," Bullock suggested.
    Flame felt her resentment build. "I have better things to do than entertain prisoners. And so do ye,'' she said, turning toward her men.
    "Hamilton," she said, "'tis your task to see that Forbes does not escape." Troy was older and not as easily impressed by a glib tongue—she hoped. "If ye have need of me I will be on the green."
    She could feel Forbes' gaze on her back as she turned to go. Lochan followed her of his own accord. Horses thrust their heads over half doors as she passed. She heard Lochan stop to stamp and squeal a challenge, but she refused to turn around. She could not bear to meet Roderic's gaze, for somehow she was sure he would see who she really was, a small lass still begging for acceptance. He would know how she struggled for the smallest smidgen of respect. He would know her every weakness.
     
    Roderic watched her go, saw Lochan trot after her when she whistled. Never had he met a woman with her strength.
    "So even a hound will drool after a princess." Troy's words broke into Roderic's reverie, and he realized suddenly that the huge warrior had been watching him closely for some time.
    "What the devil are ye speak of, ye half-brained Wolfhound?" he asked irritably. Why could he not be spared five minutes alone with the lady? He had felt, for an instant, that he was very near to learning something important about her. Something that would shed some light on who she was.
    Troy snorted. "There are men who are wise enough na ta insult me ta me face, lad."
    "And there are men with balls," countered Roderic. "I happen ta be the latter."
    The big man laughed. "Ye've got grit, I'll give ye that, but have ye got staying power?"
    "Have ye come ta test me strength, then?" asked Roderic.
    "Nay, I have come ta learn the truth. Why did ye kill her messenger? Why have ye raided her herds?"
    Roderic felt his stomach knot. Tension and frustration were building to a keen edge inside him. "Are ye so daft that ye think I willna take offense to yer accusations or are ye hoping for a fight, Wolfhound?"
    Hamilton snorted and placed his fists to his hips. Though he was many years older than Roderic, he was also half a head taller and three stone heavier. None of the weight was fat. "Why would I wish ta fight with a wee one like yerself, Forbes?"
    "I dunna ken, Wolfhound," said Roderic, sizing up the other. "Mayhap ta rile up yer clansmen when I wound ye. Mayhap, ye are looking ta cause trouble."
    "And why would I want that?"
    "Ye're not a MacGowan, are ye, Troy? And though ye act like an ally, mayhap ye have some grudge against this clan. Or mayhap against the Flame herself."
    Troy's expression had gone very solemn. "Ye've na idea what ye're speaking of, lad."
    "She trusts ye," Roderic continued, watching his eyes. "She trusts yer judgment. Why did ye wish to send Simon to speak with me brother? And why send him alone? Could it be ye were planning to kill him yerself?"
    The big man's body was tense, his voice low. "Any ideas why I would do