Kate Robbins - The Highland Chiefs Series 03 by Enemy of the Highlander Page B

now. No doubt Fergus had an inkling something might occur between them for Nessia headed straight for Freya and ushered her out of the hall.
    “Was that necessary?” Ronan asked Fergus.
    “You know damned well it was. If I have to chain you to keep you away from her until the issue is resolved with the MacKenzie and you are wed, I will.”
    “If he agrees on the morrow, can we be wed the same day?”
    Fergus shook his head and laughed. “No, you cannot. She is my sister and deserves a proper wedding feast, Ronan. And so I suggest you cool off in the kyle if you cannot control your desires.”
    At that moment, Fergus’s suggestion was probably the only thing that would help him. Ronan left MacKay house to do just that.
    * * *
    “You cannot keep me prisoner in my own home, Nessia.”
    “I can and I will. Your brother is laird here, and as his wife, I tell you to stay away from Ronan until the matter is settled with the MacKenzies. I understand the burn of passion better that you realize, but having a tryst with Ronan while you are still promised to another man is not only shameful, it is also dangerous.”
    Nessia was right, but Freya could not believe restricting her movements throughout MacKay house was necessary. Then again, had they not been interrupted, she and Ronan would likely be ravaging one another in the secret chamber at that very moment. Her belly tightened.
    “It was not our intention to dishonour our families or the clans, Nessia.”
    Nessia took her hands and squeezed. “I ken that, love. I remember when you were meeting with him two years ago. You were like a woman possessed, like your very next breath depended on seeing him.”
    “’Tis like that now. Nessia, I cannot think when he is near. I only want him touching me and I him.”
    “I know what that feels like too. Fergus and I share a powerful bond that I do not think anything could break, but we never betrayed William, Freya. This is what I am trying to get through to you. If everyone else found out about your behaviour with Ronan, you would be labelled and would bring shame upon us all. Surely, you can stay away from him for a few days.”
    Freya was not sure that she could, but she nodded to Nessia. “I shall try.”
    “Good. Now, you are to take your meals in your chamber and only come to me to help with the bairns when I bid you. I understand that will be difficult”
    “I will not disappoint you, sister.”
    Nessia left the chamber and Freya heard a distinct click of the lock turning from the outside. She shook her head. She was not the same lass who would do anything to reclaim her freedom any more. She was a woman full grown who understood the gravity of the situation they all faced.
    Freya walked to the window and stared out over the kyle. Tomorrow she would learn her fate and she prayed all would go in hers and Ronan’s favour. Now that she had had a taste of him again, she was not so sure she could let him go, much less let another man touch her.
     

Chapter Ten
     
    The approaching horses filled his gut with dread and excitement. He had never experienced such a surge of fluttering in his entire life. Ronan waited until the MacKenzie party was all inside and seated before looking sideways at Fergus. The man’s scowl spoke volumes. He clearly did not want to break the arrangement.
    Damn. Would he go through with it?
    “Is aught well?” MacKenzie asked when Fergus did not offer libations or food straight away.
    “Aye, all our plans still stand,” he said. “But I do have a matter to discuss with you concerning the betrothal between Freya and your son.”
    Ronan noted Rorie sitting straighter, his brow furrowing. Not a powerfully negative reaction by any stretch, but his father was another matter. The MacKenzie slammed his fist on the table and stood.
    “We had an agreement MacKay! Do you tell me you wish to break it?”
    Fergus stood and leaned forward. “I wish to discuss an alternative which would benefit us