Dawn Annis by Highlander's Ransom Page B

He wasn’t thinking of all of the ramifications.
    These were all questions plaguing him in the light of day. However, as he sat at the table watching his clansmen around him preparing for another long day, he determined he must see this ransom idea to the end. Too important to send someone other than himself, he had to go. He didn’t have a choice.
    The consequences of a misstep of any kind could be far reaching. The negotiations with the Colquhouns would have to be handled just so to achieve his goal. Though they must not know they were dealing with the MacGregor himself. Such knowledge would put his clan and himself at a greater risk. Better they view him as nothing more than a messenger.
    Few of the Colquhoun clan had seen the MacGregor since he was a boy. He could gain what he'd come for and slip back to Scotland with none the wiser. He would not send a missive or a messenger informing Colquhoun he had taken his wife. That would be sure proof to the king. He would not risk any of his men to do the job for him. Nor would he have the responsibility of the outcome rest anywhere else but his shoulders. Come fair or foul, it was his plan to carry out.
    Shane saw Kate as soon as she descended the stairs. He envied her bright eyes and buoyant step. His mood did not improve with her arrival. She was a reminder of how precarious their situation was just now. He watched as she crossed the hall, gave a brief curtsy, and sat down at the other end of the table. She spoke briefly with Darcey but kept her eyes lowered while she ate her meal. She didn’t look at him. For some reason this bothered him, though he couldn’t fathom why. He saw Iain move over and sit down next to her.
    After a short while, Shane could hear sweet laughter drift toward him. He leaned slightly over and tried to hear what Iain was saying. He didn’t want to appear too obvious, but finally he stepped over to the pair. Iain’s head was bent low toward Kate and he couldn’t hear more than her mumbled words in response to Iain’s calming ones. This did not improve his mood. He knew the attraction Iain was feeling and it irritated him. He was feeling a bit of the attraction himself. He cleared his throat as he sat down next to them. He had never competed with Iain over a woman. This woman was different. She had handled this whole situation with grace. Shane admired her. He knew Iain liked the lass and wanted to show her she was in no real danger.
    “Good morn to ye.”
    Kate turned her attention from Iain. “Good morn to you.”
    “Shane, ye look like ye had a tired night. Dinna ye sleep well.”
    “Nay, too much on my mind,” Shane said with a scowl as his irritation with Iain grew. Iain had brought this mess down on them.
    Shane edged a bit closer and listened to Iain regale Kate with stories about life in the castle as well as the latest bit of gossip. As Kate listened and giggled, Shane joined with a word or two as he watched her. He enjoyed her laughter, the way her eyes danced, her courage in the face of the unknown. He’d told her no harm would come to her. He hoped he could keep his word.
    Shane watched as Kate quieted and lowered her gaze. Her soft mouth moved. She was whispering to herself. Rehearsing.
    “M’lord,” she said quietly yet firmly as she raised her head, “may I have a brief word?”
    Shane gazed upon those green eyes and could not think much less reply right away. He swallowed hard.
    “Yer eyes are extraordinary. Yer a very beautiful woman,” Shane said finally with a croak in his voice. He sat, staring at her until she lowered her lashes. He cleared his throat.
    “Of course,” Shane said, collecting himself. He nodded to Iain to leave.
    Kate sat down on the edge of her chair. She ignored his compliment.
    “M’lord, when will it be possible for me to leave and return to my home?” she said firmly. “I was told I would be able to return home soon and you would not continue your man’s plan for ransom.” Kate put out a