Lord of the Black Isle Read Free

because she knew he was a man in pain. She could not help but respect the way David handled himself with their father, for when it got to be more than he could take, instead of having words with the earl, David and his cousins would go hunting.
    There were times in the past that she was certain the castle would explode from all the game being processed. But the clan members were thankful and held David in high regard, for the Murrays were known for their benevolence toward all their clansmen, and none ever went hungry. The earl’s son had on many occasions ridden among the common folk with his cousins and pack animals loaded with game, which they handed out themselves.
    Ailis remembered David’s younger years, before one could see the indifferent gaze in his eyes and the scornful countenance, for it had been a time when he was quick to excite laughter in others with a wry face or to break out with the delightful sound of his own wonderful laugh or to take up the pipes and play a jig. And his beautiful, smoldering voice could soothe a snarling wolf.
    She worried, too, that David would never marry, for he rejected every opportunity and ignored his father’s efforts to unite him with daughters of powerful Scots, which was a shame in a way, for women adored him, with his black hair and smoldering eyes, the tall frame with the deerhound sleekness, his handsome visage, and the broodingly rebellious hero they saw who aroused their desire to a fever pitch. There was nary a knight in the Highlands who could best him when it came to skill with a sword.
    David had known many women, but he’d never met one he couldn’t walk away from. He knew the glowing coals of desire, the yearning pull of lust, and the fiercely hot flames of making love, which ended as quickly as they came. He never got close to women, other than those in his family. He’d simply learned to keep part of himself separate when it came to them. And even then, when women heard of his proficiency in lovemaking, his devotion to bringing them pleasure, and the detachment that came later, they still thought they could be the one to win his undying love and devotion. Faith! Ailis was beginning to wonder if any woman could.
    â€œWhere is he? By God, I will have a word with him! Send him to see me the moment he arrives!”
    At the sound of his father’s booming voice, David paused ever so briefly and then continued up the stairs, obviously mindful of the ominous staccato of an angry tread approaching from below. “There ye are, slinking into the castle. Did ye come in the back way?”
    David continued up the stairs, having chosen not to respond.
    â€œDavid, I will have a word wi’ ye! Now!”
    David paused, then turned and descended a few stairs and stopped. He looked down upon the earl and, by doing so, had the vantage point—something he knew would not escape his father’s critical eye.
    The earl waited with his customary stern demeanor, tightly drawn lips, and icy blue eyes. “Have ye naught to say?”
    â€œNae, Father. I dinna ha’ any ammunition to give ye today so that ye may fire it back at me. ’Twould be of no use anyway, fer ye have yer opinion of me and naught I can say or do would change it.”
    â€œAnd ye can live with that? Knowing ye are a worthless son and an insult to the Murray name?”
    â€œI have lived with it since I was a boy. I am what ye made me to be, a man like ye… cold, uncaring, and arrogant.” His beautiful, fathomless eyes conveyed everything he felt, everything he could not say.
    â€œIf only it had been ye that died instead of yer brothers.”
    David nodded. “For once we have found something upon which we can agree.”
    â€œFor the love of God! I canna understand why ye are so difficult… why ye must butt heads wi’ me at every turn!”
    David turned and continued up the stairs, but the earl was not finished with him. “Ye