The Highlander's Hope - A Contemporary Highland Romance Read Free

miss nothing.  Best to skirt the truth then, and see if it would be enough to gain her the access she needed.
    “I’ve found some information regarding the movement of funds leading up to the revolution and think your clan may have played a significant role in the transfer.  It’s that role that I want to investigate—and the route of the monies.  It could be of considerable historic importance and your clan would have been key.”
    Iain sat back in his chair, his legs stretched out before him as he sipped his tea.  “Ye’ll pardon my saying so, but I’m not buying it, lass.  The war was centuries ago, and I’d imagine historians have looked at every aspect of the war, a dozen times over. So if ye have new information, I’d like to know what it is.”
    She could n’t tell him.  There was still too little to go on.  Not enough clues.  “Honestly, I would love to tell you, but first I need to know that I’m on the right track.”
    Iain let out a scoff and shook his head, but she pressed on, hoping to convince him.  “Truth be told, I can’t do this without your help.  Everything leads to your clan—to this home and this land.  I can’t take the next step without more information.  But I swear, once I’m a bit more certain of what I’ve found, I’ll tell you everything I know.”
    It was as honest as she could be for now .  She just hoped it would be enough. 
    “Son , I probably should’ve asked ye first, but I’ve already promised the lass our help, and truth is I want to help her.  I’d like to know what role our clan played in the uprising.”
    Iain reached out and put a hand on his father’s arm with a sigh, his words still holding onto a hint of his annoyance.  “Very well then, if it’ll make you happy.”

 
     
     
    Chapter Two
     
    Iain wondered what Cat was truly up to.  Clearly, she was being less than honest with them, and yet his father seemed smitten, even inviting her to dine with them for the evening. 
    At any other time, he wouldn’t have minded helping her, but his brother had gotten himself into a world of trouble and the last thing he needed was a snooping historian.  If the tabloids found out the trouble his family was in, they’d have a field day.  Though his reputation as a shrewd businessman was never harmed by the string of models he dated, his brother’s troubles could have a real impact on his business dealings.
    Looking across the table at his father an d Cat chatting like old friends made him want to curse.  He couldn’t deny the old man the pleasure, for there was little to make him happy as of late.  It just meant he’d have to keep a sharp eye on her, and try to make the most of it—for his father’s sake.
    With dinner over, he got to his feet to clear the table.
    “Here, let me give you a hand.”  Cat gathered the dirty dishes from their meal and followed him to the kitchen, but not before throwing a smile in his father’s direction.  
    Curses.
    “I appreciate the help.”  Iain put the dishes in the sink, and then took the ones she was carrying.  “Listen, about earlier today—on the road.  I’m sorry, aye?  I’d have been happy to change your flat.”
    She shrugged, tucking a dark curl behind her ear, avoiding his gaze.  “I didn’t really give you the chance.”
    “I nearly killed ye.  It left me shaken .”  By the gods, he’d played it in his head over and over in an endless loop since it happened.  Despite not wanting her around, nearly hitting her had left him mortified.  “I hope ye’ll be more careful next time.  You can’t go parking around blind turns like that.”
    S he may have avoided looking at him earlier, but he now had her full attention, her green eyes locked on his, fire raging within them.
    “Really?  You want to have that conversation again?”  Her cheeks flushed as she cocked her head to the side in question.  “I can’t believe you’re still trying to pin this whole thing on me.