April Holthaus - The MacKinnon Clan 02 (20 page)

Looking at the man, even while sitting down she could tell that he was tall. His shoulders and neck were thick and wide. His hair was medium brown and went slightly past his shoulders. Her eyes were drawn to his dominant jaw line and then up to his eyes. They were as light blue as the sky in the early morning. He was strikingly handsome. He stood up and walked with her father to properly greet her.

This gave Annella the opportunity to admire all of him. Towering over her, he looked like a Roman God. Every muscle appeared perfectly sculpted. She was correct in believing that he was a tall man. He stood about a foot over her head. The colors of his kilt were green and red and showed off his large calves. His stomach muscles and chest, she could tell under his white tunic, must have been solid and strong. And his arms appeared just as powerful as the rest of him.

At least this one is good looking, she thought. She wondered what it would be like to be held in such big arms as his. The warmth and protection she would feel while he tightened his hold around her. Where did that thought come from? I should no’ be having these wanton thoughts, I am no’ marrying him, she scolded herself.

“Annella lass, this is Laird Rory MacKinnon, Chieftain of the MacKinnon clan at Dunakin Castle. I had known his father Laird Duncan since we were wee bairns. God rest his soul,” her father said a little choked up when he mentioned his old friend.

“My father often spoke verra highly of ye, my laird,” he replied.

Her father smiled in acknowledgement. “This is my eldest daughter, Annella.”

As he introduced Annella as his daughter, Rory was taken aback in surprise. Hamish was not what one would call an attractive man by any means. He was a giant Highlander with a heavy red beard and protruding round belly. It was hard to believe that this beautiful petite lass who was standing in front of him, was his daughter.

Hamish turned his attention to Annella and said, “Laird MacKinnon has come to ask for…”

Immediately Annella’s heart dropped in her chest. She pleaded to herself, Dinna say my hand, please dinna say my hand.

“ … men to join him and for supplies,” her father continued. “They have traveled from the Isle of Skye on an important mission to Stirling.”

“Good day, my lady. It is a pleasure to meet ye,” Rory said as he slightly bowed his head.

Annella raised her brow in confusion. Trying to compose herself and control her breathing she simply responded by nodding her head in return.

“My laird, there is food prepared for the nooning if ye and yer men will join us for a meal,” Hamish offered and placed his hand on his shoulder to direct him back towards the dais. 

Rory could tell that Annella was fairly nervous as she lightly bit her bottom lip. Her lips were plush and soft pink. They were kissable lips. Rory wondered what they would taste like. Her large round eyes were a beautiful hazel color and she had a small trace of freckles on the bridge of her nose. He had bedded many women before but none of them stirred his groin the way she was causing him now.

As much as Rory wanted to lift her skirt and indulge in his carnal pleasure, he had more important matters to attend. Besides, she was innocent and he did not have the right nor would he ever take what wasn’t his.

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About the Author

April lives in central Minnesota with her husband and they are expecting their first child March 2014. April developed her passion of historical romances through her love of history and genealogy. Over the last several years she has compiled her family tree finding over 350 bloodline grandparents dating back to the 1100s. Her family roots come from Ireland, England, France, Poland and Sweden.

When not working or writing, April enjoys spending time with family, reading and being outdoors.

For more information about April and her upcoming books please follow her at:

www.facebook.com/author.april.holthaus

Dear Readers,

Please feel free to drop me a line. I love hearing from you! If you have enjoyed this book, I hope you have the opportunity to read Book One:
The Honor of a Highlander
as well as my next book
Highland Daydreams
, Book Three in the MacKinnon Clan Series scheduled to be released Summer of 2014.

~
April K Holthaus