Page 20 of Her Accidental Highlander Husband

“He’s a tall, thin lad. Only ten and six, but filling out now since he’s been working with us daily.” He heard the pride in his own voice. “He might even make a good war chief someday.”

“You would give up your duties?” his wife asked innocently.

She clearly wasn’t familiar with this life. Even though she’d grown up in the Highlands, her father would most likely have protected her from the reality of battle between clans.

“I would not give them up. But if the worst happened…” He let his words sit there in the darkness. It was important that she understand the risks of his position. That she know what she had unintentionally signed up for.

“I see.” Those two words spoken with a slight shudder told more than their weight. She had only known him a few days, and already she did not want him to leave her. Even if only because she needed his protection.

It was the thing he’d most worried about, remembering his mother and the way she fretted when his father went off to battle. How could Cam do that to a woman? How could he put her aside to jump on his horse when she wailed and begged him not to go?

This was exactly what he did not want in his life. Survival was at the top of his goals when fighting, but would his mind be distracted with thoughts of Mari worrying about him?

Maybe his warning would push her away. Now that she realized his life could be gone with the echo of a war cry, she would protect her heart.

And he would find a way to protect his.

“It’s why I don’t think it wise for a war chief to take a wife. The job leaves widows behind. I ken it well enough having lived so when my da went to fight and dinna come home.”

“But you were promised to marry another,” Marian pointed out. He was glad to change the subject. He didn’t want to discuss such somber topics. He’d wanted her to know the truth, but knowing it and dwelling on it were two different things.

“I’d not say promised, but planned for certain. A McCurdy lass.”

“You didn’t find her to be…compatible?”

He heard what she was really asking and hid his smile. She wanted to know if he was interested in someone else. He thought of toying with her to see if she’d break out in jealousy but feared he might end up disappointed.

“I’ve never met her. In truth, none of us even knew the McCurdy had a daughter, so no one knows much about her.” He shrugged. “It doesna matter now. I’m married to you.” When she remained silent, he went on. “Besides, I have been telling Lach we don’t need to marry into an alliance with the bloody McCurdys, whose word isn’t worth a piss in the wind.” He cleared his throat. “Pardon my language.” The lass had been married to a bloody duke, and here he was speaking coarse in front of her.

She laughed and shook her head. “It’s fine. It’s been a while since I’ve heard such talk, but I assure you, I shall not swoon.”

He smiled and went on.

“I’m training my men so we’ll be ready to take over the McCurdy clan whenever an opportunity presents itself.”

“A war?” she said with wide eyes.

“Aye. I think it’s the only way to assure our access to the sea. I think the McCurdy will marry off his daughter to get what he wants from us—coin—and then he’ll find some way to turn his back on the agreement. It’s always been his way to cheat.”

“But you said Lachlan doesn’t agree?”

“Nay. He wants a peaceful agreement.”

It was clear Marian agreed with the laird. Most women he’d met preferred peace to war. Even Kenna, who was generally bloodthirsty, didn’t want to go that route.

“I’m not daft,” Cam said. “I know we would lose men. But I think, if we’re clever, we could bring down the McCurdy laird and his sons. Once they no longer hold power, I believe the rest of the clan will easily swear allegiance to Clan MacKinlay. It’s a simple matter of which laird can keep their bellies full. McCurdy is notoriously miserly with his people.”

“Still. It seems an extreme measure just to avoid a marriage you didn’t want. Especially since you ended up shackled anyway.” She frowned, and he reached out to squeeze her hand.

“Aye. We’re in a marriage neither of us wanted, but that doesn’t mean we canna use it to our advantage. You will keep me from having to marry someone who might expect more of me. And you have the protection of my clan.”

“You’re suggesting this is a good thing?”

“I’m suggesting it can be a good thing, so long as we both understand what can and canna be between us.”

She pinched her bottom lip in an enticing way as she took a few moments to think it through. He was proud of her for deliberating her future so thoroughly.

“I think you’re right,” she finally said. “So long as we agree it will never be a real marriage, I don’t see the harm in being legally bound to you.”