“He was as naked as a wolf. Made­lyne grabbed the blan­ket and threw it to­ward him. "Cover your­self, Dun­can. It isn't de­cent to let me see your legs.”

“Made­lyne, I would like to speak to you in pri­vate after din­ner.""Speak to me about what?" Made­lyne de­manded with a dis­grun­tled look."Men and their horses," Dun­can told her”

“You've given me value, Dun­can. In my heart I know I mat­ter to you.”

“Only after the words were spoken did she realize what she had said. "My sins are all your fault, Brodick, and if I have to go to purgatory, then by God, you're going with me. Ramsey, if you do not stop laughing,I swear I shall toss you over this cliff.""Do you love him, lass?" Father asked."I do not," she answered emphatically."It isn't a requirement," Laggan pointed out."I should hope not," she cried."But it would make your life easier," he countered."Gillian, you will tell the truth," Brodick demanded.He grabbed hold of her hand. She tried to pull back, but he wouldn't let go."I have told the truth. I don't love Ramsey, and if he doesn't stop laughing at me, the Sinclairs will soon be looking for a new laird.""Not Ramsey," Laggan shouted so he could be heard over Ramsey's laughter. "I'm asking you if you love Brodick.""Did you tell Father I love you? Who else did you tell?”

“Your eyes have turned as black as a Crow’s,” she blurted out.He didn’t even blink over her bizarre comment. “Not this time, Christina,” he said in a furious whisper. “Compliments won’t get me off balance again, my little temptress. I swear to God, if you ever again dismiss me so casually, I’m going to––”“Oh, it wasn’t a compliment,” Christina interrupted, letting him see her irritation. “How presumptuous of you to think it was. The Crow is our enemy.”

“Your trying to take them away from me, and I can't let you do that.I'm not ready to let go." "Exactly what am I taking away?" "My family." "Brenna..." She wouldn't let him continue. "You are trying to take them away, aren't you? And if you succeed, what will I have left?" "Me.”

“I don't like seeing you cry. You will stop."I'll give you a promise," he said gruffly. "And then you will cease your worrying."You will have confidence in my ability to protect you," he ordered.You will have faith in me. I command it.”