The Wicked Seduction of Wallace MacLeod: MacLeods of Skye, #5

By J R Salisbury

After Wallace MacLeod scandalizes his family in a brazen attempt to put a stop to the wedding of the woman he thinks he loves, Wallace flees to the small cottage he's built on land his father left him on Loch Coruisk. There he intends to make good on his dream to raise and train the finest racers. Women can just be damned. Or at least he says that. . .until he is reacquainted with Lady Catriona Gordon, and falls head over heels in love.

Lady Catriona Gordon discerns that the rumors of the wild Wallace MacLeod are just that - rumors. She finds him handsome, generous and deliciously wicked. She also knows he dangerous to her reputation, but throws caution to the wind, falling madly in love with Wallace.

Twists and turns become a way of life as the couple settles into their new life. Who is behind the accidents and destruction that seem to follow them. Is it a jilted suitor who was not at all happy with her choice of a husband or is it someone closer to the young pair.

The Wicked Seduction of Wallace MacLeod is the fifth book in the MacLeods of Skye series. Each book is a standalone and can be enjoyed out of order.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jamie Salisbury
• Release date: Dec 4, 2022
• ISBN: 9798215341896

J R Salisbury

Writing historical romance stories with passion and sass, J R Salisbury also writes as Jamie Salisbury . Her books are self published . Music, traveling and history are among her passions when not writing. Her previous career in public relations in and around the entertainment field has afforded her with a treasure trove of endless story ideas.

Book preview

The Wicked Seduction of Wallace MacLeod

MacLeods of  Skye - book 5

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Chapter One

Isle of Skye

Being the youngest brother of Rory MacLeod, helped young Wallace everywhere he went. His older brother was a powerful man and the MacLeod's were well respected. However, at the same time, being Rory MacLeod's sibling could also be a curse.

Wallace knew a great many things. He just finished university at St. Andrews where he honed his skill in languages. French and Italian were his favorites. He learned to read Latin as well. A language he fumbled with.

He could drink far more than his friends. After all, his family owned the best whiskey distillery in all Scotland. He had lots of practice throughout the years.

He knew Shakespeare and could fence with the best.

He knew all a gentleman ought to know, and excelled in everything. Everything except matters of the heart. For that, Wallace failed miserably.

And in spite of all that education, Wallace had nothing to make him stand apart from his older brothers.

Which was too bad, because he managed to find himself at the wedding of his beloved Ainslee, who was marrying his cousin James MacLeod.

. . .if any man can show any just cause why they may not lawfully be joined together, let him now speak, or else here after forever hold his peace, the priest droned on.

Before either of his brothers, Donnan or Mac, who were seated on either side of him could stop him, Wallace MacLeod jumped to his feet. Don't! Don't marry him, Ainslee! he gasped as loud as he could.

The bouquet slipped from her hands as she turned to face him. Her mouth was open with shock.

She looked especially beautiful this day, her long red hair swept up off her neck. It wasn't the Marquess of Dunbar she should be standing next to in front of the priest. It should be him.  But the marriage had been arranged between his distant cousin, James MacLeod, the Marquess of Dunbar and dear, sweet Ainslee.

Don't do it, Ainslee, he said. He fought off his brothers as they attempted to force him to sit back down and jumped over the four people separating him from the aisle.

Wallace moved toward her with the look of a man who knew what he wanted.  He wanted Ainslee Stewart more than any man should have the right to want any woman. No one uttered a word as he made his way down the aisle. All eyes were on him.

I love you. Don't do it. I beg of you, don't. He didn't care what anyone thought of him at this very moment. At least today, the world would know she held his heart.

Tears ran down her face as he neared. For a moment she turned to look at Dunbar, whose face was pinched and unreadable. He did not appear happy at all for being embarrassed like this. Who could blame him, but she didn't love him, and he wouldn't let her go until he was sure. Sure that he'd exhausted every avenue of pursuit.

Marry me, he said, the words pouring from his heart.

The congregation stopped breathing as the awaited her answer.

But before she could give an answer, the marquess interrupted. MacLeod, you have a lot of nerve trying to put a stop to our wedding.

She doesn't love you, Wallace said in a firm voice. She loves me.

She is betrothed to me. An arranged marriage as you very well recall. The marquess nodded, looking out into the congregation.

Wallace felt his brother Donnan's hand on his shoulder. Come, brother.

He shook his head. No, I will not leave until I have her answer.

Donnan bent down, and whispered. It is an arranged marriage. There is nothing you can do unless Dunbar walks away, and he's not likely to do so.

I told you, I will not leave until she answers.

His brother nudged him. You won't embarrass, Rory, Mother or the rest of us with your foolishness. Now move, runt.

Wallace turned back toward the altar and Ainslee. How could she do this to him? Why had she led him along all these months, promising to marry him.

Ainslee walked toward him and Donnan, tears still streaming down her face.

You must go Wallace. I cannot marry you, she whispered.

With those words she turned and strode back to the altar. No one in the congregation knew who to look at. Ainslee or Wallace.

Wallace turned and without looking at his brother retreated down the aisle, trying to keep his eyes on the ground. Anywhere but on the faces whose eyes followed him as he left.

Something to his right forced him to look up. His eldest brother, Rory. The hard, unforgiving expression on Rory's face told him he would be subjected to his wrath later. For now he simply wanted to get as far away from this church as he could.

As he and Donnan descended the last step, he felt his brother take him by the arm and force him to accompany him to a small flower garden which sat to the right of the church.

Have you lost your mind, Wallace MacLeod?

No, I have not.

Do you not know the lass was simply using you on the chance Dunbar might let her out of the marriage?

Wallace's eyes flared. Ainslee would never do that.

Then why did she refuse you just now? Why did she embarrass you in front of everyone by declining your gallant, if not misguided marriage proposal?

He shook his head. I don't know. I felt sure she would come with me.

Donnan clapped his brother's shoulder. We've been telling you the lass was using you. You are the youngest son I'm afraid, and Dunbar offers much more.

Aye, you have. It still hurts, Donnan.

I know, he replied. Come, you can't stay here. I've got to take you home.

Home to await my brother's wrath.

Your brother and laird. Donnan corrected. Their oldest brother was chief of Clan MacLeod as well as a duke. He was known not only in Scotland, but England as well for being a fair man. Rory demanded and got the respect and loyalty of everyone he met.  Wallace, as the youngest had to work for him. He was a disappointment to Rory, or so he thought. He'd just finished university, St. Andrews and  had not settled in the way Rory would have wanted. Still, he was young and had time for things like babies or a wife. Until Ainslee.

I meant no disrespect. I imagine he'll banish me.

Donnan cleared his throat. His brother was madly in love with his wife Roslyn, and the two of them had done their best to keep him occupied with various jobs to remove him from Rory's sight. He traveled as far as London on more than one occasion, and once more his brother was protecting him.

* * *

Wallace was sitting in one of the rather large comfortable leather chairs in front of Rory's desk. They were in his brother's study where Rory droned on and on about what had occurred earlier. Rory stood behind his desk, a mere matter of feet from him as he went on and on about how the entire family had been mortified because of his unthought through stunt.

He wasn't really paying attention. There were far more important things on his mind besides listening to Rory dress him down.

Wallace!

He peered up. Rory's arms were crossed, which was never a good sign.

Have you heard a word I've said? Rory bellowed.

No, he hadn't, but he would never allow Rory to know. Embarrassment, he replied, hoping the word had been used within the past five minutes.

It's far past time you found some direction in your life, Rory droned on. Since you seem incapable of this, I intend to do it for you.

There it was. He would be banished in one form or fashion. The MacLeods were far reaching, and had business interests not only on Skye, but in several other locations as well. What had Rory chosen for him this time.

Before you do, tell me something, brother. Did Ainslee marry Dunbar?

That is no longer your concern, but since the damage is done, yes. Yes, she married Dunbar.

Wallace hung his head. Perhaps Donnan was right. Then it is settled, he whispered.

He nodded, looking down at the floor, rather than look his brother in the eye.

I've made a decision. You will go Inverness. I own a small farm near Inverness. You will go and over see the running of the estate for the next year.

What? You can't do that. I've been helping Donnan with the whiskey.

Aye, you have. Now you will oversee this farm and the grain raised there for our whiskey.

Send someone else. I refuse to be banished to some farm, he challenged.

Rory cocked a brow and gave him a cold, hard stare. No one questioned Rory MacLeod. No one. You'll do as I say, Wallace MacLeod.

You always get your way. You're sending me off  because I made you look a fool in front of your friends.

Choose your words wisely brother. You're only making things worse for yourself.

Well I refuse to be banished to some remote farm until you decide I've learned my lesson.

I will not discuss the matter with you further. You'll leave in two days. Pack your things and prepare yourself to leave.

Why? I'm of age. I don't have to do what you command. You're not my father!

No, I'm not your father.  I'm your laird, brother, and the head of this family! That is why. Don't question me, brother. Do as you're told and the quicker you'll get to return home.

Wallace rose to his full height. Are you through? May I leave?

No! I'm far from through with you, brother.

Knowing he'd pushed his older brother to his limits, Wallace walked over to a sideboard where Rory kept a selection of whiskey, port and brandy. He picked up the whiskey decanter and poured himself a glass all the way to the brim.

Turning to face his brother, he sat back down in the chair he'd vacated, and drank the entire glass in one swallow. Please, do tell.

Do you have even a clue as to what your actions have done to this family?

James is our cousin, he won't stay angry with me too long.

Rory shook his head. Wrong answer! I don't give a damn about James nor his feelings. What I do care deeply about is how you've embarrassed my wife, our mother...I could go on, but I'll stop with those two, he spat. Did you really think you could get away with that stunt?

Yes, I did.

So you've had an affair with our cousin's betrothed, and feel no remorse for either that or for trying to stop the wedding?

Yes, I've had an affair with Ainslee and I'm not about to apologize for it. And no, I feel no remorse for trying to keep her from making the mistake of her life.

The lass has known she was destined to marry James since she was a wee lass, Wallace. I don't mean to sound cruel, but isn't it possible she was playing you along all this time?

No, she would never do that to me. We made plans. We were going to be together.

How? Neither James nor her father would have allowed that. If she was serious about being with you, she'd have never let things progress as they had today.

He refused to listen to his brother speak such as this against the one woman in all the world he loved. In his eyes Ainslee had been forced into this union.

Wallace, let her go. No good will every come of it. You've done a terrible wrong and I mean to teach you a lesson. You'll go to Inverness. . .

Never! I refuse to do your bidding. I'll not go to Inverness.

You leave in two days. Don't make this any harder than it already is, Wallace.

This time Wallace rose one last time. Go to hell! I am not going! he spat and walked out of his brother's study. He slammed the door shut behind him, and thankfully there was no one to be found in the corridor. They were there though. His brothers, perhaps his sister-in-laws and mother. All waiting for it to be over.

Chapter Two

Isle of Skye

Six Months Later

Loch Coruisk, one of the wildest and uninhabited loch's on the Isle of Skye. A place where Wallace often went to be by himself. The MacLeod clan owned lands aside the loch, and years ago, before he died, Wallace's father had given each of his children a parcel of land on one of the MacLeod holdings. His father had known  how much he loved Loch Coruisk leaving Wallace with a large parcel of land at water's edge.

Though he was the youngest of the MacLeod brothers, he knew the isle far better than any of them. He knew of probably every hiding nook and cranny on Skye. Donnan was the only one who was aware of his younger brother's ability to hide, and he would go to his grave before revealing him.

He'd planned for something like this, though he never thought he'd have to hide there alone.

He had walked out of the house, a castle in reality and to the stables. There he saddled his bay gelding. Swinging his leg over the horse's back, he trotted out of what had once been the bailey. He urged the bay into a gallop. Out of sight of his family home as he headed deep into the forest.

As he approached a downed tree, he came to a halt. He dismounted and walked closer. Wallace pulled needed supplies he'd collected and left the day before.  Securing them behind his saddle he remounted and pushed on.

He'd managed to persuade Rory to not send him to Inverness after Donnan came to his aide, telling their older brother Wallace would be of more use for the present working at the distillery. Rory finally agreed, and Wallace bided his time, collecting supplies and preparing for his departure.

Over the past month he'd made sure the cottage was prepared. He'd purchased dry goods in Portee along with supplies for the horses. He'd taken more than enough hay, stealing it away from the family pole barns where hay was stored using a wagon he'd bought. Grain had been purchased from a farmer on the main land so as not to alert Rory.

He spent every spare chopping wood and making sure there were enough felled trees near the cottage just for that purpose when supply ran low. Everything was in place. For now the cottage would be home. Home until Rory grew tired of trying to assert his will on his youngest brother.

Perhaps he would go to the continent. Paris came to mind. He had friends there. He would find work easily enough. He was adept in many things, cards for one. He knew whiskey better than most, helping with his brother Donnan's shipments.

Wallace also had money. Over the past months he'd stashed sums of cash in and around the cottage. There was more than enough to see him through. He would rent a place nowhere near the townhouse the family owned in Paris. Without Ainslee he would be able to move about a lot easier.

For now he would bide his time here in the small cottage. Rory would tire, thinking Wallace had run off to Edinburgh or London. When the time was right he would move on, sneaking off the isle and on his way to the eastern coast where he could board a ship bound for France.

A thought crossed his mind, one he hadn't thought of before. France. He was fluent in French, though Paris might be where Rory would go to look for him. If his brother decided to look for him.

Two days later as he was stacking wood, he heard horses approaching. He was about to turn and retrieve his rifle from the cottage, when his brothers Donnan and Rory appeared from amongst the trees.

How did you find me?

We're not as daft as you might think, Donnan said. He dismounted his large white gelding and tied him to a post.

Rory sat looking at his surroundings. Their father had given each of his sons large tracks of land. Wallace's happened to be here because he loved coming to the loch. Rory of course was given nothing as he was the eldest and would one day become chief and duke.

We're here on a more urgent matter, Rory said. Our cousin, Stuart's wife has died. You need to come home to support him. You can stay in the one of the cottages should you not wish to stay in your rooms.

Wallace arched a brow. I can?

Yes, because you're a single, young man who is quite independent and doesn't need his life being scrutinized by his mother or sister-in-laws.

Chapter Three

The family came together for a funeral. He stood directly behind his cousin, Stuart as they stood in the gave yard. The only weeping he heard was from the girl's mother.

He and Stuart had been close growing up, his cousin being three years older. The age difference never meant anything. Not until Stuart up and married a young girl from the nearby village while he was away at St. Andrews. Now here they were burying the young lass after she'd died in childbirth, resulting in the death of both mother and child.

Gazing across the church yard at Stuart, Wallace was surprised at the composure his cousin maintained under the circumstances.

Norma had come to Stuart carrying another man's child. She had teased him until she wore him down, and all he could think of was possessing her. He hadn't known this when he married the girl, and their relationship had been tumultuous at best.

Behind him, Wallace heard someone sniff and whisper, Such a tragedy.

Then the service was over. The family walked back to the MacLeod castle where Rory and his wife Victoria hosted refreshments.

Rory had invited Stuart to spend the night or as much time as he needed at the castle. Stuart refused, but instead taking Wallace up on his offer to come stay at Stuart's home.

As Stuart worked at the distillery, his large, comfortable cottage was not far from the castle. Wallace wondered if his cousin dreaded going back to an empty house. There was something off in Stuart's actions, something Wallace hadn't figured out. Probably his cousin was merely overcome with grief. Wallace hadn't been around too many people who'd lost a spouse. Only his mother, and he was young when his father died.

Watch after him for a couple of days, Rory had told him. Donnan has given him time off so he can come to grips with his loss.

I'll try my best, but you know as well as I do Stuart can be very closed mouth when he wants to be.

Which is why you're going to go home with him.

He would do better here among us. Perhaps I can talk him into it.

Just let him have some space Wallace. Be there for him if he wishes to speak of Norma.

I will.

They looked across the room. Stuart had just sat down on a couch that was near the fire. Wallace moved across the carpet and flopped down beside him. Horrible day.

Stuart nodded. He twisted in his seat so that he was facing Wallace. I'm glad you were able to be here. Thank you for coming to stay with me. I really didn't want to stay here.

I understand. My brothers and mother mean well, but can be smothering. Besides what else has a newly minted college graduate have to do?

They both laughed. It was the first time Wallace had seen his cousin show any emotion since his wife had died. 

I suppose we shouldn't be sitting here laughing. People wouldn't understand, Stuart murmured.

No, and it's probably best you mingle with people. There are a lot of them. Rory says some came as far as Edinburgh.

Aye, friends of Norma's.

Come on, at least there's good food and whiskey, Wallace replied.

They both stood up and looked about the room at all the people that were there for such a solemn occasion. Some were watching them, others were too busy catching up with people they hadn't seen to notice.

Aye. I made a fool of myself in front of everyone, thinking a lass I loved felt the same and would walk away from her wedding, and you. . .you've lost your wife. And we aren't even all that old.

No, we aren't.

They began walking towards Wallace's brother, Kent. Wallace hadn't seen him since he arrived and wondered what he was up to. Recently Rory had forgiven him for whatever transgression Kentgem had done. As Wallace hadn't been around much he paid little attention to family squabbles.

Kent, thank you for coming, Stuart began.

You're family. I'd be no relation if I didn't pay my respects, he replied, eyeing Wallace. Runt, what are you going to do now that you finally finished university?

Helping Donnan for now.

Yes, I heard about the situation at the wedding and Rory demanding to send you off. I'm glad to see one of us stand up to him.

Where have you been keeping yourself, Kent? Stuart asked. He accepted a whiskey from a passing footman and held the glass as he waited for his cousin's answer.

Edinburgh mainly. I've been running Donnan's or should I say the MacLeod importing company.

Ah, yes. You still import brandy? Stuart inquired.

Among other things. He cast a look at Wallace. I can always use someone to help me, if you're interested.

Thank you, I'm flattered you would think of me, Wallace replied.

It would get you out from under Rory's thumb.

Wallace shook his head. "Right now I'm helping Donnan out in the distillery a few times a week, but if Rory starts intruding on my personal