A tragic sigh escaped Finn’s lips. “I’m not sure that’s true.” He shifted his weight under Dallan’s uncomfortable scrutiny. He didn’t want to come out and say he’d bedded her, but Dallan deserved to know the extent of his betrayal.
Finn knew the moment Dallan understood his meaning.
Dallan’s eyes narrowed, his voice dangerously low. “You’ve spent an awful lot of time alone with my sister,” he growled. “Finn, if you bedded her, I swear to God—”
Finn didn’t need to hear the threat. He deserved whatever justice Dallan had in mind, and he would endure it.
“I did.”
Chapter Thirty
Eva couldn’t recalla time when she’d been happier. She was making measurable progress on her harp skills. Her horrid cousin, Baeth, was no longer a threat to her family. And, most importantly, because she was finally safe from Baeth, she could build a life with Finn.
A glowing summer afternoon greeted her as she left her quarters for dinner in the feasting hall. She would be early, as always, to ensure all was in order before the men arrived. Before she took three steps, Cormac intercepted her.
“Well met, Lady Eva,” he said, standing directly in her way.
She peeked around him, and he moved to block her again. “Is something amiss?”
“I think it best if you return to your quarters. We have an unwelcome guest near the hall.” His tone gave away nothing.
“I see.” It was probably related to the impending trip to Caiseal for the final trial, Eva supposed. “That’s just as well. I need to speak with you anyway.”
Cormac relaxed noticeably.
Apparently, he’d been expecting her to be more uncooperative. Eva didn’t know if she should be flattered or insulted over that.
“I wish to accompany the men to Caiseal,” she told him.
Cormac grimaced, his eyes softening. “I’m afraid I cannot allow it, Eva. Brian specifically requested that you remain here.”
“Well, you see, that’s the problem. I must speak with Brian. In person.”
“Is this about Finn?” he asked.
Eva took a step back, propelled by the shock of his query. “What? No. It’s about Dallan.” And maybe also Finn, but she wanted to keep that quiet until she spoke with Brian.
“I won’t pretend to be blind to your affection for our charming bard,” he told her in a gentle tone. “But I don’t know that Brian will like the thought of Sitric’s hostage marrying aFin Gallman, Fianna or no.”
Eva’s pulse quickened. Had Finn told Cormac something? Or was he simply that observant? Even more concerning, were she and Finn that obvious? “Cormac,” she hastened, “I don’t know what you think is going on, but I assure you I mean to speak with Brian about my brother. Urgently.”
She wasn’t lying either. She wanted to speak with Brian about Finn, aye, but her greatest concern was her brother’s freedom from hostageship. She couldn’t control his acceptance to the Fianna or his willingness to join, as Finn had pointed out, but she could damn well ensure that any risk to his life wasn’t on her account.
Before Cormac could respond, Dallan appeared behind him, storming toward them from the hall.
“EVA!” he shouted angrily.
Uh oh. She had no idea what he wanted, but she knew she was in trouble.
Cormac turned to stop him, but Dallan didn’t slow down as he neared them.
“Eva!” he yelled again. Now that he was closer, Eva saw the fury in his face, the wildness in his eyes. “Did you, or did you not, bed Finn?”
Oh, bad.
She turned around and ran for her quarters, slamming the door just in time. A loud thud and a heavy push told her Dallan had run straight past Cormac.
“Eva! You can’t ignore me forever! Answer the question!” He banged impatiently on the small wooden door.
