“A friend, then.”
“I’ve already told ye that Alaina isnae stupid.”
“There must be some reason to add another maid.”
He lifted his arms helplessly to the sides. “None that would involve ye being with her so often. But me betrothed, however, would naturally stay with the women of the Keep. She would want to get to know me sisters. And if whoever tried to kidnap Alaina believes that I have lowered me guard, he might try again, and this time I’ll be ready.”
He glanced over his shoulder. Megan was standing by the bookshelves, arms wrapped around herself. She bit her lower lip, staring at nothing in particular.
“Betrothed,” she whispered. “It’s a big word.”
Ryder lifted his eyebrows. “Aye, but it willnae be real.”
She shook her head tightly, turning away. Ryder felt a flash of annoyance. How much more coaxing could the lass need? He took a step toward her, folding his arms.
“Ye are testin’ me patience now, woman.”
She glanced up at him, eyes darkening. “Ye have got some nerve, lad.”
“Lad? That’slairdto ye.”
“Oh, aye. Do ye ken what I think?”
“Nay,” he shot back, “but I’m sure ye are about to tell me.”
She gave a harsh laugh. “I think this is all an elaborate trap. I think that what ye really want is treaties with me braithers-in-law, and ye ken that kidnapping me is a surefire way to get what ye want.”
Ryder bit back a smile. He leaned against the desk and withdrew a small knife. He always kept a couple of blades on his person, just in case. He used the tip of the knife to carefully pare his nails.
“I’m nae sure I would call it kidnapping,” he observed. “I sent ye an invitation to a competition. Ye chose to come—and alone, might I add—and then ye chose to come deeper and deeper into the Keep with me. If I planned to kidnap ye, I could have chosen an easier method.”
Color flared in her cheeks. “Ye could nae kidnap me, even if ye tried!”
“Oh, nay? Bless ye heart, lassie. I can do whatever I want; believe me. Now, listen to me.” Ryder took a step forward, and she moved backward, eyes narrowing distrustfully. “If ye willnae do this in exchange for yer faither’s book, perhaps ye would do it in exchange for yer life, eh?”
This was the last threat in his arsenal. Ryder hadn’t intended to use it, but it was too late now.
Megan gave a short laugh. “Is that a threat?”
She was not moved, clearly. It was hard not to be impressed. Ryder grinned.
“Only if ye want it to be.”
She held his gaze for a long moment. Ryder could feel heat building up inside him, taut and almost unbearable deep in his chest. He knew what desire felt like, of course, but it was the sort of thing that should be pushed to the back of one’s mind and forgotten about. If possible.
It was getting harder and harder at the moment. No pun intended.
Snarling abruptly, Ryder turned away.
“Ye have nay idea who I am,” he snapped. “I ken the men yer sisters married. I ken whose castles they live in, whose clans they manage. I ken that I am bigger than them, lassie. Stronger, more powerful, with more allies and more soldiers. Do ye think I’d stoop to kidnap and coaxin’ just to get a treaty out of yer useless braithers-in-law? Nay.”
“Daenae ye call me braithers-in-law useless!”
He snorted. “Listen, lass. Believe it or nae, all I want is to keep me sister safe. I just think that ye can do that for me. And I’veaskedin the nicest way possible. I even made it fun for ye. Three months—that’s all I want.”
She stared up at him, chewing her lower lip. Ryder stared back, determined to wait her out. This wasnota fight he intended to lose.
I wonder what is goin’ on in that head of hers?he thought.I cannae seem to work out what she’s thinkin’. That could be troublesome for me later on.
