The words didn't makesense. Maia stared at him, trying to process what he'd just said. "What?"
"Mollie.That's her name, aye? Brown hair, round face, about five-and-twenty?" When Maia nodded numbly, Ewan continued. "She's nae dead. None of the servants are."
"But the fire, I saw it."
"Aye,there was a fire. But me men cleared the servants' quarters before we set it." Ewan's voice was matter-of-fact, as if he were discussing the weather rather than upending everything Maia had believed for the past several hours. "They escorted everyone out, servants, stable hands, everyone who wasnae part of yer uncle's guard. Some of them even chose to leave with us rather than stay and face yer uncle's wrath."
Maia's mind reeled."Ye're, ye're lyin'. Ye must be lyin'."
"I'm nae."He held her gaze steadily. "I'm many things, lass, but I'm nae a liar. I wouldnae waste me breath on false comfort."
"Then why—"Her voice cracked. "Why did ye let me think, why did ye let me believe she was dead?"
"Because I neededye to see what yer uncle's actions cost. Needed ye angry at yer uncle, nae just at me." Ewan's expression remained carefully neutral. "And because sometimes fear is a useful tool for controllin' prisoners."
The casual admissionshould have made her furious. Should have made her want to claw his eyes out for the emotional torment he'd put her through.
But all Maiacould feel was overwhelming, dizzying relief.
Mollie was alive.
"She's truly alive?"Maia's voice came out small and tentative, as if speaking the words too loudly might break the spell and reveal that this was all some cruel joke. "Ye're nae just sayin' this to manipulate me?"
"She's alive."Ewan's voice softened slightly. "In fact, she was so thankful to escape yer uncle's household that she led me straight to yer chambers. Told me exactly where to find ye, where the guards would be stationed, when they'd make their rounds."
Maia's breath caught."Mollie? Mollie helped ye kidnap me?"
"She seemedto think she was helpin' ye escape." The corner of Ewan's mouth twitched. "She's the one who told me about the bars on yer window, and how that was the best way to get to ye. Said ye deserved better than what yer uncle gave ye."
Tears spilled over now,but they were different tears than before. Relief mixed with guilt mixed with gratitude until Maia couldn't tell one emotion from another.
Mollie had helped.Had risked everything to give Maia a chance at freedom, even if it meant trusting a stranger. Even if it meant betraying her laird.
"If I ever see thatwoman again," Ewan continued, his voice taking on a thoughtful quality, "I'll make sure to reward her properly for leadin' me to such a delectable prize."
The words,delectable prize, sent a fresh wave of heat through Maia's body, reminding her forcibly of what had just happened between them. Of the kiss that had left her trembling and wanting and desperately confused.
She should beangry with him for lying to her, for letting her believe Mollie was dead for hours. She should demand an apology at the very least.
But she was toooverwhelmed to manage anger. She could only sit there, clutching the blanket to her chest, trying to process this new information while her lips still tingled from his kiss and her body still hummed with unfulfilled desire.
"Why did ye kiss me?"The question slipped out before she could stop it.
Ewan's expression shifted,something dark and hungry flashing across his face before he shuttered it away. "Because I wanted to. Because ye were right there, all fire and fury, and I've been wantin' to taste that mouth since I first saw ye in yer tower." He paused. "And because ye wanted me to."
"I dinnae want ye."
"Ye did."His voice was firm. "And ye kissed me back like ye were drownin' and I was air."
Maia couldn't deny it.The evidence was written all over her, in her swollen lips, her flushed cheeks, the way her breathing still hadn't quite returned to normal.
"This doesnae change anythin',"she insisted, though even she wasn't sure if she believed it. "Ye're still me captor. I'm still yer prisoner."
"Aye."Ewan finally stepped back, putting proper distance between them. "And now ye ken yer friend is alive, ye'll be more inclined to behave on the journey home. Nae tryin' to escape or cause trouble."
So that'swhat this had been about. A manipulation. A way to ensure her compliance.
The realization should hurt.Should make her feel used and foolish.
