Throughout all of Peyton’s pleading and Nigel’s protests, Brian chose that moment to exit the castle, taking a mere two steps onto the loose dirt of the bailey as the horrific scene unfurled before him.
“Alec!”
CHAPTER ELEVEN
“You did nothave to hit him,” Peyton said softly.
Alec stood by the windows as a soft breeze caressed his heated face. A second cup of St. Cloven Dark Ale rested in his massive palm and he could feel his wife’s warm hand on his arm.
“He was a threat to you,” he said simply.
Peyton laid her cheek against his broad back, winding her arms around his narrow waist. “He was no threat to me, my Alec, not with you as my protector. You truly did not have to strike him.”
He shrugged, his only answer, and drained his cup. She felt his huge palm enclose her two hands clasped at his waist. “I suppose I should retreat downstairs and apologize for my rash actions.”
“Nay, darling, you will stay here until your father sends for you,” she replied evenly. “Your father will do a better job of calming the Warringtons without your presence. Let them cool before you go charging in.”
He contemplated the world outside his chamber window a moment longer before turning to capture Peyton in his arms, breaking a smile at the sight of her lovely face. “I do not charge.”
“Aye, you do,” she said firmly, winding her arms around his neck. “You do indeed charge and you are faster than a bolt of lightning. I never saw you move and suddenly, Colin was writhing in the dirt.”
He lifted his shoulders. “As I have said, I have learned to compensate because I no longer carry a sword. I have learned to fight with my hands and feet. I simply must be quicker than anyone else because a man with a blade is given a heavy advantage automatically. If I do not move faster than my enemy, my life is forfeit.”
She sighed and shook her head, eyeing him with disapproval. “You father did not need this added stress, you know. He has enough to deal with.”
Alec looked remorseful for the first time. “I realize that. But I was defending you and I do not regret my protective instincts. Had I not moved, he most likely would have injured you somehow.”
She smiled. “I am not afraid of him, my darling. Not with you to defend my honor.”
He smiled weakly and she pinched him lightly on the cheek. He caught her mirth and squeezed her tightly, brushing her lips with his own a couple of times before slanting over them hungrily.
To think of Colin Warrington in possession of such sweetness and beauty drove him crazed with fury, emotions he funneled into his kiss and in no time he had her aloft in his arms, heading for his bed. Peyton sensed his passion, fed off it, and her own lust quickly blossomed.
But their desire would have to wait. Just as he reached the bed, there was a heavy rap on his door and he tore his mouth away from his wife reluctantly.
“Who comes?” he demanded.
“’Tis me, Alec.”
Peyton looked at him questioningly as he lowered her to the ground. “Toby,” he told her, moving for the door.
Toby looked embarrassed for his intrusion as if he had known exactly what they were doing behind the closed door.
“Your father requests your presence in the solar,” he said softly, his blue eyes passing to Peyton shyly. “And I am to take your wife to assist your mother.”
“Rachel still has not delivered?” Alec asked, concerned.
Toby shook his head. “Not yet. Your mother is exhausted and your father requests that your wife relieve her of her duties while she rests.”
Peyton nodded firmly. “Of course,” she said, although she was unnerved by the prospect; she’d never attended a woman in birth. Other than a horse, she’d never even seen a birth and she was horrified and fascinated by the mysteries it held. But in the same breath, she also felt a sense of maturity. As if being a wife entitled her to the privileges of seasoned, knowledgeable women, and she was anxious to join their ranks.
Even though she was aware that the child was most likely a stillborn, she was nonetheless willing, and frightened, to accept the challenge. Lady Celine was depending on her assistance and she would not disappoint. ’Twas her duty, as Alec’s wife, and she was eager to prove her worth to the House of Summerlin in an attempt to offset the impulsive action of their elopement. She had every intention of bravely meeting her new duties, no matter how potentially disturbing they might be.
As they moved for the door, she fought back her natural apprehension and turned to her husband. “Are you going to be all right without me?”
“Yes, love, I shall be fine,” he assured her, bordering on mockery.
She raised an eyebrow at him. “Do not be glib. I am serious.”
