Though William didn’t fully understand the weight of her words, her expression conveyed enough.
Before he could respond, she turned sharply on her heels, her skirts gathered in her hands, clearly intent on leaving him.
William watched her go, a muscle ticking in his jaw. And then she collided with someone.
“Forgive me,” the man said quickly.
William recognized him instantly.
Keegan Adamson.
Hatred bubbled up in his chest.
Keegan looked older compared to the last time William had seen him. He also looked… richer. The fineness of his clothes and the shine on his creaseless boots screamed the newness of the additions to the man’s closet and instantly, wariness settled in the pit of William’s stomach.
William knew such wealth would have been built on nothing but greed and blood.
Keegan put his hands on Sorcha’s waist to steady her. His fingers lingered a fraction too long, and the sight unleashed something vicious inside William.
He wanted to rip those hands away and press Sorcha against the nearest wall until she trembled and moaned his name.
Keegan smiled down at her, gentle and solicitous. “Are ye all right, me Lady?” he asked, concern softening his features. “Did ye hit yer head?”
Sorcha answered him, her voice light. William could not catch the words, but whatever she said made Keegan chuckle. And when she laughed in return, the sound grated on his nerves.
Yes, it was soft and bright. But at that moment, hehatedit.
Keegan smiled at her openly now, his eyes roaming with an appreciation he didn’t bother to hide. “I must be the luckiest man in the hall,” he said boldly, “to stumble into a bonny lass like ye.”
He seemed ready to say more… until he sensed William’s watchful gaze. He looked up, spotting his towering frame behind Sorcha.
Whatever he saw on William’s face made him pause. Then he schooled his features and glanced back at Sorcha.
“I’d be honored to dance with ye,” he said, offering his hand. “If ye’re available, that is.”
Sorcha turned her head then, and her eyes found William’s. Between their shared glances, the connection slowly grew.
She searched his face openly, her eyes almost questioning, as though she were hunting for something. Anything. Perhaps she wanted to see a hint of possessiveness. A reason to stay.
William knew exactly what she wanted to hear.
She’s with me. Stay.
But those words hung on the tip of his tongue. He let none of them out because saying them would mean admitting the truth he had been fighting since the night he had found her in his room.
It would mean surrendering control. It would meanwantingher.
And that was far too dangerous. So he only gave her an unreadable look.
Sorcha exhaled, something settling behind her eyes. She turned back to Keegan, and her expression made his face light up in triumph. She placed her hand in his and let him lead her away.
William watched them go, ignoring the tightness in his chest.
This is how it’s meant to go. Find her a suitor. Let them fall in love. Be done with it.
He tried to turn his attention back to the hall, but his gaze betrayed him. He found himself tracking Sorcha’s every movement as she joined the dance.
Keegan stood opposite her, his hand resting on her waist. He had that open smile men wore when they believed they were winning.
