Chapter 10
MacKinnon Keep
The Keep rose fromthe mist all grey stone and towers, surrounded by high walls and a guarded gate.It was beautiful in an imposing, unforgiving way.
Rather like its master, Bella thought.
The journey had been long and cold.Boyd was once again avoiding Bella during the days but oddly during the nights he would insist on sharing her pallet.Often, Bella would wake each morning ensconced in Boyd's arms and several times during the night she would feel his lips gently brush against hers.
Once the sun rose however, the distance would return between them, and they would act as if nothing happened.It was amusing and confusing at the same time.But Bella took Boyd's lead and did not complain.
Now, as they rode through the gates of his Keep, people emerged to greet their laird.They looked at Bella with curiosity, some with pity, others with suspicion.
"Laird!"An older woman bustled forward, her face creased with smile lines."Welcome home!Who have ye brought with ye?"
"Mrs.Anders this is my wife," Boyd replied curtly."Bella.She's to be mistress of the household."He dismounted and helped Bella down from her dappled grey.It was impersonal.His hands did not linger."Please see that she's settled in the east wing.Show her the household accounts and introduce her to the staff."
"The east wing?"Mrs.Anders looked confused."But 'tis not fit for—"
"The east wing," Boyd repeated, his voice brooking no argument.
Boyd wanted Bella at the opposite end of the Keep.As far away as possible.
Mrs.Anders’s face fell, but she nodded."As ye wish."
Boyd turned to Bella, his expression carefully blank."Mrs.Anders will show ye yer duties.Ye'll have everything ye need."
"Thank ye," Bella replied quietly.
He started to walk away, then paused and turned back."There's something else we need to discuss.Come to the council chamber in an hour.Mrs.Anders will show ye the way."
It wasn't a request.
Bella nodded and watched him stride away, his men following.She felt Mrs.Anders's sympathetic gaze on her.
"Come along, dear," she said gently."Let's get ye settled then ye can meet yer husband."
***
BOYD PACED THE COUNCILchamber.He knew it was time to have a conversation with Bella about what happened ten years ago.The journey to the Keep had awakened so much longing within him that he needed to find a way forward for them.He loved waking up with Bella in his arms.Loved stealing kisses when she slept.He found it easy to make peace with her during the night but then by day thoughts of her betrayal haunted him once more.It could not go on.
Boyd needed Bella to confess what she had done so he could forgive her and maybe, just maybe, they could have a marriage for real.But so far, she seemed to cling to the lies and he could not make a life with a woman who could not admit her own wrongdoing.This conversation was long overdue, but he hoped that it would resolve the issues between them, because the truth was, he still wanted her with a passion.
An hour later, Bella entered a great chamber to find Boyd standing by the hearth, a cup of ale in his hand.His expression was cold, closed off.
"Shut the door," he said.
Bella obeyed, her heart beginning to race.
