But after the past few months of getting to know her, especially after her move to Oakland, he had to admit he didn’t want to lose her. He wanted her to be a part of his life. But how would such a union work? Especially one without a dowry? Or without his parents’ approval?
Bellamy had agreed to assist with a match today. But what if he didn’t need Bellamy’s assistance? What if he considered Alannah? Would she be agreeable? She needed a match as soon as possible too. He could help her with that. They could help each other. A union would be mutually beneficial.
Should he bring up the possibility?
She didn’t move from behind the bench except to huddle deeper within his coat. Her long hair cascaded in disarray around her, and he wanted to plunge his fingers back into the silky strands and lose himself there.
“Can we agree to forget all about what just happened?” she asked again.
“No—”
At a call from near the pond, he swung his attention away from her to find Bellamy leading his horse with Torin trailing after him. The rain was still falling steadily, and both men were plodding forward regardless. Apparently, they were serious enough about getting Alannah matched that they weren’t taking the time to wait for the rain to pass before meeting.
Kiernan didn’t blame Torin for the rush. If their roles had been reversed, he would be doing his best to marry Alannah off before Shaw could get his hands on her. What would Torin say if he offered himself as a match for Alannah?
A scowl formed on the young man’s face as he took in Kiernan. Clearly, Torin hadn’t been expecting him to be atthe pond, probably thought Bellamy would have Alannah’s match there.
Bellamy’s hat was pulled low, and he was wearing an oiled cloak, well prepared for the rain. He stopped at a nearby tree to secure his horse, looking as calm and unruffled as always.
What would the matchmaker think about matching him with Alannah? No doubt Bellamy would be surprised at the suggestion, but if Kiernan explained how he’d grown to care about Alannah, maybe Bellamy would agree to the proposition and help to convince Torin. Together, the three of them could persuade Alannah.
Kiernan squared his shoulders, letting determination rise within him—the same determination he’d fostered for his business enterprises. He was a driven man and almost always got what he wanted. In this case, he wanted Alannah. He was smart and savvy, and if he put his mind to it, could he win her over?
As Torin ducked under the roof of the pavilion and out of the rain, he didn’t remove his glare from Kiernan. “What are you doing here?”
“It’s lovely to see you too, Torin,” Alannah said wryly.
Torin tore his attention away from Kiernan, removing his dripping hat and drying his rain-streaked spectacles before focusing on Alannah. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine.” She offered her brother a smile.
He didn’t smile in return. Instead, he turned toward Kiernan again. Before Kiernan could brace himself, Torin plowed into him, slamming a fist into his gut, knocking the wind from him. Kiernan was unprepared for the hit, and the momentum threw him backward out of the pavilion into the rain.
Torin followed after him, sending another punch against his chin.
Pain ricocheted through Kiernan’s head, but at the glint of a blade slicing through the air, Kiernan spun away from Torin. The knife missed him by mere inches.
With murder flashing in his eyes and hardening features, Torin came after him again.
Alannah was shouting at Torin, but the rain and the pounding of Kiernan’s heart kept him from hearing what she said. He was too focused on the knife Torin was holding out.
“I told you I’d kill you if you used her.” Torin’s voice echoed with anger.
Had Torin heard the rumors? In particular the one about Alannah and him? “I didn’t sleep with Alannah.”
“He didn’t, Torin!” Alannah had stepped out into the rain now, too, and was crossing toward her brother.
Before she could reach Torin, Bellamy barreled into the young man with his shoulder. Although Bellamy wasn’t an overly muscular fellow, the power of the slam sent Torin flying so that he landed on his backside in the grass. Torin didn’t immediately move, as though the blow had stunned him.
Bellamy caught up to Torin and stomped on his arm, pinning the hand with the knife to the ground.
Torin started to reach for his boot where he kept his second knife, but Bellamy’s other foot came down hard on Torin’s arm, halting him and forcing his hand to the ground.
“Doncha be doing anything stupid now.” In his long black oiled cloak and black hat, Bellamy looked more like the grim reaper coming for a soul rather than cupid sowing seeds of love.
“He used Alannah.” Torin’s expression was tortured as he stared up at Bellamy.
Kiernan wanted to deny the man’s accusation. But a part of him knew he deserved Torin’s wrath. He might not have slept with Alannah, but he had kissed her just a few moments ago. And he shouldn’t have done so, not without some kind of promise to her for their future.
