Except nothing about Leona Gilmore was simple.
“Enjoyin' yer swim?”
Murdock spun in the water, his heart hammering.
Hamish stood on the bank, arms crossed, grinning like the bastard he was.
“What the hell are ye doin' here?” Murdock demanded.
“Making sure ye daenae drown yerself.” Hamish settled on a large rock, clearly intending to stay. “Ye and the lass both left the dinner table lookin' rather… upset. Thought I should check on ye.”
“I’m fine.”
“Aye, ye look fine. Swimmin' alone in the dark, probably freezin' yer bollocks off. Very fine, indeed.”
Murdock swam closer to the bank but stayed in the water. He was naked, and while he didn’t particularly care if Hamish saw him bare, he needed the concealment. His body was already stirring again just from thinking about Leona, and that was something he definitely didn’t need his man-at-arms noticing.
“I needed to clear me head.”
“Must have been quite the conversation ye had with Lady Leona.” Hamish’s tone was knowing. Too knowing. “Looked likeye were about to devour each other in the hallway before ye disappeared into yer study.”
Murdock’s jaw clenched. “We were discussin' arrangements for tomorrow.”
“Is that what they’re callin' it these days?” Hamish laughed. “Come on, me Laird. Ye cannae blame yerself for desirin' yer betrothed. She’s a bonnie little thing. Any man with eyes can see that.”
Something dark and possessive surged through Murdock’s chest. His hands curled into fists beneath the water.
The casual way Hamish had said it.Bonnie little thing.As if she were a trinket to be admired. A plaything.
Before he could think better of it, Murdock surged from the water. He was on Hamish in three strides, grabbing the man by his tunic and hauling him to his feet.
“Be careful,” he growled.
Water streamed down his naked body, but he didn’t care. All he could think about was the way Hamish had looked at Leona. Had smiled at her during dinner. Had held her hand. His friend, his most trusted man, looking at his woman with appreciation.
Hamish’s eyes widened, then a slow grin spread across his face. “Well, well, imagine that.”
“Imagine what?” Murdock demanded, though he knew. He already knew what Hamish was going to say, and he didn’t want to hear it.
“Ainsley’s weapon, undone by a lass.”
The words hit him like a physical blow.
Murdock released Hamish with a shove, sending the man stumbling back. “Ye daenae ken what ye’re talkin' about.”
“Nay?” Hamish straightened his tunic, that infuriating grin still in place. “Ye just threatened me for callin' yer betrothed bonnie. Ye can barely keep yer eyes off her. And unless I’m very much mistaken, ye were in that study, doing more than discussin' travel arrangements.”
“Enough.” Murdock turned away, grabbing his trews from where he’d left them. The fabric stuck to his wet skin, but he yanked them on anyway, needing the barrier. Needing to feel less exposed.
“I’m nae judgin', me Laird,” Hamish said, his voice softening. “I’m just sayin'… it’s nae a bad thing. To want someone. To let someone in.”
“It is when it’s temporary.” Murdock yanked his tunic over his head. “This betrothal isnae real, Hamish. A year from now, she’ll leave. Go back to reclaim her clan or wherever else she chooses.I cannae afford to—” He cut himself off. Couldn’t finish that sentence. Couldn’t admit what terrified him most.
“Cannae afford to what?” Hamish pressed. “To feel somethin'? To let yerself be happy?”
“To lose someone else.” The words came out before Murdock could stop them, raw and honest in a way he rarely allowed himself to be.
Hamish was quiet for a moment. “Ye’re thinkin' about yer maither.”
