"Aye, and the MacMillan clan is nae a small clan. We've got at least a quarter of Scotland as relations," Elsie said.
"That's a lot of influence," Leah said as she glanced around the busy kitchen. A tingle raced down her spine as an uneasiness settled on her.
"That it is. But ye've seen Killian. The man is a beast. The council fears him and rightfully so," Elsie continued.
After finishing the last bit of beans, Leah felt antsy. She rose from the table and dusted her hands on her apron. Although she didn't have a clue where she was going, the need to leave was overwhelming.
"Well, it's been a busy mornin'," Leah said. "I think I should give Killian his report while it is still fresh on me mind."
"Aye," Elsie said with a nod as if she grabbed the full bowl and placed it on the counter behind her. "What time is it?"
"Around two," Leah answered, glancing at the window.
"Ye'll find the laird in the study," Elsie said as she flashed Leah a wink. "In case ye were wonderin'."
"Daenae look at me like that," Leah said, shaking her head. "There's nothin' between me and the laird."
"Did I say anythin'? Nay, I kept me mouth shut," Elsie said as Leah headed for the door. "Nae that we arenae all thinkin' it."
Leah glared at Elsie before stepping out of the kitchen. She had had enough of the gossip, which seemed to revolve around her, making her nervous. How was she supposed to keep up appearances when she found it harder and harder not to be drawn to Killian? It seemed that no matter what she found out about him, she wouldn't be able to change her mind about him.
Sure, Killian was a brute of a man with no personal boundaries or filters. He said what he wanted and took what he wanted. Leah hadn't expected to be so intrigued by this trait. Yet, no matter what she did, her thoughts drifted back to him.
Running her fingers through her hair, Leah stepped outside, hoping some fresh air would clear her thoughts. But the moment the cool air circled her, Leah's heart skipped. The gentle hints of wildflowers swirled about her, pulling her mind back to the tree line and his lips.
The snap of a twig jolted Leah. She whipped her head about to find she had wandered into the garden, and standing beyond the thin layer of glass was Killian. His gaze bore into her, causing heat to flood through her body. To her dismay, Killian archedan eyebrow as he pulled the curtain shut, blocking him from her view.
"Well I never," Leah huffed at the stark jab of rejection. She stepped back as if Killian's action had nudged her off balance.
What am I doin'? I cannae care how he sees me. If I'm goin' to pull this off and ever get out of here, I need to do better. I cannae be wanderin' about like a silly infatuated child.
Aye.Leah rolled her shoulders back, sneering at the closed curtains blocking the study.
The bargain has been struck. I cannae back out now. But does he nae ken he tortures me so?
Frustrated, Leah charged to her room. She didn't want to see anyone. Killian's blatant rejection sent a shock through her. A part of her expected this to happen. She could feel the uncertainty about the whole situation the moment she was kidnapped and brought before Killian as a gift.
Storming into her room, Leah slammed the door and dropped to the floor. She ran her fingers through her hair, trying to get a grip on her senses.
Why do I always find myself in these situations? First, I'm kidnapped, and then I make an utter fool of myself and with a different clan, nonetheless? What is wrong with me?
Through blurred vision, Leah noticed a box resting on the end of her bed. She rose slowly, wiping the tears from her cheeks as she walked over to the box. Curious, she stared at it, peeled back the lid, and found a folded note resting on the thin paper.
Leah -
I had hoped you'd wear this tonight for me.
Killian.
Leah grabbed the note and wanted to crumple it and toss it to the fire. But as her fingers creased the paper, she stopped herself from ruining it.
"Oh, ye're so infuriatin'," Leah huffed as she revealed a stunning dress of the finest fabric she'd ever laid eyes on. "What in the world?"
The dress was remarkable and nothing like anything she'd seen before. But it was the color that stunned her the most.
"Killian," Leah whispered his name into the fabric, her voice tainted with longing. She clung to the dress as if it were Killian. How she wanted to be in his strong embrace. The desires burning within her were torture. Yet, what could she do? It wasn’t as if she could invite herself into his chambers and get to know him.
She laid the dress out on the bed. Leah stared at it as her heart fluttered and swelled. Nibbling on the tip of her nail, she let her mind race. So many scenarios skipped and jumped in a flash, but each one held the same warning to her heart.
