"Go," he said, his voice firm. He dropped his shoulders in defeat as he flexed his jaw.
“Killian?”
“Nay,” he mumbled, his yearning called to her. "Ye must go.”
“Why?” she asked, trying to catch his eye. He focused on her for a moment, but that moment was enough. The prick of rejection stung.
“Please,” Killian said, his voice dripping with anguish. “Before I do something I’ll regret later.”
Leah's eyes searched his, trying to understand what was going on. She tried to tempt him, to make him stay, but he shook his head, his eyes cold and distant.
As she turned to leave, Leah realized why Killian had been so cold towards her. Their relationship was supposed to be a ruse, a way to keep her safe while he protected the clan. And it had become more to her, but clearly, not to him. Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes as she left the study, the dress still clinging to her skin, a reminder of the passion that had almost been hers.
She made her way back to her room, her heart heavy with sadness. She felt like she had been played, like she had beenused as a pawn in Killian's game of power and control. She didn't know what the future held, but she knew she couldn't stay here, pretending to be someone she wasn't. She had to find a way to break free, to be herself, and to find her own happiness.
25
"Are ye certain ye've got every entry point covered?" Killian's voice was low and carried the weight of his authority. He glanced over his shoulder, scowling at Fraser, daring his man of arms to give him bad news.
"Aye, me laird," Fraser replied as he stood taller, ready for anything.
Killian turned his attention back to the mirror. The flickering candlelight gave him a warm glow over his rugged features. His fingers skillfully tied the leather straps of his kilt. And as he adjusted the silver brooch that held his plot in place, Killian's thoughts drifted to the upcoming ceilidh. A smile pulled at the corner of his lips as his thoughts kept to Leah.
"We have the South passage barred by the old chapel, and I have stationed a few of the lads near the loch. If anyone dares approach the land from any side they will be met with more than just a icy welcome."
Killian nodded as a grim smile stretched across his lips. Fraser's report pulled Killian from his fanciful thoughts. He studied Fraser a moment as his mind raced through other places they could put up security. He knew of the assassination plot, he just didn't know the when.
"I want to be sure that every nook and cranny is covered, leave no stone unguarded, do ye hear me? I will nae have any intruders spoilin' this night," Killian ordered. "And be sure that out uninvited guests who have slipped through the outer net is met with irons."
"Ye have me word," Fraser answered as he rolled his shoulders back. Killian stared at the man before him and pulled in a deep breath. Pride swelled within him. If there was anyone in all the clan Killian could count on, it was Fraser.
"I ken, now see to it," Killian said and gave a nod of his head. In the reflection of the mirror, Killian watched as Fraser bowed swiftly before darting to the door.
Killian stepped away from the mirror, his gaze unwavering as he studied the stranger in the reflection. He couldn't remember the last time he had dressed up for anything. If he didn't know any better, Killian could have passed for a well-respected gentleman. But in the depths of his gaze, he could see the monster within him rattling its cage, inching to be released. The sad thing was that Killian knew all too well he'd have to let the monster out if he was going to protect Leah and the rest of the clan. A price had been put on his head, and he was determined to see each attempt fail as long as he had air in his lungs.
It will end tonight. That I promise ye. I'll find ye and put an end to yer sinister plot.
Killian strode through the dimly lit hallway. The sound of his boots echoed against the hollowed hallways, giving way to the delicate trinket of symbols and flutes. Soon, sounds of laughter greeted him. As much as he wanted to enjoy the festivities, Killian's mind was far too preoccupied. His gaze kept drifting to the dark shadows as his eyes played tricks with them.
"Me laird, I was so hopin' to find ye enjoyin' the ceilidh."
Suppressing the irritation brewing within him, Killian turned to face the councilman. Duncan stood before him, his balding head reflecting the torchlight. The sight made it nearly impossible for Killian not to smile.
"If it isnae Duncan McGlein. Fancy seein' ye here. I thought yer wife was fed up with ye comin' to events like these," Killian asked as he noticed the young woman cowering at her father's side. The brunette kept her eyes on the ground, refusing to meet Killian's gaze. It was clear she had no desire to be there, yet Killian knew fully well why she was there.
"Aye, well, she was actually the one to suggest we come tonight. She wanted to see if ye really were a changed man," Duncan said as he struggled to pull his daughter out from behind him. "And of course, I wanted to introduce me daughter, Eliza."
Killian eyed the brunette. She bowed low, keeping her eyes down. And while Killian was curious to see her eyes, in his heart, he knew she didn't hold a candle to Leah.
"It was torture, I'm sure," Killian said, much to Eliza's surprise. Her head whipped up as she stared at him with wide, saucer-like eyes.
"Me laird?" Duncan gasped, the terror in his eyes matching his daughter's. Killian shook his head and stepped back from them.
"I'm sure I'll be seein' ye at a council meetin' soon enough," Killian said to Duncan. He barely gave Eliza a second glance before nodding to her. "Enjoy the ceilidh."
As Killian walked away, he could hear the collective sigh shared between father and daughter. How a man could pawn his daughter off to someone she didn't even know baffled Killian. Scanning the Great Hall, he couldn't help but notice that was precisely why everyone was there. Yet, none of them mattered to him. His heart didn't rest with any of the women in the room. And he could feel the fear rolling off them as he approached. He refused to ever marry a woman who was afraid of him. That was one thing he would not do.
Killian walked through the crowd, nodding his acknowledgments as he passed familiar faces. But none of them mattered; Killian was looking for Leah. The sooner he could make the announcement, the sooner everyone could leave. Yet, Leah was nowhere to be found. She wasn't near the roasting pitwhere most of the women seemed to gather and share recipes. Killian decided he'd have to try outside.
