“Then how much longer do ye think it will take?” Grant asked, his eyes conveying his disbelief, his tone taunting. “Another day? A week? A month?”
Logan chuckled as he slammed the pitcher onto the table. “Maybe he wishes to have an entire year with her?”
Glenton’s scowl made Logan’s smile fall from his lips.
“Have faith in me,” said Connell. “Have I ever let ye down before?”
The men shook their heads in unison, yet no one said a single word. Connell felt as if he was losing control. They wouldn’t listen to him for much longer. He needed to act, and fast. Forcing a smile, he said, “I have received word from one of our scouts. A rich English laird will be traveling through the highlands.”
The men straightened in their seats, their eyes glimmering with glee at the words slipping from Connell’s lips. If he could not get Elsy to speak about her husband, then he could at least give his men a duty, something to entertain themselves with for a time.
“The wretched king has given him a new castle in the north. I’m sure he would enjoy a warm welcome from Scotland’s finest men and would have need of someone to relieve him of his possessions.”
Donald and Grant looked at each other, sinister smiles on their faces. Logan licked the ale from his lips while Ian cracked his knuckles.
“When?” Grant asked.
“Tomorrow,” said Connell. “Ye will leave in the morn. I expect it will take a few days. When yer duty is finished, return to the fortress and we will have a drink in celebration.”
The men glanced between themselves, coy smiles gracing their lips as they nodded, each rising from the table. “So be it, then,” said Ian while following the others toward the door.
Brann followed after, yet Glenton remained, standing at the head of the table. Connell frowned, already suspecting what his friend would have to say. The man slowly stepped toward Connell; his movements precise.
“What is it now?” Connell asked, irritation in his tone.
“Ye know why I remain.”
Connell didn’t say anything.
“Yer feelings toward the lass, what are they?”
Connell scowled at the table, unable to meet Glenton’s piercing gaze.
“Well?”
“I have nae feelings for Lady McCormick. She’s naething to me.”
“It’s obvious she’s something to ye, lad,” Glenton said harshly, making Connell grimace. “I know ye. I’ve been with ye for the past two years now, and never have ye been so intrigued by a lass such as she.”
“Lies,” Connell said hoarsely, but he knew Glenton spoke the truth. No other woman but Elsy could speak to him the way she did, make him want to forget, make him want to love again.
“It’s clear she has a hold over ye.”
Connell didn’t say anything as he ground his teeth, wishing he could somehow push thoughts of Elsy away. “She says she doesn’t know anything,” Connell said desperately, his gaze flicking up to Glenton, hating the pity in his friend’s gaze.
“Ye need to stop thinking of her.” Glenton placed a hand on Connell’s shoulders. “Ye have come this far. Don’t throw it all away for a bonnie face.”
“I won’t.”
Glenton leaned forward, his mouth near Connell’s ear. “Ye could have her once,” he whispered darkly, making Connell’s eyes widen. “Get her out of ye. Just one taste is all it usually takes. Then ye will be able to do yer duty.”
Connell pulled away from Glenton, his eyes wide with horror at what his friend was suggesting. “What do ye mean?” he breathed, wanting to think Glenton was more honorable.
Glenton’s eyes narrowed. “Go to her rooms and do what needs to be done.”
Connell watched Glenton turn on his heel, his eyes still wide, his hands fisting at his sides. The door closed on Glenton and still Connell sat there, the words repeating in his head. He couldn’t go to her rooms, not after what he said to Elsy. She hated him now, and he didn’t blame her for it. It was safer for her to hate him. There was no way they could continue with their kiss.
His gaze fell on the table and his finger stroked his bottom lip, imagining her touch once more. She had felt so smooth and warm beneath him. Her body had been so wet and tight around his fingers. How he wished he could touch her one last time. Connell winced at the pressure in his tights and the warmth pooling into his shaft. He wanted her. Glenton was right, maybe he needed one night with her to get her out of his head.
