He snatched a pillow by his right and shouted. He jumped out of her and Grace felt something wet land on her thigh. He plonkeddown beside her, bringing Grace with him. He kissed her cheek, her neck, her forehead.
“Ye were talkin’ about doin’ this again.” He rasped, having recovered his breath.
Grace laughed and hugged him, burrowing into his body heat, “I doubt if ye can.”
“I’ve created a monster…”
“Havin’ regrets already?”
“Never. That was the best thin’ tae ever happen tae me. Ye are the best thin’ that has ever happened tae me.”
Grace didn’t doubt the sincerity in his words or the conviction in them. She felt exactly the same.
About twenty minutes later, she rubbed her legs on him, waking that rod that’d just pummeled her.
Later that night, Grace woke with a start and as the heat of the moment had gone, she had time to think about what she had done. To the side, Duncan slept on his belly, one leg touching her. He appeared peaceful. Unlike the warrior, unlike the lover. All of the lines had cleared from his face. Grace slid from the bed. She inhaled deeply, seeking a fleeting courage. Grace found her dress, which had been tossed aside. She felt for a hiddenstitch inside. There was a small pocket, from there she withdrew something silver.
She tiptoed back to the bed, and raised thesgian dubh.She held it at Duncan’s throat. His Adam’s apple bobbed and Grace’s hand faltered. She had to see if she was capable of doing what she had set out to do. What if she was wrong? She’d just been with this man, she had felt his love.
Her hands shook. What if he had nothing to do with the death of her father? Ethan had mentioned the laird’s son, but what if he’d been mistaken. Both Duncan and Bryce had been in the battle after all. She had to avenge her father somehow, but did she want to? Could she kill Duncan now that they are lovers? Grace gave a strangled cry. Itwastoo late. Her entire being wanted him, beyond anything physical.
If she had felt even half of what she felt then for Ethan, maybe she would have been delighted to marry him. Yet, her heart had decided that her father’s possible killer was what it wanted. Ironic, to say at least. Taking a deep breath, Grace dropped her hand and took a step back. Until she could be certain he had done it, she couldn’t hurt this man. And perhaps not even then…
She felt a tight twist in her chest. The man she loved or her father? Oh, cruel fate! Quietly, she dressed and left his chambers. Within weeks, Duncan would probably be married. Anything she was going to do, whether to Bryce or him, had to be done within that time frame.
Grace had to be certain about the killer. Her lack of courage stemmed from doubt, she convinced herself. Once the truth was revealed, her love would turn into hate and she would complete her task, leaving before getting caught. Her heart would not be in the way. A lie she needed to believe wholeheartedly.
Just the thought of another woman with him sickened her. She could not stay and watch. After she’d completed her morning duties, which included avoiding Maisie’s questions, Grace went to wait by the arena.
Bryce would return soon. However, she bided her time by inquiring about the fated battle which stole her father’s life.
A UNIQUE INVITATION AWAITS
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CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
“Jo?” He felt the bed beside him. Her warmth had long since drained from it. He jolted from the bed, images of the night sharply blazing in his mind. He’d not dreamed it . And that made the situation even more complicated but also made things clearer for him. He knew it would be impossible for him to marry Emily or even continue with the engagement.
Wearing a smile and whistling, he prepared himself for the day. He had every intention of stopping Jo from working within the castle, which was probably the reason she had left so early. As for arousing suspicion, he had a firm solution. He understood that a union between his sister and Bryce might not be as solid as the one between him and Emily, but he strode from the room determined to try. He searched around the castle for her, for a while. When he couldn’t find her, he walked to the main hall. Craig was at the round table, sharpening his sword. Empty plates were beside him. When he looked up at Duncan, his eyebrows rose.
“Ye woke up happy,” Craig commented. Never one to hold back his words. “Did ye finally give in tae Emily?”
“What are ye talkin’ about?” Duncan asked. There was a plate of fruit sitting on the table. He grabbed an apple and bit into it.
“Well, ye’ve been carrying on like the engagement is a curse.” He sheathed his sword. “I wish I had yer dilemma. Marry the beautiful princess or marry the beautiful lass.”
“Why are ye an ass?”
