Thalia tilted her head. “Why nae?”
The door to the dining room burst open, and Ava and Caden stormed in without warning.
“Finlay!” Ava cried, walking straight towards him. “Ye willnae believe what happened. Me uncle almost trapped Thalia in a marriage, but she ran! No one kens where she is, and the jilted groom is seeking revenge, and?—”
She stopped when her eyes landed on Thalia, who was still seated at the table.
“Good evening, Sister,” Thalia greeted with a nervous smile.
Ava turned her murderous gaze back to Finlay. “What is goin’ on here? What is Thalia doin’hereof all places?”
“I’d advise ye to keep yer temper, old friend,” Finlay warned. “I wouldnae turn away someone in need, ye ken that.”
“I ken ye’d jump at the chance to take in any bonnie lass,” Ava retorted. She turned back to her sister. “Thalia, ye’re comin’ back to MacCabe Castle with us tonight.”
Thalia stood quickly. “That’s the first place they’d look! I can hide here for a few more days, and then?—”
“Thalia, as much as I hate the words that are about to come out of me mouth, ye’re alady,” Ava emphasized. “Ye cannae be hidin’ alone in some laird’s castle!”
“But Ava?—”
“Nay, Thalia! Ye’ll be comin’ back with Caden and me, and I willnae hear another word of it!”
Thalia flinched at the anger in her sister’s voice. Her eyes met Finlay’s for a moment, but she looked away before he could fully read the emotion in them.
“All right, that’s enough!” Finlay interjected. “I willnae have me guest spoken to like that, Ava. Now, I can fetch some plates and chairs for ye two. We can finish eatin’ dinner and have a calmer discussion. It’s been a long day for us all, there’s nay need to make rash decisions.”
“If anyone is makin’ rash decisions here, it’s ye,” Ava said, turning her anger on him. “I cannae believe ye took me sister in and didnae send word! How long has she been here?”
“Thalia only got here today,” Finlay sighed.
“But Uncle said nay one had seen her in days! So if she wasnae with ye, then where…?” Ava trailed off, her anger fizzling out as she turned back to Thalia, worry written all over her features.
Thalia blanched under the new attention, her eyes glassy and wet. “Forgive me, but I am tired from all the excitement of the last few days. If ye’ll excuse me.” She rushed out of the room.
Ava stared after her, looking conflicted.
Finlay resisted the urge to run after her as well, knowing it would only cause more problems. He did not like seeing her upset, but his attention would only make matters worse.
“Would ye two like to spend the night? I’ll have me servants prepare ye a room,” he offered.
Caden nodded. “I think we could all use a good night’s rest. Daenae ye think so, Ava?”
Ava crossed her arms, defeated. “Fine.”
“And maybe Finlay and I could have a moment alone?”
“Aye. Maybe he’ll be more willing to listen to me words if they come from ye,” she sniffed, but the words carried less resentment than earlier. “I’ll try with Thalia again.”
She marched out of the room, leaving Finlay and Caden alone.
CHAPTER 5
“All right, ye dobber,”Caden said. “Would ye mind tellin’ me what ye were thinkin’? I thought ye’d have more respect for yer friendship with Ava.”
“It’sbecauseof me friendship with Ava that I took Thalia in,” Finlay retorted. “Ye ken I’d never let an innocent lass be forced into a marriage she doesnae want.”
“Aye, I’m aware of that.”
