A clap of thunder sounded in the distance. It matched Tor’s expression. “What other reason could there be?”
“I’ve met the lass. She’s lovely. There is no shame in admitting you wanted her.”
Tor eyed his brother coldly through the dark haze of mist and rain. “Just because you’ve acted like an idiot over a lass, don’t start attributing your foolishness to everyone else.”
His brother eyed him shrewdly. “Your wife is in love with you.”
Tor stilled, his heart taking a strange jump. “What are you talking about?”
Torquil explained how Christina had walked into the Great Hall when he was locked in an embrace with his new bride. “I didn’t see her right away, but near enough afterward to see the stricken look on her face. She was devastated. It’s exactly how I would have felt had I seen what she did.”
Tor swore and dragged his hand through his now sopping hair. He could well imagine what she’d thought. But love? He hoped his brother was wrong. It would only cause her pain.
“Why did you not tell her we were twins?” Torquil asked. But before Tor could respond, he held up his hand to stop him. “Forget I asked. You don’t tell anyone anything. Flora even had to come to me to find out our saint’s day.”
Tor frowned, not realizing that his first wife had cared about such things. “You have not exactly been my favorite topic of conversation. Hard for you to imagine, I know.”
An arrogant grin spread over his brother’s face. “Lord knows that gorgeous bride of yours is probably tired of your fierce charm. Perhaps we should play that game we used to when we were young—”
Tor had him in a chokehold before he could finish, taking Torquil completely by surprise. He would have to thank Boyd for the move later. He looked into his brother’s eyes. “Touch her and I’ll kill you. Do you understand?”
Torquil nodded, and Tor released him.
“Damn, it was only a jest.” Massaging his neck, Torquil stared at him in the darkness, a knowing look on his face—a look that reminded Tor of MacSorley. “A rather strong reaction, wouldn’t you say, for a wife you didn’t want? I think the lass has gotten under your skin. It’s bloody well about time, if you ask me.” He read Tor’s anger. “I just hope you realize it before it’s too late. Lasses need a little warmth and tenderness.”
His hell-raising brother had been married for a couple of months and now he was the damned expert? Tor didn’t know what his brotherthoughthe knew, but he didn’t know a damned thing. “Shut the hell up, Torquil, or you’ll see the dungeon sooner than you think.”
“Does that mean I’m forgiven?”
Tor let him wait—and worry—a moment before answering. Heshouldbe punished—and he would be—but right now he needed his brother for something more important. His uneasiness had only grown since John MacDougall’s unexpected appearance on Skye. Something wasn’t right, and he wasn’t going to take any chances.
“Nay, it means your punishment will be delayed. I have a mission for you first.”
Sensing the importance, Torquil sobered, becoming every bit as serious and focused as Tor. “What is it?”
“I’m going to banish you and your new bride to the Isle of Lewis, where you can keep an eye on Malcolm and Murdoch until I find out who is behind the recent attacks and finish training the men. If anyone discovers my involvement, I want to know that my sons are safe.”
Torquil’s expression darkened dangerously. “You think someone would hurt them?”
“I won’t take any chances.”
“Who?”
Tor laughed. “I’ve made plenty of enemies over the years. Not to mention our longtime nemeses like the MacRuairis.”
“Bastards.” Torquil spat, his expression black. His brother hated them as much as Tor did. He wished he could tell Torquil about having Lachlan MacRuairi under his thumb, but he had to keep the men’s identities secret. “There is also your new father-in-law to consider, and MacDougall.”
“And if you and I are thought to be on the outs—”
“It will help protect them from my enemies,” Tor finished. “Though I hope it won’t be necessary.” He gave his brother a wry smile. “I’m afraid it also means your bride is going to have the ‘wrong’ impression of me.”
Torquil winced. “You’re going to make it look bad, are you?”
“It shouldn’t be too difficult, given that it is no more than you deserve. But you can’t tell her the truth.” Torquil started to argue, but he cut him off. “I’ll not risk it. Besides, it would be more dangerous for the lass.”
“She’ll be furious when she finds out I’ve deceived her.”
“Better furious and safe. Consider it a direct order.” Something he knew his brother could not refuse. “Do this for me and I might only chop off parts your young bride might not miss so much.”
