He gave her a long look. “Let me know when you decide.”
She hated him for leaving her like this: heart pounding, body soft and heavy, drenched with heat … wanting.
But even though the effects of his touch faded, his question haunted her long after he'd left.
Could she ignore her duty to her family for the sake of personal happiness?
As she made her way back to the great hall, she contemplated the gauntlet he'd tossed at her feet.
There was no denying that on the surface, Patrick Murray—a simple guardsman with no land, wealth, or position to speak of—was an unsuitable choice of husband for her. Yet in the ways that mattered, he was everything she'd ever dreamed of—strong, handsome, honorable. A fierce warrior and natural leader who inspired devotion in his men. Perhaps he was a smidgen rough around the edges, but it seemed only to enhance his appeal.
She appreciated his blunt, straightforward manner, knowing that she could count on him not to hide the truth. She believed him about the village. He hadn't sought out another woman. And it was surprising how much that knowledge mattered. Her growing feelings, suddenly unhampered by doubt and hurt, had broken free of their moorings. She could admit to herself just how much she cared for her dark guardsman.
And just as important, he truly seemed to care for her.
From the first he'd singled her out, making her feel special, desirable. He'd never made her feel self-conscious about her stammer or lacking in any way. And no one had ever worried about her before. His protectiveness was nice—not smothering, but nice. She could get used to it.
Maybe … it was possible.
As she reached the hall, the sounds of a disturbance outside caught her attention. She intercepted the bailiff as he was making his way toward the kitchens below.
“What is it, Donald?”
“Ah, there you are, my lady. The Laird of Auchinbreck has arrived with some men.”
Colin? What could he be doing here? She started toward the door, but the heavy footsteps treading up the forestairs from thebarmkinbelow told her that it was unnecessary. A moment later, Colin and half a dozen men came bursting into the hall, and Lizzie came face-to-face with the explanation for her brother's unexpected arrival.
The blood drained from her face as she met the friendly blue-eyed gaze of the handsome blond giant standing before her.
It seemed she would not be able to ignore her duty; it had just arrived. For standing next to her brother was none other than Robert Campbell.
“Ah, there you are, Lizzie,” Colin said, moving forward to enfold her in an awkward embrace. Physical affection had never come easily to her brother—actually, affection in general didn't seem to come easily to him. “I was surprised you did not come out to greet us.”
Lizzie didn't miss the subtle admonition so typical of her brother. “I was in the east range and didn't hear you arrive.” Remembering what Patrick had said, she added, “Overseeing the construction project that our cousin left under my supervision.” Figuring that Colin could use a little admonition himself, she said, “If I'd known you were coming, of course, I would have been here to greet you and your guests myself.”
Colin frowned, looking at her as if she'd just grown a second head.
But Robert Campbell chuckled. “She's got you there, Auchinbreck.” He took her hand and gave her a short bow. “We apologize for descending on you unannounced, my lady, but there wasn't time to send a messenger.”
“Aye,” Colin said, recovering from his shock at her rebuke. “I met up with Campbell here a few days ago near the Lomond Hills. We decided to join forces, but the damn outlaws have vanished.”
Lizzie swallowed hard. It seemed that the prospect of an alliance between the two warring branches of clan Campbell was already bearing fruit. The noose hanging around her neck tightened. Realizing that the men were staring at her, she asked, “So you've given up your search?”
“Nay, little sister, I'll never give up.” Colin's eyes hardened. “After what they dared try to do to you, the MacGregors will pay. I'll see their heads on pikes—every last one of them.”
Something in his voice made her skin crawl with fear. Colin was a hard man, occasionally even a cruel one. He was a difficult man to love, but as he was her brother, she tried to do so.
Though Lizzie had no wish to encounter the MacGregor brigands again, neither did she want any more bloodshed on her account. But she knew her brother well enough to know that nothing she said would change his mind. He cared for her in his own way. But of all her brothers, Colin valued her opinion the least.
“We decided to retrench for a few days and lull them out of hiding,” Robert Campbell explained. “Your brother was kind enough to invite me and my men to enjoy the hospitality of Castle Campbell while we wait.”
“I thought it was a good opportunity for you to get to know each other better,” Colin said meaningfully.
Lizzie felt the heat rise to her cheeks. So much for subtlety. How like a brother to say something to embarrass her. “You and your men are most welcome, my laird,” she said with a smile directed at Robert Campbell.
He returned her smile, and at that moment Patrick Murray walked through the door from the kitchens, holding an apple in his hand.
He stopped midstep, shock and something else crossing his face before he quickly covered it.
