Her answer sent a shockwave of desire through his body, forcing him to swallow the words he wished to say. Jamie closed his eyes, picturing what it would be like to have her in his arms, to spread her out beneath him, naked and willing—uninhibited and…
“Jamie.” A masculine voice ripped Jamie from his dream.
Lord.Who dared interfere with his precious time with Lady Helen? Petro waved as he walked down the path.
Jamie eyed Helen with regret. He’d waited too long to claim that sweet mouth, but he’d find another way to get her alone. Without Miran trailing behind her. Where Petro couldn’t interrupt them. Where his cousin would never know.
Chapter Seven
“The signature isa forgery,” Petro confirmed as they walked back to the keep.
Jamie frowned. “So, Lady Helen isna a liar.”
Petro cast him a dark look. “Did you ever think she was?”
“I doona know what to think anymore,” he grunted, still irritated by the missed chance to kiss Helen. “Liars come in every form—men and women.”
“Perhaps,” Petro affirmed. “But not golden-haired beauties who have sought refuge in your home. What use would deception be for a lady in desperate circumstances?”
Jamie could think of plenty of uses: to convince everyone that she was in danger, to cast her sire in a shadow of doubt… “My answer doesna matter. Ye have confirmed her claim. She dinna sign that contract, and the bastard sitting in that cell deserves a beating for lying to Laird Alex and me.”
“Wait.” Petro gripped his shoulder.
“What?”
“You are losing control, Jamie.”
In denial, Jamie shook Petro off. “There’s nothing to lose control over. I’ve been asked to protect Lady Helen. That includes her honor. Duncan has insulted her, falsely accused her of lying in public. He must be dealt with severely—given a reason to think twice before he attempts to ruin her reputation again.”
“You’ve proven my point, Master Jamie. It did not take me long to see the attraction between the two of you.”
“Ye’ve been locked up too long in that solar. A breath of air should clear yer muddled, Italian mind.”
Petro grinned. “The one thing that never gets muddled is my mind. Everyone can see it, Jamie. Alex, too.”
“Then why would he trust me to guard her?”
“Because you would give your life to protect anyone under your care. Even a beautiful woman you want to bed.”
Without thought, Jamie gabbed a fistful of the scholar’s cloak, giving him a shake. “If I could, I’d put ye on one of my cousin’s ships and send ye back to Rome where ye belong. Wouldna ye be more comfortable walking in yer gardens? Pressing grapes with yer bare feet—drinking sweet wine?”
Petro chuckled. “The peasants press the wine. I am a learned man, though a walk in the warm sunshine would be nice in the middle of winter.”
“I am sorry.” Jamie released him. “I canna deny what ye say—perhaps ye have expressed it too clearly for my liking.”
“Lady Helen is a remarkable woman.”
“Aye. Enough to make me rethink everything.”
“You must hide your feelings for now. She has enough danger looming about her. And if I know anything, Earl Sutherland will send for her—she is too much of a valuable bargaining piece to forget. Though the Highland lairds prefer sons, it’s through their daughters that they gain the most power by way of theirtochars.”
Jamie marveled at Petro’s understanding of his people. “Alex is fortunate to have ye at his side.”
Petro bowed. “I am at your service, too, Master Jamie. You are his right hand, never forget that.”
Jamie nodded and walked the rest of the way to the keep with Petro. Helen and Miran had gone ahead. As soon as he entered the great hall, he saw Alex and the council seated at the high table.
“What is this about?”
