Chapter Nine
Kai did notsay a word as Miran marched into the cottage and shut the door without looking over her shoulder at him. A smile he’d suppressed all the way back to the farm spread across his face. Whether she admitted it or not, Miran belonged to him now. Although he would have wished it to happen at a different time, when she was happy, not missing her parents. But he could not regret it completely, for now he knew what passion she had kept hidden from him. Feelings for him alone. She would not be able to withhold herself from him anymore.
A couple of hours later, seated inside the cottage with everyone, including Colin and three additional soldiers that would accompany Kai to the Kinnear farm, Mary served them a hearty meal with eggs, bread, cheese, and ale.
Much to Kai’s disappointment, Miran pecked at her food, refusing to look at him. He would never let her forget how right they were for each other, how she’d stolen his heart with her kisses and left him wanting more. Hell, he’d beg for more if he could.
“Did ye sleep well, lass?” Mary asked, sitting beside her.
“Aye,” Miran lied, offering a forced smile. “But I did wake up in the middle of the night.”
“Tis always hard to be away from home, aye?” Mary asked. “Especially the first night.”
“I am accustomed to travel.”
“Well, not in the middle of a cold winter, I am sure. Though ye’re laird is smart for choosing such a time, for there are few travelers this time of year.”
“And fewer outlaws,” her husband offered between bites of bread.
“Sutherlands doona care,” Colin said. “If they catch wind of us recruiting soldiers for Laird Jamie, expect the earl to send someone to interfere, or at least give the appearance of doing such.”
“But shouldna there be peace between Jamie and the earl, considering the laird married his only daughter,” Silas said.
“One would hope,” Kai said. “There is peace between our families, though unofficially.”
His soldiers muttered their dislike for the Sutherlands.
“I have never known a Sutherland ye can trust,” Silas added. “They would no hesitate to stab ye in the back if it would benefit their clan.”
The men laughed.
“It is not my intention to stir up trouble between our clans,” Kai assured them. “Only to expand my laird’s army. And…” He gazed at Miran. “And to insure we can staff Lady Helen’s household.”
Miran had no choice but to enter the conversation. “I am grateful for ye letting yer daughter join us, Silas and Mary.”
“The lass is verra capable and trustworthy,” her father said. “And we know ye will keep her safe. I ask that once ye have completed yer rounds, then come back for her, for we wish to spend some time with her and see her and Craig wed.”
Miran cast Kai a questioning look.
“A perfectly reasonable request,” Kai said. “We wish your family nothing but happiness. I hope Master Kinnear will be as agreeable as you, Silas.”
After the meal was over, Miran followed Kai outside.
“Good morn,” he said to her.
“And what is so good about it, Captain?”
Her exaggerated displeasure made him chuckle. “Were you not a willing participant last night?”
Her cheeks flushed. “Ye are a scoundrel, a wastrel.”
Kai puffed his chest out. “Titles I am proud to own.”
“I dinna come out here to engage in meaningless conversation with ye, Kai. I wish to return to camp.”
“When?”
“Now, if ye please.”
