Melissa was getting more and more impatient with Fiona’s constant flirting with her husband, but she was maintaining her composure and enjoying her meal. There was at least a sense of one-upmanship in the way that Daniel seemed to deflect Fiona’s advances and make sure that Melissa remained in his gaze.
Daniel recommenced discussions of business with Hamish while Melissa kept a close eye on her opponent, who was doing her utmost to draw Daniel’s attention.
“So, Melissa,” Fiona asked. “How did ye and Daniel meet?” She glanced at Melissa over the rim of her glass. “That must be a fascinating story. It isnae every day that a rake settles down with an English lass, nonetheless.”
“Daniel was a friend of my brother-in-law—” Melissa began, wondering how she was going to explain that their marriage had been one of convenience and nothing more.
“Daniel,” Fiona said, interrupting Melissa’s story as if she hadn’t spoken at all. “Remember how ye and I met?” She rested her chin on her hand and shot Daniel a seductive smile.
“It happened such a long time ago that I must say I cannae remember,” Daniel lied, sipping his ale and clearing his throat.
Melissa felt a sense of pride and joy that Daniel was not falling into any of Fiona’s flirtatious traps.
“I had gone out with friends and had gotten lost on me way home,” Fiona continued, unperturbed, fixing her eyes on him. “Then you came riding by on yer horse, and like a perfect gentleman, offered to take me home. I remember being so cold and you offered me your coat, and that was the start of a very special bond between us.” She winked at him. “It wasnae until later that I learned ye were friends with Hamish ‘afore we met.”
“It was indeed the start of a very special friendship.” Daniel smiled politely at her once again. “I shall never forget thefriendthat ye were to me.”
Melissa was grateful that Daniel seemed to be recognizing the game Fiona was trying to play, and she appreciated how he wasn’t participating in any way. It made her hopes rise again that Daniel had changed his mind about the agreement they made before their wedding.
“I guess,” Fiona said irritably but quickly plastered a smile on her face as more of the men glanced her way. “We can call it that if ye like.” She winked at Daniel again.
Melissa’s patience was wearing ever so thin, as she was on the verge of pulling Fiona by the hair and dragging her out of the castle. She wished Daniel would just get the business discussions over and done with, so they could put an end to the dinner and go their separate ways.
“So, Fiona,” she began when she noticed how the woman had once again smiled at her husband. “A beautiful young lady like yourself surely must have a long line of suitors at her doorstep?”
“We’re not all so lucky to have a laird sweeping us off our feet,” Fiona retorted. “I still haven’t found the right lad… Or should I say, all the right men are already taken…” she said almost bitterly.
“Och, I am certain that the right man is out there for ye,” Daniel reassured. “Sometimes, we have to let go of what we kent so we can embrace what life wants to show us. Dinnae hold onto things that arenae meant for you. Otherwise, you might lose what is meant for ye in the process.”
“I’ve never thought of ye as a philosophical person,” Fiona remarked, her demeanor instantly changing.
“Well then, you don’t recognize the best parts of him,” Melissa replied, smiling. Her heart suddenly skipped a beat when she noticed the proud look that Daniel was giving her as she held her own against Fiona.
“So, Daniel,” Hamish chimed in, changing the subject. “Where are we standing with our business proposal?”
“Just so we are clear on the proposal.” Daniel cleared his throat and glanced at Melissa. “Yer offering to pay double the price of whatever I am getting for me armor an’ shields going forward for the next three years, provided I refuse to do business with anyone else who approaches me during that time.”
“That is correct,” Hamish responded with a smile. “Ye have the most skilled blacksmiths in all of the land, and the finest iron is sourced on your property. So, it wouldnae make sense for me to reinforce me arsenal anywhere else.”
“Thank ye for the vote of confidence,” Daniel said. “Assuming I agree to this proposal, how often do ye need weapons, and who would be delivering the payments?”
“Well,” Hamish began. “Fiona had offered to make the payments once a month when she comes to visit ye here at the castle,” he said fondly as he looked at his sister. “She’s always willing to lend a hand wherever necessary for the clan.”
Fiona lifted her glass once again and smirked as she looked at Melissa, finally feeling as if she had gained the upper hand.
Melissa’s heart sank at the thought of having the woman at the castle on a more regular basis, and she secretly hoped and prayed that this wasn’t going to be the case. There would be no end to the woman’s flirting if she had a regular line to Daniel all the time. Yet, Melissa could see that the business deal was important to Daniel and decided to hold her tongue.
“Aw, Daniel,” Fiona purred. “It’s going to be just like the good old days when we would see each other so often and have an unforgettable time.” She lowered her voice. “With the added benefit of ye making some money an’ getting to see me on yer own once again.”
Daniel looked at Melissa before turning to Hamish and ignoring his sister altogether. “I think this is a far more sensitive matter that should be dealt with by the men,” he explained, making his voice firm so that Fiona would understand what he was saying. “I would prefer it if we used one of the men that we trust.” He turned toward Fiona with a serious look in his eyes. “Ye can always visit the castle whenever Melissa decides to extend the invite.”
Melissa’s heart skipped a beat as she watched Daniel take control and assert his opinion on the situation at hand.
“I dinnae see why I cannae deliver the money,” Fiona argued, taken aback, and glanced at her brother.
“This is a business discussion between men,” Daniel said coolly. “Ye were invited here this evening as a courtesy toward Hamish and naething more. It wouldnae be right if ye were the one to handle the money.”
“I must confess,” Hamish finally said. “I dinnae care for the way yer speaking to me sister, not when she’s always been welcome here in the past.” His plump face turned red as he spoke. “I think yer forgetting who has the upper hand in this deal.” He narrowed his eyes.
