“A little.”Logan wasn’t about to mention all the tall tales she’d been spouting.
“Where is she now?”
“In the guest chamber.I had her in the donjon but she ailed and I didnae wish her dead for yer return.She may be useful.”
For some reason, it was important to Logan the laird agreed, not only because he wanted Gillean to trust his judgement but because he did not wish to see the lass dead—no matter how aggravating she was.
“Ye put her in the donjon?”Gillean asked, both brows raised.
“’Tis where we put criminals, is it not?”
A slit of a smile slid across Gillean’s lips and he nodded.“It is indeed.Ye are right, she may be useful.But watch her, Logan.She is a manipulative woman.Is she still bonny?”
“Bonny enough, aye.”
“She took advantage of my brother.I firmly believe she led him to his death.”
“I thought he died of old age, my laird.”
“A weak heart.Lorna knew that.She tested him at every moment she could.”
Logan nodded.He could well see her doing that.Lord knew, she had tried his patience every moment since her arrival.
“I shall finish up here, then ye can bring her to the hall for an audience with the prisoner.We have much to arrange before the Norse army arrives.We cannae afford for this to fail.Should the king hear tell of our plans, we shall be killed for being traitors.”
He nodded again.He was well aware of the precarious position they were in.Their fates hung on a knife edge, and he would not let a mere lass get in the way of that, no matter how bonny or tempting she was.
***
Lorna kept her gaze cast down but had observed the Vikings well enough to know at least one was regarding her with great interest.
“Ye are up to some mischief, returning here, is that it?”Gillean asked.
“Nay, my laird.I wished to speak with ye about my dowry.”
“I am to believe ye returned, risking death and capture for yer paltry dowry.”
“I am to remarry,” she lied.She could hardly confess to wishing to kill him after all, though the temptation to dive at him and wrap her hands around his neck was strong.“But he willnae take me on the small sum my cousin offered for me.”Greed, Gillean would understand she hoped.“I didnae mean to inconvenience ye or yer men, my laird.If ye’ll let me be on my way, ye’ll no’ see me again.”
Silence reigned and she braved lifting her head.Gillean’s eyes glinted with amusement.Did he see through her lie?Would he put her to death for plotting to kill him?What if Logan had said something?She slipped a glance at him but his expression remained stoic, unreadable.The man had no heart left, to be sure.
“Why do ye no’ stay and enjoy my hospitality a while?”he offered, his grin expanding.“I have no’ seen ye in a fair while, sister.Things have changed, have they not?”
He had to be referring to Logan.Had he fed him more lies?What was his reasoning behind such a move?Revenge, mayhap.He knew well of her dependence on Logan, but it was a dangerous game.Logan’s memory might return at any moment and then he would have an additional enemy in his keep.
“My brother shall be worrying for me.”She drew her chin up.The meek, obedient act was not working.“I wouldnae wish for him to send someone to fetch me.An army, mayhap.”
“I hope for yer brother’s sakes he doesnae send an army.I have many men at my disposal as ye can see as well as some additional support...”
The Vikings he meant.The vicious, barbaric Norsemen.Not content with their failure to conquer the Western Isles over a year ago, they were making another attempt to take them back once more.Many Scots had lost their lives then and more would die now, whether they were successful or not.Lorna wrapped her arms around herself and tried to mask a shudder.The thought of the enemy being so close to those she loved sent a cold swirl of dread into her veins.She prayed Finn did not send an army for her.
“Besides” —Gillean pressed a finger to his lips—“ye may make a fine bargaining prize.”
Lorna fought the heavy sensation in her stomach and kept her gaze steady on him.If he intended to make a move on her cousin’s land, holding her for ransom would give Gillean an advantage.For the hundredth time, she cursed her impetuousness.Why had she been so thoughtless?
The Viking to Gillean’s right—the leader she assumed—guffawed.“She is fine indeed.You would do better keeping her for yourself, Gillean.”
Bile rose in her throat as she suffered the Norseman’s lecherous stare.He was large, as many Vikings were, with broad shoulders and was probably handsome but his grimy beard and tangled wild hair hid his features well.Lord knew, Scotsmen were not the most refined but everything about the Viking screamed barbarian.
