Ach, but did he really mean to kiss someone like me?
“He hates people that harm women and girls… or anyone that cannae protect themselves,” Annabeth said, bringing Flora out of her thoughts. There was a faraway, contemplative expression on her face. “He’s quite acquainted with loss, so when a man abducted Elizabeth, he went after him and got me daughter back. Now, he’s put all his hurt into protectin’ those that need it.”
“Well, I’m grateful he found Elizabeth,” Flora said after a long pause, shuddering as she thought of what might have happened to the young girl and herself if it weren’t for Lucas. “And I’m grateful he came for me, too.”
Before the conversation could continue, Elizabeth exclaimed, “Maither! Flora! Look! Come quickly!”
“Did ye catch one?” Annabeth asked, giving Flora a wink before she approached her daughter.
Lucas turned the page of his book with more force than was entirely necessary. Training would probably be a better use of his energy, but when he looked out the window, he spotted Flora on a walk with Annabeth and his niece. He was certain Flora was avoiding him, and he didn’t want to push her any further than he already had.
“Ye look like ye’re about to murder someone.”
He lifted his eyes from the page, glaring at Matthew. His man-at-arms was standing there, an eyebrow raised. Lucas set his book aside, clearing his throat but not bothering to fix his expression.
“It’s nothin’, Matthew,” he said. “It’s best ye mind yer own business.”
“Well, when ye’re glarin’ at a book in that manner, I can only assume that there’s somethin’ wrong.” Matthew took a seat across from Lucas. He settled his elbows on his knees, leaning forward. “I ken ye. Now, is there a war we have to fight, or is this a more personal matter?”
“Ye’re interruptin’ me readin’,” Lucas said, though he didn’t move to pick up the book again. “That’s why I look unhappy. Ye’re dismissed.”
“Nay, I’m nae,” Matthew said, refusing to relent. “I’m nae leavin’ ye be until ye tell me why ye look so murderous.”
Lucas scrubbed a hand over his face, his fingers lingering on the wiry hairs covering his jaw. With a groan, he said, “I’m nae murderous; I’ve just been thinkin’ about Flora. The woman’s got me head all mixed up. I’m sortin’ it, and daenae need yer help.”
“Well, it was obvious ye wanted her,” his brother said, sounding far too smug. Lucas had half a mind to physically discipline him right there. “I suppose I cannae blame ye. She seems like a sweet lass.”
Lucas fixed him with a glare, straightening in his seat. His knuckles had gone white from how tightly he was gripping the book. “If I dinnae ken how crazy Annabeth was about ye, that comment would earn ye at least two days in the dungeons and three days of rough trainin’.”
Matthew threw his head back, letting out a deep, rumbling laugh, far too joyous for the edge of danger he was dancing on. “Ach, ye’re unhinged. It’s obvious ye’re really growin’ fond of her.”
“It doesnae matter if I’m growin’ fond of her,” Lucas said, grimacing as he remembered the way he’d lost control the last time he’d seen her. He needed to stop being so fond of the woman. “Someone like her deserves someone better than me. I’m cold and cruel, Matthew. She doesnae need to have a monster comin’ after her.”
“Ye really think that of yerself?” Matthew asked, speaking slowly. He ducked his head slightly, looking at Lucas like he was trying to stare into his soul. “Truly?”
Lucas didn’t bother with responding. If he did, Matthew would continue to push the issue. It was best for his head if he shut down this conversation before his brother attempted to convince him otherwise.
“Ye’re none of those things,” Matthew said with a sigh after a long moment. “Ye’re nae responsible for what happened to Leo nor what Maggie did to herself.”
“That’s enough, Matthew,” Lucas grunted, pushing himself to his feet like he should have done the moment his brother walked in. “I’ve already warned ye. I may not throw ye in the dungeons for yer wife’s sake, but that doesnae mean I willnae give ye rough training. Sounds like ye’re startin’ to get soft. I cannae have that.”
As he crossed the library, his back to his brother, Matthew said, “Ye act as if there’s somethin’ wrong with bein’ soft for the woman ye love in private. Maybe ye’ll learn otherwise one day.”
He must be mad to think that I’m capable of that.
Chapter Twelve
Flora walked out of the great hall, her shoulders held rigid, her spine straight as an arrow. For the third day in a row, she hadn’t had a chance to speak with Lucas. It was frustrating, but also seemed to confirm her most negative thoughts.
I truly am a ruined woman… I never had a chance to be anythin’ but this.
Despite her sour mood, the rest of the residents of Castle McGowan were cheerful. As she made her way to the front door to escape and take a walk to clear her head, two maids walked by laughing loudly. She paused for a moment, knowing that eavesdropping was wrong but unable to stop herself. She wasn’t sure how else she could puzzle out the happenings within the castle without overstepping her position.
“... but ye must admit it’s been far too long since we’ve had a ceilidh.”
“Ye might be right,” the second said, the smile in her voice obvious. “That would mean quite a bit of work for us.”
“A wee bit of work is worth it to dance with the handsome men that live here. I’ve seen ye watchin’ them train.”
