Brodie quirked his brow at Jennie. “Jennie? Would you care to explain yourself?”
Jennie sputtered, realizing she had put herself in a very uncomfortable position. “Please. ‘Tis over. Can we let everything go?”
Loki shouted, “Hellfire! He had his hands all over her. He needs to pay.” He moved his sword so the point was close to MacKenzie’s throat.
Ennis rolled his eyes. “Truly, Grant? This is ridiculous.”
Brodie glowered at him. “Is it?”
Loki’s face glowed red with anger, his eyes lit with a fury Jennie had never seen. “You do not come to your friends’ land and assault their sister…or their aunt. We shall see what my laird has to say about this.”
“Loki, lower your sword.” Brodie’s hand settled on his hips.
“Must I? They deserve something.” Loki gripped his sword until his knuckles were white.
“Loki!” Brodie said through clenched teeth. “I know you are the great protector of all our lasses and bairns, but I think Jennie can handle herself.”
Loki’s head dropped and he did as he was instructed. “Someday, you’ll appreciate my protecting.”
“I already have, lad, as you are aware. Go back inside.”
Loki shuffled off toward the keep, his shoulders slumped. He peered over his shoulder once to give Jennie a forlorn look, but then continued onward.
Chapter Fifteen
Jennie lets Loki down as nicely as she can…
When Jennie stepped inside the keep, she searched for Loki. She finally found him over in a secluded corner, his shoulders slumped as he stared at the crowd of people chatting inside.
“Loki?”
His face lit up when he saw her. “Jennie. My apologies for interfering, but I do not like those men.”
Jennie sat on a nearby bench and patted the seat next to her. Loki sat down, hanging his head.
“I cannot believe you are almost as tall as I am. When did that happen?”
His eyes danced and he grinned as he peered up at her, clearly pleased she had noticed he was getting older.
“My thanks for being my protector,” she added. “I am new at being around lads, since Alex has protected me for so long.”
“Aye, well, you still need to be protected. He was doing things he should not have been doing.” Loki frowned and stared at his feet.
“‘Tis true he kissed me, but I allowed it.”
“Why? Can you not see he is wrong for you?” he said, his brow furrowed.
“Aye, now I do. But I needed to find out for myself. You are growing up too fast for me, Loki. Not long ago, you would have called him a surly pig-nut.”
Loki laughed. “I did like that name. Ennis isn’t surly.” He gazed into her eyes. “Must you choose someone?”
Ah, Brodie had been correct in his assessment of Loki’s affections. She thought for a moment before she spoke again. “Alex is not forcing me to choose, but I do wish to marry. There was a time when I loved my brothers more than I could love any other man. Do you know, I always thought of you as my brother instead of my nephew? You are much older and more mature than the lads that are about. I feel as if I have four brothers, all looking out for me.”
“Aye, ‘tis true.” He nodded and waited for her to continue.
“Do you know that I once wished on a star that you would grow up fast enough to be my age so we could marry?” Mayhap he would feel better about their parting with this explanation. She remembered having numerous crushes when she was young. No matter how old, rejection always hurt.
“You did?” His eyes widened.
