“Nay, it makes sense, lad,” Jamie said reluctantly. “Look at her. She doesna show signs of hunger. Her cheeks are full, her body sturdy. She’s too healthy to be a beggar.”
“Aye, and no wonder. If she pleaded with you for alms, would you deny her? If you saw her on the street and she begged for a coin, who would give heronly one? Who could ignore her? With such a face, she could become rich leading the beggar’s life! ’Tis no doubt why she wants to return to it.”
“’Tis no’ so!” she cried. “I’ve never gone without, because I’ve no’ had to. My family provides well. They’re no’ paupers.”
“If they provide for you, then why have they no’ found you a husband?” Colen demanded.
“I’ve answered enough questions,” Sheena said flatly. “You’ve no right to be prying into my life.”
“Enough bickering!” Jamie intervened sharply. “Colen, the lass isna destitute. So for me to insist she stay here for her own good is no longer reasonable. You’ll take her back to Aberdeen.”
Colen turned on his heel and stalked from the room. Sheena was so happy that it was several moments before she realized she was alone in the bedchamber with James MacKinnion.
Fearfully, she looked at him. His eyes were on the open door through which Colen had departed. It struck Sheena suddenly that if she hadn’t knownwhohe was, she wouldn’t have feared him at all. She recalled the night before, when she had first seen him, when she had felt anything but fear. She had actually been quite attracted to him. He was still the most handsome man she had ever seen. And seeing him now, without being unnerved by his steady gaze, she was once again fascinated by him.
“He’s a stubborn lad, and no mistake,” Jamie said with a long, drawn-out sigh. “It seems I must be taking you to Aberdeen, lass. I’m sure he willna do it.”
“Youtake me?” She felt her stomach turn queasy. How to get out of this new fix? “You’ve been kind indeed, but I…canna accept. I’ll find my way back alone, thank you.”
“Nonsense,” he replied sternly. “I dinna take responsibility lightly. I’ve told you that. I’ll see you safely to your aunt. ’Tis well I speak with her too. She needs to understand the folly of leaving you unescorted.”
Sheena froze. Speak with Aunt Erminia? He’d learn who they were and kill them both!
“You command many men,” she said quickly, fearfully. “Any one of them could take me back. ’Tis no’ necessary that you go.”
Seeing the fear in her again, he snapped, “You’ll go with me or you’ll stay! Now which will it be?”
Sheena didn’t answer. She couldn’t. She would sooner have stayed there, seeing him every day with others nearby, than spend one moment alone with him on some lonely moor. She would have to find some other way to leave.
“Well, lass?”
“I…I willna go with you.”
“You’ll be telling me why, Sheena,” he said very quietly.
She found the courage to answer truthfully. “I dinna trust you no’ to hurt me.”
Anger drained away, replaced by utter confusion. “Why would I hurt you? You’re a bonny lass, Sheena. I would never hurt you.”
When she remained silent, he said, “You dinna believe me?”
“I only wish I could,” she replied truthfully. “But I canna.”
Jamie was silent, staring at her thoughtfully. Her fear of him was infuriating, for he had done nothing to cause it. But she would not be leaving, not without him. She had made the decision herself.
“’Tis glad I am you’ll be staying, lass,” Jamie said with a half-grin.
Sheena was taken aback. “Why?” she asked warily. “I’ll still no’ marry your brother.”
“And glad I am to hear that, too.” Jamie chuckled, so contrary to his previous mood.
Sheena was thoroughly confused. “Glad? But you gave Colen your blessing.”
“With reluctance, I assure you.”
“I dinna ken. If you dislike me so—”
Jamie’s laughter cut her off. “How wrong you are, lass. But no wonder, since I’ve done naught but shout and lose my temper with you.”
