“Is she now? By you then?”
“The lad is mistaken.” Sheena took matters into her own hands. “And I am Sheena, late of Aberdeen, sir.”
“And desirous to return there?”
She blushed. “You heard that?”
“I assure you ’twas no’ intentional.”
Colen was bristling over Sheena’s behavior and Black Gawain’s obvious interest in her. What chance did he have when older, more experienced men offered suit? He did not consider Jamie a threat, not really, not the way Sheena felt about him. But Black Gawain was an unexpected challenge.
“You’ve detained us long enough, Black Gawain,” Colen said coldly. “My brother awaits us.”
“Och, well, I’ve business with Sir Jamie myself,” Gawain said agreeably.
“Naught that canna wait, I trust?”
“’Tis sorry I am to be disappointing you, lad, seeing as you’re eager to be rid of me. No’ that I blame you, mind you.” Gawain grinned, his eyes caressing Sheena admiringly. “But the girnal’s in need of repair because of the heavy rains we’ve been having. I’ll be talking to Sir Jamie now, and so you’ll allow me, lass….”
He offered his arm, and Sheena took it, remarkably at ease with this man and surprised by the fact. Darkly handsome he was, and gallant—for a Highlander. Is that what makes him likable? she asked herself. She had been too much in the company of the rough, overbearing MacKinnion brothers, that was it. Black Gawain had manners, courtly behavior she would take for granted at home but had been missing at Castle Kinnion.
Sheena managed to appear calm as they approached the laird’s table. She was even able to meet those hazel eyes, cloudy green just then, and inscrutable. James MacKinnion was keeping his feelings tightly hidden, as was she.
Jamie rose, marveling anew at her beauty, her flawless skin, those bright, clear blue eyes, the masses of hair floating down the gentle curve of her back.
Quite formally, Jamie took Sheena’s hand. He had given this much thought. “I had begun to think our guest wouldna join us. You’re no’ ill, I trust?”
Sheena’s gaze fell from his. “Just weary. I didna sleep very well.”
“We have that in common, then,” Jamie murmured softly with unmistakable meaning. He pulled her closer, offering her the chair next to his, forcing her to sit.
Sheena was flustered by the blatant reminder of Jamie’s desire. Black Gawain was standing back a little way, also confused by the remark. Sheena wished she could explain to Black Gawain, orprotest. He could make an ally. But was he not Jamie’s man? Would he even speak to her again, now that Jamie had made his interest in her clear?
Just as Colen stepped forward to take the chair to Sheena’s left, Black Gawain moved smoothly in front of him and took that position. Colen was angry enough to challenge his cousin, and would have if Jamie had not given him a sharp look of disapproval. With heightened color, Colen turned away and left the hall. Jamie turned that dark look on Black Gawain.
“What brings you here, cousin?”
“Do I need a reason to come to this hall?” Gawain grinned.
“You provoked my brother.”
“Did I? Well, young Colen has a thing or two to be learning about the ways of fighting for a fair lass.”
“And you’ll be teaching him?”
Sheena squirmed, her nerves jumping. The underlying anger was growing. They were talking over her, as though she weren’t there, yet the fight was because of her. Her hand was still being held by the man she feared. His fingers were surprisingly warm, strong.
“What is this about, Jamie?” Gawain sighed. “The lad says she’s spoken for, but she says nay.”
“So she does.” Jamie’s tone softened. “But I’ll thank you to withhold your interest until she says nay to me, as she has to my brother.”
“I’ll say—”
Sheena was cut short by a warning pressure from Jamie’s fingers. She wasn’t fool enough to test the man just then. If he wanted to hear her answer when they were alone, so be it.
“You’ll say what, lass?” Black Gawain prompted. But when she shook her head, he didn’t press it. “No’ made up your mind, eh?” He leaned back reflectively. “Well, well, so that’s the way of it. I must say, I never thought to see you and Colen fancying the same woman, Jamie.”
“It has been known to happen in many families,” Jamie replied, his casual tone a little forced.
