He rolled to his back, staring wide-eyed into the inky dark above him, his thoughts captured by the woman called Dani.
Likely she was some pampered elder daughter from a well-to-do family. She certainly didn’t have the look of either a Tinkler or a starving peasant. For a fact, she seemed adequately filled out from having enjoyed a bountiful table wherever she’d come from. Filled out in all the right places, at that.
It was also fact that she had not the least bit of good sense about her, else she’d not have wandered into the stone circle so far from anywhere.
Though she had spirit. He’d give her that. He touched a finger to the sore spot on his jaw and smiled. She packed a fine wallop, too. And she was fair enough to look at, with her fine long hair the color of a winter sun and her curves that called out to a man.
It was those curves backlit as they’d been by the glow of the fireplace that had sent him scurrying like a frightened squirrel for his plaid, lest she spot evidence of just how fair his eyes found her.
Trouble,Patrick had named her and in truth his brother had the right of it. All women were trouble of the sort with which he had neither the time nor the patience to be bothered. Lucky for him this one seemed as anxious to be back where she belonged as he was to have her returned there. A very fortunate thing indeed, since he had more than enough trouble of his own. His people faced a long, hungry winter while his sister faced death or worse at the hands of their own brother. Compounding his problems, he had no idea whether or not his only ally would send men to his aid when the time came to go to battle against that brother.
And now he had this snippet of a female thrust into his care, requiring his time to see to her well-being, distracting him from the tasks that required his attention and planning.
Indeed, it was one very happy man he’d be as soon as he handed her over to those who rightfully bore the responsibility for her safety. He didn’t need the burden of seeing to any woman’s protection. His own history had already proven him to be a failure on that count.
On the morrow, they would straighten out their mystery and by sunset, he would have one less worry on his mind, because this Dani would go home.
Ten
IDON’T BELIEVE IT’Spossible for her to return to her home at this time, regardless of what either of you wants.” The petite redhead who’d spoken smiled sweetly before popping a bite into her mouth.
It was partly the promise of food that had enticed Dani out of her room this morning, but now that it sat in front of her, she feared she’d gag if she tried to eat even a single bite.
“What?” At the far end of the table, Malcolm MacDowylt leaned forward, his voice a low, determined rumble, as if he fought to keep his emotions in check. “What do you mean,no possible?”
Funny. That was pretty much the same thing Dani wanted to know. That and how she’d gotten here in the first place. Lord knew she’d racked her brain trying to remember anything that might give her some clue to that one.
She’d awakened on the floor this morning, neck stiff and back aching, to find a beautiful young woman standing over her. There’d been a brief discussion about how the woman, Elesyria she’d called herself, had managed to get into the room, since Dani had been sure she’d put the bar in place before going to sleep. Brief, because Elesyria had refused to answer, instead fluttering a hand at what she’d called the irrelevance of Dani’s concern.
There’d been an equally futile discussion over the clothing she’d brought Dani to wear, a complicated mixture of baggy underdress and jumper-like overdress, all tied together without benefit of zippers or snaps or anything the least bit sensible.
Sitting here now, her stomach ready to heave, Dani regretted not having had more backbone when she’d first met Elesyria. She should have insisted on getting her answers right then and there before leaving her room.
But no. She’d ignored her better instincts and allowed the lovely Elesyria to lead her downstairs where, she was assured, breakfast and answers would be served up.
“Answer me, woman!” Malcolm demanded, emphasizing his displeasure by pounding his fist to the table.
Dani jumped at the noise, only mildly reassured that she wasn’t the only one whose patience wore thin.
Next to her, Elesyria smiled, first at him and then at Dani, before daintily placing a bite into her mouth. “Your cook does such a nice job seasoning this porridge.”
Malcolm rose slowly to his feet, his weight braced on his arms as he leaned against the table, glaring at the woman next to Dani.
He was even more impressive in broad daylight, fully clothed, than he had been last night. And that took some doing, because, for a fact, he’d been pretty impressive in the glow of the firelight, less than fully clothed. Much less.
The memory brought an unwelcome heat to Dani’s cheeks and she fastened her eyes on the bowl in front of her. A bowl made from bread.
“Cease yer games, Elf, and answer the question.”
Dani turned her attention to the man seated at Malcolm’s side. He looked so much like Malcolm, she had little doubt that they were related. Elesyria, on the other hand, looked nothing like either of them, and yet they all seemed to know each other well enough, as if they were family. Well enough that that this one had used a nickname for her.
What was it he’d called her? Elf?
“Hold yer tongue, Patrick.” Malcolm didn’t bother to look at the man next to him, keeping his focus on Elesyria. “Why is it no possible for Danielle to go home?” Malcolm asked the question slowly, emphasizing each of the words, his voice laced with a dangerous edge.
If he’d spoken to her in that manner, she’d be telling him everything she knew right now. If she had the answer, that is.
Beside her, Elesyria made a sound, low in her throat, as much growl as sigh. Her gaze fixed on Patrick, she spoke directly to him, ignoring Malcolm as if he’d never spoken.
