Page 27 of Highlander’s Lesser Evil

“Beth dragged Jillian around everywhere, and in one of the visits here, she befriended Gemma. My wife seems to be fiercely loyal to those she loves, and she believes the lass wilnae betray us to Fletcher.”

Graeme snorted. “Betray ye to Fletcher? She hates the old man. Her work would only be against MacSeavers. I am convinced that she knew of Beth’s treachery and planned to use us all to bring the MacSeavers down. If she had her way, there would be no clan standing. The king would have had no choice but to amass an army to obliterate us.”

There was so much anger on his face. Theo knew only of rumors, but he hadn’t put that much stock in them. After all, a beautiful but mysterious woman often started hushed whispers that grew to tall tales after awhile. Still, there was something that Jillian seemed to be hiding.

“Ye truly believed that she murdered yer cousin?”

Graeme looked at him sharply. “Where did ye hear that?”

“‘Tis no secret, Graeme. Yer uncle’s tantrum after his son died reached the ears of many, although none know the specifics.”

“No one knows the specifics,” Graeme said unhappily. “Gentry was my friend, and he would have made a fine laird. I know he loved Jillian to distraction, and I fear it was his downfall. I thought for certain that Fletcher would exile her, but instead, he protected her. I fear he wanted her and hoped to seduce her. Bloody hell, for all I know, she was already in his bed, and this is a lover’s spat. I would like a word with her while she is here.”

“I cannae stop ye from talking to her, but if ye harm or threaten her, ye will have to answer to me.” Theo didn’t like the idea that Fletcher’s lover was here, but he’d made a promise to Gemma, and without proof, he would not act.

“I want to know what she is doing here.”

“Aye.” Theo nodded calmly. “And I would like to know what ye are doing here. Jillian says that ye are supposed to be wife hunting on Sinclair lands. If ye are lost, allow me to inform ye that these arenae Sinclair lands.”

Graeme’s hand settled on the hilt of his sword, and his eyes grew wary. “I know exactly where I am,” he said in a stilted voice. “I am here to check on the people.”

“I doonae think ye are, so I will warn ye once again not to cross me, Graeme. Yer time of coming and going freely without my leave is swiftly coming to an end. Thus far, ye have no evidence that these people are in danger from me. If ye are looking for a weakness...”

“Ye will be the first to know,” Graeme said as he relaxed. Nodding, he walked away, and Theo gritted his teeth.

Graeme would never have told him of any weakness. No, he would simply take advantage.

That night, Theo found himself waiting on Gemma. He spent most of the time studying the looms. She’d put a bit more work into them, and he was starting to see a landscape: the Highlands, no doubt. There was nothing in England that could be that green and lush.

The candles were burning low when the door opened, and she finally bustled in, her cloak swirling around her and laughter still in her eyes. Her cheeks were red, but he wasn’t sure whether it was from the wine or the cold.

“Husband,” she greeted breathlessly.

The wine, he thought wryly. He’d never known a young woman to drink the way she did. Independence, it seemed, really could change a young and proper lass. Not that he was unhappy about it. She should enjoy herself, but there was a grain of disappointment. She never seemed that happy to see him.

“Wife,” he greeted. “‘Tis late.”

“Oh, stop. One of the wonderful things about Loch Moran is that I can come and go as I please. It was never a freedom I had in England, and one I do not plan to give up.”

“I wouldnae ask ye to give it up,” he said carefully. She clearly loved Loch Moran, and he wanted her to enjoy it as much as possible before they left. “But I was worried. With Jillian and Graeme both here, I am worried there will be trouble.”

She paused, considering his words, and nodded. “All right. I should have been considerate that I have a husband at home, though you are not usually waiting for me. As it happens, you have nothing to worry about. Jillian was with me all evening, and Graeme did not approach her.”

“Good.” Walking toward her, he slowly undid her cloak and hung it near the fire to let it dry from the mist outside. “Did ye enjoy yerself?”

“Aye. Vera much. Elizabeth joined us. It felt like old times again. Ye didnae stay out long.”

“No. There was something that I wanted more.” Leaning down, he brushed his lips across hers. “Ye need sleep.”

Her gaze was filled with need and hesitation. “Just sleep?”

“Aye.” He grinned, knowing full well what was going on in her head. “Unless ye want more.”

His hunger for her was overwhelming, but he knew she was shaken from her last encounter. He understood that all too well. He was shaken by it too, surprised by how desperately he wanted her and the fear that he would lose control and hurt her.

“Maybe,” she whispered, and rose on her toes for another kiss, “but not tonight. My head is swimming a bit.”

He wanted her to remember every minute of their first night together. “Then we will wait ‘til ye have a clear head. Do ye need anything before we retire?”