Page 36 of Highlander’s Lesser Evil

Thinking back to the women who used to cower when he walked by, Theo wished he could claim the same. “Should there be trouble while I am gone, ye will be my first target.”

“Was it difficult?”

“Was what difficult?”

“Taking over for yer father given his reputation. How did ye gain their trust?”

Theo rose and turned his back. “When I discover that, I will let ye know.”

“The boy Gemma saved...I was curious and asked around about him. He is an orphan.”

Theo froze. “And?”

“I know his uncle well and understand why ye wish to hide them from him, but the uncle has kin. Good kin. The boy needs a father figure, and I doonae think ye will find that here with this lot. Not under the threat of invasion. I know someone that can help.”

That meant trusting Graeme. Theo closed his eyes. “The boy doesnae wish to leave.”

“’Tis all right. Oliver only stays on MacSeaver land for me. I think he will like it here, and I think ye can use him.”

“He would haftae swear fealty to me.”

Graeme looked away before he nodded. “Then I will speak with him and let him decide.”

Walking away, Theo wondered when Graeme had become their ally.

Gemma was making dinner for them in her cottage when Theo finally got home. It was late, and most of the village was asleep, but there was much to be done if they were leaving in the morning.

A delicious-smelling stew wafted from the fire, and she was bundled up in a quilt as she sat, her legs curled up under her, as she stared out the window. She was so lost in through that she hadn’t heard him come in.

Displeasure curled through him. She was so trusting that anyone could get close and bury a knife in her gut if they wanted. But even as he studied her, he realized he loved this side of her. The side that could relax and enjoy her surroundings. The only time he could do that was when he was with her.

Last night’s lovemaking had stayed with him all day, and he was more than eager to touch her now.

“Dinner smells wonderful,” he said quietly as he grabbed her hands and pulled her up. Her gaze snapped into focus and she gasped as he took that opportunity to steal a leisurely kiss from her. “Evening, Wife.”

“I must have gotten lost in my thoughts. I didn’t even hear you come in,” she admitted with a blush. “And good evening, Husband. I trust the day went smoothly?”

“Smoothly enough.” Until now. He had a feeling that she would take it well when he told her it was time to leave. “Have ye eaten?”

“No, I was waiting for you. I took a chicken to the guard quarters earlier, but I didn’t see you.” Yawning, she rubbed her eyes.

“A chicken? My men are eating better than me,” he grumbled, but he sat at the table. After the first taste of stew, he regretted his words. The mutton was tender, the vegetables flavorful, and the broth thick.

Gemma shot him a knowing smile. “The cook my father employed was very talented. I learned quite a bit from her.”

“Lucky me!” He ate in silence and knew he could put it off no longer. Gemma settled back into her chair and began to eat as well. There was a sense of contentment on her face, like this was enough for her, and it turned his stomach to think that he was going to ruin that.

“We are leaving in the morning for MacDougal lands.”

The spoon paused midway to her mouth. “To stay?”

“Aye.”

“The morning! Theo, have you lost your mind? I can’t possibly be ready by then. I need to make provision for David and Cameron. I need to pack. The looms are valuable and can break if they are not stored properly.”

“I have already made provision for David and Cameron. Ye have little to pack, and the looms cannae come with us. I promise that on the next trip, I will make provisions for them, or we will look at purchasing ye a set for the keep.”

For a moment, he worried that he’d broken her. She just stared at him, unmoving. “Gemma, I realize that ye still want to weave for the people, and I am happy to let ye weave when I can move the looms, but ‘tis not a necessity. I will take care of them now.”