Page 27 of Claimed Highland Brides

McCormick nodded. “Aye, I will.”

He straightened up and walked out.

Daividh faded into the shadows behind a pillar as the laird stumbled down the corridor, his mind churning at the conversation he had just heard.

Hunter is blackmailing McCormick? What could Hunter be holding over him?

He was so caught up in his musings that he failed to hear the laird emerge from his study.

“Campbell! What are ye doing here?”

Daividh jumped, turning to face his laird. “Uh...I was waiting for ye. I wanted tae speak tae ye.”

McCormick regarded him suspiciously. “What did ye want tae speak tae me aboot?”

Daividh sighed with resignation, deciding to tell the truth. “Shall we go into yer study then?”

McCormick stepped back into the room and gestured for him to follow.

Daividh walked into the room, all the while wondering what he was going to say.

“Weel then Campbell? What is it ye want?”

“I…” Daividh hesitated, not knowing where to start.

“Ye were listening at keyholes were ye no?” McCormick’s tone was wry but his face was annoyed.

“Aye well...I dinnae mean tae. The other laird left the door slightly ajar. I was merely passing by.”

“Mmm.” McCormick nodded skeptically.

“What is he holding ower ye?”

McCormick laughed. “And why should I tell ye?”

“Mayhaps I can help.”

The laird threw back his head and guffawed even louder. “Ye? A lowly sellsword? Help me?”

Daividh exhaled loudly through his nose in annoyance. “Well, it doesnae seem as if ye can help yersel’ so why don’t ye let this lowly sellsword help ye?”

McCormick shook his head. “Ye cannae help me. Nobody can.”

Daividh considered him critically. “Ye’re niece’s life may weel depend on this. A man who would blackmail to acquire a wife cannae be trusted wi’ her care.”

The McCormick closed his eyes, his face looking much older than it had before. “I have tae trust that he will.”

“Why? Why mun’ ye trust? Why can ye nae protect her from him? Let me help ye. Tell me what the man has ower ye.”

“I will ask ye tae leave me in peace Campbell and ye shallnae breathe a word o’ this tae anyone.” The McCormick opened his eyes. “Ye will gie me yer word.”

Daividh just blinked at him. “I cannae do tha’. She needs our help.”

“She?” The McCormick leaned forward in his chair. “And by ‘she’ ye mean my niece? What is yer interest in her? Declare yersel’ Campbell.”

Daividh drew a breath. “Nae interest save a wish tae see her happy. I couldnae help but bear a fond regard frae her after our journey together. She is an enchanting lassie as ye weel ken.”

The other man got to his feet, leaning across the table to glare at Daividh’s taller form. “Ye dinnae touch my niece did ye?”