Page 29 of The Beastly Earl

“Mildly?” he said with a touch of umbrage mixed with amusement.

When she didn’t answer he turned his head to see a look of guilt and sorrow on her pale features. For reasons he didn't fully understand, he knew he'd triggered a painful memory in her. He didn't like the way it made him feel or the look on her face, and he quietly sought to ease her remorse.

“You did apologize.”

“Yes, but there are some words that can never be taken back. Words said in anger that can haunt you forever.”

From her reply, he knew she wasn’t referring to the harsh words she’d directed at him. A much deeper torment swept across her face. Her expression reflected a stark painful memory of another time when she’d spoken harshly to someone. An urge to comfort her slammed into him with the force of a blow to his chest.

“There are a great many things one can regret, but if your words were said to a loved one, I find it hard to believe you weren’t forgiven.”

“There wasn’t time for forgiveness.”

The soft reply created a painful ache in his chest as he suddenly wished he could take on the burden of her pain. He was accustomed to living with the emotion, it was obvious she wasn’t. She came to a halt in front of Morag’s stall, and he saw the mare was already saddled. With a gesture for her to stay where she was, he led the horse out of the stall. The horse dipped its head toward Louisa in a display of recognition. A small smile touched her lips at the gentle nudge, and she rubbed the horse’s jowl with affection.

“I see you’re well-acquainted with Morag.”

“Yes, she’s a sweet creature,” Louisa said with a nod. “She seems to enjoy our afternoon outings despite the chilly weather.”

“I believe Lachlan would become quite lazy if I didn’t exercise him every day. There are times when I think the animal is too pampered by McCallum and Finn.” His annoyance made her laugh, and he was relieved to see her sorrow had disappeared from her face.

“And you don’t pamper him?” There was a mischievous sparkle in her eyes that made him narrow his gaze at her.

“I do not.”

“Then what is this?”

In a quick move, she tugged on the green foliage attached to a carrot he had in his coat pocket. She dangled the carrot in the air. Frowning at her amusement, he managed to snatch the vegetable out of her hand with his mechanical one without dropping the carrot.

“The animal needs to eat.”

“Of course.”

As her soft laughter filled the air, Ewan scowled at her and turned away to head back to Lachlan’s stall, which he’d passed while walking Louisa to Morag. Her brother hadn’t mentioned it, but Ewan was certain the man had often found himself bedeviled by his sister’s teasing.

“Perhaps when Lachlan has had his carrot, his strength will be restored well enough to race Morag.” The laughter in her voice made him look over his shoulder. The challenge in her serene smile made him shake his head.

“Morag is no match for Lachlan.”

“Then allow us a head start.” She arched her eyebrows and eyed him with an impish expression. “That is if you’re not afraid of losing.”

“Losing?” Ewan snorted with a mixture of amusement and exasperation at her confident expression. “Very well. I’ve yet to saddle Lachlan. Even with that much of a head start, he will still be able to catch Morag without too much difficulty.”

“Bold words, my lord. Perhaps you would like to make a wager?”

Fully aware she was goading him into placing a bet, he ignored the warning in the back of his head. Slowly closing the distance between them, he studied her in silence. His gaze fell down to her mouth, which was slightly parted, and he could hear the quiet sound of her breathing.

She seemed bemused and somewhat unnerved by his silence. It was a remarkable change from the other night. How unsettled would she be if he kissed her at this exact moment? A rush of desire crashed through him at the thought, and he quickly fought off the impulse to steal a kiss. Pink color stained her cheeks as if she’d read his thoughts, and he allowed a small smile to touch his lips.

“What should we wager?” he murmured as he enjoyed the sight of her confusion.

Even if he was wrong about Lachlan catching Morag, he’d already won by watching her reaction to him. Something stirred inside him as she swallowed hard and bent her head to avoid his gaze. It was further evidence of how much he’d rattled her composure, and he took pleasure in how her confusion made her exquisite to look at. Almost as if she could read his thoughts, she lifted her gaze to meet his with an expression of regal serenity on her face.

“If I win, you must have supper with me and the children tonight.” Startled by her stipulation, he frowned, and she gently scoffed at his hesitation. “I thought you were certain Lachlan could catch Morag.”

“Oh, I’m certain of it. Certain enough that when I cross the finish line before you, I will require you call me Ewan from that point forward, and…” He paused as he realized what he’d been about to propose. Christ Jesus, he’d almost wagered a kiss in addition to hearing her call him by name. Her eyes were wide with astonishment, and the flush of color in her face that had faded returned to crest even higher in her cheeks.

“And what?”