Page 18 of Bond of a Bewitched Highlander

"What the hell was that?" Talnaroch demanded, swiping at the top of his perfectly coiffed head.

"What?" The other man stared at him wide-eyed.

Talnaroch looked at his hand. "Bird droppings!"

"Oh, hell!" The other man's gaze searched the rafters of the high ceiling. "I see nay birds, m'laird."

After taking out a handkerchief, the earl wiped at his hair and then his hand.

Still invisible, Wilona slipped to the entry, pushed the door open, and turned. Making herself visible as she stood in the open door. She entered, and when the door slammed, the men's gazes swung to her.

Talnaroch frowned. "Who are you, and how did you get past my guards?"

"I walked." She curtsied, then moved forward. "Do you remember me, Laird Talnaroch?"

"Nay. Who are you?" He tossed the soiled handkerchief away.

"Lady Wilona MacRae. My husband and son were chiefs of the MacRae clan."

Grunting, he inclined his head a fraction. "I remember your husband but nay you."

Oh, good. The spell and that dallop on his head must have worked. She smiled. "Could we speak in private?"

He eyed her suspiciously. "Why?"

"I have a business proposal."

"I'll wait over here," the guard said, then moved toward the door.

"I'm listening. Whisky?" The earl lifted the bottle, then poured a dram into a glass.

"Nay, I thank you." She moved closer to him.

"Your clan is from farther east. How did you ken I would be here?" he asked in a surly tone.

"I saw you ride by."

He scowled, clearly perplexed. "What is your business proposal?" He sipped the whisky.

She studied him. Could she trust him? She did not know, but she had to take the risk. She lowered her voice. "The things we speak of must not leave this room."

"Very well." Scrutinizing her, he appeared more intrigued.

"I understand you know where the selkies are."

His brows shot up. "What do you mean?"

She tried to hide her smirking grin. "I would like to partner with you on this venture."

Drawing back, he frowned, then clenched his jaw. "How did you find out about this? Did you pay one of my men for the information?"

Glad she had him rattled, she smiled and shook her head. "Nay. I never reveal my methods, Laird Talnaroch. Anyway, I ken you have the female selkies, and I would like to join forces, so to speak."

"Are you trying to blackmail me?" He slammed the empty glass down on the table but not hard enough to break it.

"Nay, of course not. I wish to help you and be a partner," she said in a conciliatory tone.

He snorted. "How could you possibly help?"