Page 391 of Wicked Highland Heroes

“What does this mean?” Katherine demanded.

“He will be punished,” Iain answered.

She rose. “But he has committed no wrong.”

“Never mind,” Victoria said. “My lord will see he is dealt with.” Victoria was secretly impressed when Riley made no move to blame Katherine, but stood even straighter.

“What is to be his fate?” Katherine asked.

“It is of no consequence,” Victoria said, pushing her toward the door. Katherine resisted only slightly and Victoria feared she would let poor Riley go to his doom.

“Wait.” Katherine stopped. “He did nothing wrong, my lord.”

Victoria shook her head. “You are young and do not understand the way of things.”

Katherine shot her a look of annoyance. “I will be seventeen in a month.”

“Seventeen?” Iain repeated.

His surprised response pulled Victoria’s attention to him.

“A child, eh?” His gaze darkened. “’Tis a fine time to learn my wife is gifted in the art of deception.”

“Sixteen is a child.”

Iain shook his head. “Young, but not a child.” He turned to Katherine. “You have caused me no little discomfort, and on a night I am not inclined to tolerate intrusions. Out with it. What happened?” Riley stepped forward.

“Nay, lad,” Iain stopped him.

Katherine remained mute.

“I warn you, Lady Hockley,” Iain’s voice grew hard. “Make haste with your explanation or Riley suffers the full extent of the law.”

“What would that be?”

Deadly silence fell on the room.

“A lady’s honor is beyond reproach,” Iain said in a soft voice. “It is a serious crime for a man to dishonor her. He will be whipped and cast from the clan.”

Riley flinched, but Katherine made no move to defend him and Iain added, “Then I will be forced to deal with your uncle.”

Katherine’s eyes widened. “Please, my lord, I—I did meet him.”

“And?”

“He came to my room earlier.”

Victoria gasped and, at last, Katherine had the good grace to blush.

“He asked if I would meet him.” “You agreed?” Iain asked.

She nodded. “Do you not see? He did nothing wrong. I met him of my own free will.”

“But you are wrong. He did do wrong.”

Genuine panic appeared on her face. “He did not force me into—into…”

“Into what?” Iain demanded.