Page 401 of Wicked Highland Heroes

And what would she do now that she had glimpsed inside Iain MacPherson?

* * *

Iain’s hand stilled on the goblet of ale he reached for at sight of Victoria, followed by Liam, emerging from the stairs into the great hall. Liam took her hand and placed it in the crook of his arm. His fingers covered hers and he murmured something to her as they approached. Iain’s heart leapt at the soft smile she bestowed upon him. Liam nodded to him as she seated herself, then he took his seat next to Thomas.

Iain looked at Victoria, whose somber expression sent a rush of fresh alarm through him. “All is well, lass?”

“Aye,” she murmured into her dinner plate.

Iain reluctantly shifted his attention to Liam. “I expected you would have returned home by now.”

“You tire of my company already, lad?”

“Nay.” Iain gripped his mug. “I find your company most stimulating.”

A short while later, Victoria said, “If you do not mind, my lord, I will retire for the evening?”

Iain nodded. She rose and bid good night to Liam and Thomas, then started toward the stairs. Iain watched until she disappeared up the narrow staircase.

Some time and a fair amount of ale later, Iain made his way to his chambers. He arrived to find the bath that had been prepared for Victoria cold and the bed empty. His quick return to the great hall clearly surprised Thomas and Liam.

“My wife is not in our bedchambers.” Iain looked at Liam and caught the startled flicker in the old chief’s eyes.

“Mayhap she is in the north tower.” Liam gestured in the direction of the staircase. “She was there earlier. The room seems to hold some comfort for her.”

Something in the Liam’s voice, coupled with the suspicion that this man, a veritable stranger to his wife, knew more about her than he did, haunted Iain as he made his way through the labyrinth of hallways and stairs to stand before the telling quiet of the north tower.