Page 433 of Wicked Highland Heroes

The relief in Jillian’s eyes, Iain had expected, but seeing Victoria visibly relax surprised him. What was it that caused women to doubt a man’s ability to understand circumstances beyond a woman’s control? Iain studied Victoria. Or mayhap even a situation involving Edwin Hockley?

Bran rose and motioned to the two men who accompanied him. He strode to where Iain sat. “I am in your debt. Anything you want, you have but to ask.”

Iain smiled and nodded toward Jillian. “She is a fine lass.”

“Aye,” a fond light entered Bran’s eyes, “she is.”

His gaze sharpened. “I mean to repay you.”

“Get to the bottom of this business and you may consider the debt paid.”

“You can depend on that.” Bran turned to the men who stood behind him. “I would like you to meet my cousin Glen.” The man nearest stepped forward. “Glen,” Bran said, “this is Laird Mac—”

A loud cry from the kitchen stopped Bran midsentence. Iain shot to his feet as all eyes turned to Aurari, who stood in the kitchen doorway, a hand covering her mouth.

A single syllable escaped her lips. “Beng.”

Thomas appeared behind her in the kitchen. He frowned, shooting a questioning look in Iain’s direction. Iain gave a small shake of his head. Evan said something in their tongue to Aurari, but she stood mute as if gripped by an unseen force. Evan cursed. He started forward, and Iain strode toward Aurari and reached her side in unison with Evan.

“What is it?” Iain demanded, looking from Aurari to where she stared at Glen. When no answer was forthcoming, he again demanded, “What is it?” “Patience,” Evan said. “We must wait.” But even as he spoke, Aurari pointed at Glen, again saying,

“Beng.”

“What is she saying?” Iain demanded.

“Devil,” Evan replied.

Iain looked from Glen to Aurari. “What is the meaning of this?”

“Ask him,” Aurari said.

Iain kept his eyes on the Gypsy woman. “’Tis not him I ask.”

Aurari blinked as if seeing Iain for the first time.

“I am asking you,” he said.

“There is darkness there.” She shivered, and Iain could have sworn he felt a chill pass over him. “It is hidden deep within.”

Victoria appeared beside him and laid a hand on his arm. “When we traveled together, she spoke of just such a thing…” Victoria paused, distress creasing her brow.

Iain caught Victoria’s hand. “You are safe here.”

She shook her head. “The danger lies within the very heart of us, my lord. That is what she means.” Before he could ask her meaning, Bran said, “Who is this Egyptian and what mischief is she about?”

Victoria stiffened, and Liam shoved up from his seat at the table. Even Thomas’s expression darkened.

“She is an honored guest in this house,” Iain stated, “and none will speak ill of her.”

Bran appeared surprised, but assented with a slight incline of his head. “Forgive me. May I ask

what she means?”

“He knows,” Aurari interjected, pointing at Glen.

All looked in his direction.

“I have no notion what the witch means,” he sneered.