Page 34 of The Highlander’s Unexpected Wife

“Sir,” the man called.

Cameron ignored him and took the steps two at a time, heart pounding. He’d half feared that Napier would use Alison as a weapon once he discovered the truth of her identify. He prayed that hadn’t happened. Cameron reached the study with the man close behind. Napier sat on a divan with James and both men looked up at him.

A mocking smile curved Napier’s mouth. “Hunter, we weren’t expecting you.”

“I tried to stop him,” the man said.

“Never mind,” Napier said. “I am always pleased to see Lord Weston.”

Cameron noted the hulking man who stood near the wall behind the divan, but started toward Napier. “I believe you have something of mine.”

Napier rose. “Would you like a brandy?”

“Where is she?” Cameron stopped two feet from him.

Napier crossed to a sideboard where sat several decanters and glasses. “She? Do you refer to a specific one of the blonde lovelies McIntyre delivered? They are already en route to my customer.” He poured himself a brandy.

“Did you wish to handle this matter yourself, Hunter?” James asked.

A knot formed in Cameron’s gut. Where was Alison? “Just blondes?” he demanded.

Napier turned, brandy glass in hand, and regarded him. “As agreed. When can I expect the remaining women? As you know, my client is entertaining guests.”

Cameron shifted his gaze to James.

With the slightest motion, James cocked his head to the side as if to ask what was wrong. “I explained we would need three more days for the next shipment.”

Cameron nodded. “We do not want to rouse suspicion. As you saw, the women, while low born, are not gutter rats.” He pinned the man with a hard stare. “As discussed, we expect to be better compensated with the next six women.”

Napier angled his head in acknowledgement. “I will discuss the matter with my partner."

Partner? Napier’s pride wouldn’t let him admit he had a superior.

Cameron kept his expression neutral. “Good. We would stay, but I need James on another matter.” Cameron extended his hand toward Napier.

Napier accepted the handshake, but his eyes narrowed on Cameron. “A pleasure doing business with you.”

Cameron released his hand. Did Napier’s words contain a veiled threat? Did the man have Alison and not even James knew? If Alison wasn’t here, where the hell was she? Fury coiled in his gut.

“So long as you understand, I would take it personally if certain young ladies were to disappear.”

A heavy moment hung in the air, then Napier said, “Hunter, if you had a sister and I wanted her, I would have her.”

“Touch what is mine and I will kill you.” Hairs prickled on the back of Cameron’s neck.

James stepped between them. “Let us not end this meeting with a challenge.”

A small smile turned Napier’s lips. “Agreed.”

His tone was amiable, but Cameron knew better. One wrong move, and the man would order them shot, then have the bodies buried where no one would find them. Cameron had suspicions he’d done that before and not been caught. Cameron turned on his heels and headed for the door. He prayed he’d leapt to the wrong conclusion and Alison was elsewhere.

After they reached the carriage, James asked, “What is going on?”

“Bob,” Cameron addressed the driver, “please tie my horse to the rear of the carriage.” Without waiting for acknowledgment, he opened the door and climbed inside.

James stepped in behind him and closed the door as he dropped onto the seat opposite him.

“I thought Lady Alison was here,” Cameron said.