Page 9 of Highland Sky

“Hmph,” she said raising her chin in the air. “Why bother? I’m sure ye dinna even ken my name, so what’s the difference?”

“All right, then . . . Kellina. If that’s the way ye want it.”

“H-how did ye ken my name?” she asked him, surprised to hear it springing from his lips.

“I suppose I’m just a little more aware of what is goin’ on around me at all times,” he boasted.

“Really.” She saw Aidan’s squirrel sneaking up behind Nash and she was sure he didn’t know it was there.

“That’s right,” he told her. “I’m guid at a lot of things, which ye’ll find out in time.”

The squirrel jumped up, scurrying up the back of Nash’s plaid, making him cry out in surprise. He spun around on his heel as he drew his sword. Everyone laughed as the squirrel settled on his shoulder, chattering in his ear.

“Come here, Reid, before South lops off yer head.” Aidan reached out and took the squirrel back. He put it on his own shoulder where it seemed to like to perch.

“That wasna funny,” said Nash through gritted teeth, sheathing his sword.

“It’s a guid thing that ye are so aware of everythin’ that goes on around ye, my betrothed.” Kellina smirked and headed away.

“I kent the damned rodent was there,” she heard Nash calling out from behind her. “I was just tryin’ to scare it so it would stay off of me.”

“Give it a rest, Brathair,” she heard North saying to Nash. “Yer boastin’ is only makin’ ye look more like a fool than ye really are.”

Kellina couldn’t have agreed with North more. She didn’t like men who were full of themselves, and this one named Nash needed to be put in his place. She might not have managed to get rid of him yet, but once they were up thatching the roof, she wouldn’t be surprised if, by some chance, he slipped and fell to his death.