Page 42 of In Bed with her Highland Foe

“Ooh, a tempting offer indeed,” Helen said with almost as much mischief as Aaden possessed.

“Pray, let the ground swallow me whole so I never have tae finish this discussion with either of ye.” Gilchrist reached for his shirt and pulled that over his head, tangling his wet and curling hair beneath his fingers. When Helen stared some more at him, Aaden lost his patience and pulled her back a little.

“Getting possessive, Aaden?” she whispered.

“Nay. I am just frightened ye’ll scare the poor fellow. He only thinks of one woman, Helen.”

“He’s that rare sort of man,” Helen said with a happy sigh. “A devoted one.”

“I am here, ye two ken that, right?”

“Aye,” they said in unison, both still smiling.

“Enough of this.” He pulled on his boots and stepped away from the barrels. “Whatever ye have told her,” he pointed between the two of them, “and whatever the two of ye are planning, forget it. I want nothing tae dae with it anymore.”

“Would ye rather see her marry Laird Shay?” Aaden asked, knowing exactly how to press Gilchrist’s buttons.

His spine stiffened.

“Oh, he didnae like that. Look at his hands.” Helen pointed down at his fists which had now balled at his side.

“I might start tae run now,” Aaden said to Helen. “Or I might end up his next sparring partner. I think I have had enough fer one day.” He ran off back into the barracks as Helen laughed.

Gilchrist was about to follow him when Helen stepped in the way.

“Excuse me, Helen.”

“I ken it seems mad,” she said, her voice quiet, “but I wish fer me mistress tae be happy, Captain. I dinnae believe she will be happy with a man like Laird Shay. Dae ye?”

He chose not to answer her and walked into the barracks, though his answer burned on his tongue, desperate to be shouted aloud.

Of course I dinnae believe the lass will be happy with a devil of a man like Laird Shay!

Kyven peered around the library door, only to find the room empty. Her eyes lingered on the chair where Gilchrist used to so often sit, though he now seemed to be avoiding it as much as possible. Sighing, she let the door close again and moved away from the room. She lifted her chin high and kept her lips flattened together, an attempt at impassivity, even though it was short lived.

As she turned the corridor in the castle, another gentleman caught her eye.

Laird Shay was standing beside his advisor, Larry, in the doorway of the castle. They were having a rather heated discussion, muttering between themselves with such fixed attention that even one or two of the guards from nearby glanced their way, clear curiosity building.

Kyven stepped a little forward, watching Shay attentively. He had something in his hands, though his back was turned to her, and she could not see what it was.

“It willnae dae. Get me another.”

“Another?” Larry murmured. “This will dae. It is all ye need. It cannae be traced tae ye –”

“I still need something that can dae the deed, Larry.” Shay thrust whatever it was back into Larry’s hands, but Larry had seen Kyven now. Whatever the item was, he thrust it into a pocket of his open jerkin, hiding it before Kyven could make it out. He cleared his throat and as good as stamped on Laird Shay’s foot, in order to get his attention.

Shay flicked his head around, meeting Kyven’s eye.

It was like a spell had been cast. No longer did he mutter darkly or glare at his friend, but now offered Kyven an easy and happy smile. He waved Larry off with an errant flick of his hand and bounded toward Kyven across the room, much like a pup happy to see its master.

“Good day, Lady Kyven,” he said deeply. He took her hand before she could move it away from his grasp and lifted it to his lips, kissing the back. “Spend the day with me, would ye?” he asked.

“The whole day?” For some reason, her voice squeaked at the possibility.

I am nae certain I like the idea.

She felt a need to pull at her sleeves and fidget, almost uncontrollably.