Page 39 of The Highlander’s Kilted Affair

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Breakfast had been an awkward affair.

Given that neither Evelyn nor Yvaine were present, Benedict had been forced to make conversation with Laird Sinclair, who was not the most forthcoming man at the best of times, but that morning appeared even less sociable. Of course, it didn’t help that Benedict could not stop thinking about the laird’s daughter.

Killian had tried to help, but in the end, Benedict was relieved when he was finally able to excuse himself.

When he and Killian arrived at Audor’s study, Killian gave him news of what the scouts had reported.

“They searched the village and the surrounding areas, Benedict,” Killian had said, “but there was nay sign o’ these men ye saw. If Laird Keith’s men are on our land, their camp is well hidden.”

“And what o’ the villagers? Have they seen anything?” he had said.

Killian had shrugged. “They don’t seem to have seen anything.”

“Where more guards put on the borders?” Benedict had pressed.

“Aye. As ye instructed.”

For a moment, Benedict had been at a loss as to what to do. He had no doubt that Evelyn had been certain of what she had seen the day they had visited the village. He trusted she knew what Keith Clan colors looked like. She had certainly seen them often enough.

Abruptly, he had stood from the desk. “We should go and see the villagers ourselves and ask more questions. I cannae take a chance on this, Killian. If they’re out there, then the Sinclair’s are in danger, and we need tae be ready tae defend them.”

The cousins had spent much of the day in the village, talking to the locals to see if they had seen anything suspicious. Some told them they had seen nothing strange, while others had made mention of a few faces that were definitely not local.

Of course, while he was trying his best to listen, he was distracted. After their shared experience the night before, how could he possibly keep Evelyn from his thoughts? Sleep had taken a long time to come after he had walked her back to her room. Partly because he had replayed their time together over and over in his head, and partly because the guilt he had managed to repress had returned with a vengeance.

“I dinnae think we can get anymore done here, Benedict,” Killian said, after they had spoken to nearly everyone who had been available.

“Aye, I suppose ye’re right. It feels like a waste o’ time, for we’ve learned naething new.”

Killian shook his head. “I dinnae think it was a waste o’ time. The villagers need tae see their laird trying tae protect them. It’s his job.”

“Then he ought tae get his arse back tae the castle and dae it,” Benedict huffed.

“Are ye all right?” Killian was looking at him intently, and clearly worried.

“I’m fine,” he spat. “Me braither has vanished off the face o’ the earth, the clan is on the brink o’ an attack, and me love life is in the latrine. Apart from that, everything’s just wonderful.”

Killian smirked. “Well, that’s all right then. We should head back.”

“So,” Killian said, as they travelled back to the castle. “Ye were at the tavern with Evelyn last night.”

Plenty of villagers had mentioned it as they had questioned them, so Benedict was ready for this conversation. He knew Killian would bring it up sooner or later.

“Aye. The lass told me she’d always wondered what it was like to have one too many drinks, and that she wanted tae find out.”

“And ye, in yer infinite wisdom, kenning how deeply yer heart pines fer her, decided it was a good idea that it was ye who should take her,” Killian drawled sarcastically.

“She got what she wanted.”

“And did ye?” Killian threw him a glance.

Benedict was considering how to answer that, when a bone-chilling scream set them both on alert. He didn’t think about it. He just pushed his horse forward at a gallop. Killian did the same, and the two thundered down the track at the fastest speed their horses could carry them.

Less than five minutes later, a group of men wearing Clan Keith colors came into view, but it was not the sight of the men that terrified Benedict. It was the fact they had Evelyn bound and thrown over a horse. She was fighting with all her might, but there were too many of them.

“Bastards!” he yelled.