Page 24 of Secrets of a Kilted Seduction

CHAPTER NINE

Tadhg stepped up to them, and Blaine turned to him as if he had just noticed him. “Ah, there ye are, man. I’m lookin’ forward tae seein’ ye fight,” he said, clapping Tadhg on the arm.

But it was as if Tadhg had turned to stone, his mouth a grim line as he fixed Blaine with a cold stare. “Hey, MacIver, I heard what ye just said tae me wife. What d’ye mean by talkin’ tae her so disrespectfully?” he demanded gruffly.

Blaine looked at him, his grin still in place. “Ach, what’s wrong with ye, man? I was only askin’ yer wife if she’d like me tae give her a tour of me holdin’s.” Somehow, to Alana’s ears at least, he made it sound not only as though her status as wife was questionable but also as though he meant something untoward by his invitation.

And judging by Tadhg’s reaction, he thought so too, for he went straight up to Blaine and looked down on him as if he would crush him out of existence.

“I dinnae like yer words or yer manner,” he growled through clenched teeth.

“I think ye’re forgettin’ ye’re a guest in me home, man,” Blaine replied cockily, squaring up to Tadhg, apparently uncowed by the big warrior looming over him.

Alana noticed that the people surrounding them had fallen silent, clearly listening to the exchange. And she saw Knox’s former smile turn to a worried frown as he looked from Tadhg to Blaine in turn. Her heart sank further, filled with dread.

’Tis all right, darlin’,” she told Tadhg sweetly, trying to diffuse the mounting tension. “I’m sure Blaine didnae mean anythin’ by it.”

Tadhg briefly transferred his hard stare from Blaine to her and then back to Blaine. “If that’s so, then he willnae mind sparrin’ with me tae prove it.”

“Aye, I’ll spar with ye with pleasure,” Blaine said unhesitatingly in a loud voice. The crowd was rapt.

“There’s nae need fer that, I tell ye,” Alana said, catching hold of Tadhg’s arm and digging her fingernails in as hard as she could. “What are ye playin’ at?” she whispered urgently to him. “Stop this instant!”

But none of it had any effect. “I’ll nae let him insult ye like that,” he ground out.

“Ach, ’tis ye who’s insulted, nae me, so dinnae try tae make this about me,” she hissed.

But Tadhg had already turned away to glare at Blaine. “Let’s waste nay more time then,” he declared. “I suggest ye go and get changed fer a fight, MacIver.”

“Right enough, MacTavish,” Blaine growled back, his boyish face turning shades of angry red. “I’ll be back shortly, so dinnae go anywhere.” With that, he turned and marched off towards the armory, accompanied by some of his advisors.

“I’m nae goin’ anywhere, ye can be sure of that,” Tadhg called after him, his voice a gravelly threat.

“So, daes this mean our fight is tae be postponed then?” Stewart asked him.

“Aye, sorry, man, but I have business tae attend tae first. I’ll nae have that whippersnapper insultin’ Alana like that. I mean tae teach him a lesson in manners.” Tadhg was adamant as he stared at Blaine’s retreating back.

“Are ye sure ye want tae go through with this? Ye’re a guest here after all. ’Tis never wise tae pick a fight with yer host,” Knox pointed out.

“I didnae pick the fight, he did, by talkin’ tae me wife that way,” Tadhg insisted.

“Ye damn fool,” Alana whispered, trying to maintain a calm exterior when on the inside, she was caught up in a whirlwind of emotions.

Even though she was angry with Tadhg, deep down, part of her was touched that he should go so far to protect her, just as a good husband should. Blaine’s snide suggestion had indeed seemed to carry a double meaning. She was sure he had been deliberately flirting with her so Tadhg would overhear. But if that was so, then why? She had no clue.

Most of all, she feared the outcome of the sparring match. Though Tadhg was the bigger man, and she knew he could take care of himself, there was still the potential for him to get badly injured. She had tried so hard not to care about him, but the cold fear crystallizing inside her for his safety could not be denied.

“Can ye nae stop them, Laird Stewart?” Alana pleaded, turning to him in desperation.

He shook his dark head and looked doubtful. “’Tis best nae tae interfere in such matters, me dear. As yer husband, Tadhg has the right tae demand satisfaction from Blaine, tae defend yer reputation.”

“Thank ye, Knox. I’m grateful fer yer understandin’,” Tadhg put in, his face a cold mask.

“But Tadhg could get hurt!” she burst out, unable to help herself in her fear for his safety. Tadhg’s eyes widened slightly, and he stared at her, making her instantly regret her outburst. She looked away, unable even to explain to herself the depth of her anxiety for him, and now he had seen it too! She clenched her fists at her sides, hardly knowing whether to cry or scream.

“Ach, lassie, dinnae fash yersel’,” Laird Stewart replied not unkindly. “Tadhg

can take care of himself. I’ve sparred with him, and I can vouch fer it. They’re two grown men. They ken what they’re doin’. Better tae let them get on with it. Go inside if ye cannae watch.”