Page 29

No, he’d already lost a battle against his desire last night, but he would win the war. He must. Desire was his enemy. Remember that. If he hadn’t lusted after a pampered English woman, he’d not eat, breathe, and sleep with a fractured heart every minute of his life.

But Emeline is different, the neglected, battered organ cried. He couldn’t take the risk. It would destroy him.

As he reined Deri to a halt in Eytone Hall’s sweeping courtyard, the manor’s sturdy double doors sprang open and Kendra bolted down the steps, her unbound chestnut hair flowing behind her. “Och, Liam. We’ve been so verra worried.”

Eyes shining and breathless, she sent Emeline a curiosity-laden glance.

Composed, pale, and regal as always, his mother appeared in the entrance.

Several others crowded into the opening, included Quinn Catherwood, Broden McGregor and—by God, was that his cousin Skye Hendron? Why wasn’t she in England with her parents? Liam had been gone for less than a fortnight, and his home had been invaded by visitors in his absence.

His mother glided down the half-dozen weathered stone stairs, her expression a mixture of worry and relief.

Quinn and Skye followed on her heels.

“Liam, we expected ye days ago.” Mother’s focus traveled to the disheveled Emeline sitting across his lap. Not so much as an eyelash flickered, but Liam knew full well she’d taken in everything about the surprise guest from Emeline’s head to her toes.

His mother’s keen gaze narrowed minutely.

Bloody hell.That slight flexing meant there’d be an inquisition later. A lengthy inquisition.

Lest everyone see his state of arousal, he didn’t dare dismount until he’d brought his lust under control. He motioned to Broden McGregor. “Broden, please help Miss LeClaire alight.”

The cross look Kendra sliced Broden piqued Liam’s interest.

From his cocky grin and the acute interest in the gaze he leveled Emeline, Broden was happy to oblige. Too handsome for his own good, he winked good-naturedly and easily lifted her from the saddle.

“Och, lass. I canna imagine ye’re in need of somethin’ besides grunts and groans for conversation if ye’ve spent any time in this bear’s company.” His hand remained on her elbow to steady her as she became accustomed to standing after riding for so long.

A surge of possessiveness assailed Liam, and he wanted to rip his friend’s fingers from her arm. The ire did much to cool his lust.

Emeline’s mouth twitched at the corners, and she slid Liam a mischievous glance from beneath her lashes.

God, she was adorable.

“He sometimes growls, snorts, and hisses, too,” she murmured, matter-of-factly.

Add a sense of humor to her considerable charms.

Quinn and Broden guffawed, and Skye and Kendra giggled. Even Mother’s mouth inched upward a degree, approval shining in her eyes.

“In case anyone cares, I’m right here, and can hear ye,” Liam grumbled.

“Liam, darlin’, I believe that’s the point.” His mother’s eyes twinkled. “We’re no’ laughin’ at ye, but with ye.”

Emeline wasn’t.

To anyone but him, she appeared composed, even serene. But he’d come to know her well these past days, and he spied the signs of her severe nervousness. Hands clasped tightly before her. Squared shoulders. The Madonna’s serene smile that didn’t quite reach her wide, troubled eyes.

“My dear Miss LeClaire! What an unexpected pleasure.” Kendra swooped in to take Emeline’s hands in hers, forcing Broden to release her arm. “’Tis wonderful to see ye again so soon.” She wrapped an arm around Emeline’s waist while sending Liam another inquisitive glance.

His mother’s too perceptive gaze drifted between Liam and Emeline and traveled back to Liam again before she raised her eyebrow—her most skeptical eyebrow—a fraction.

To his immense relief, no one paid him much mind as he slid from Deri. Everyone’s attention was on the woman he’d brought home.

It was his turn to summon false congeniality. “I’m sure ye’re curious why I’m tardy and why Miss LeClaire is with me. I’ll explain inside after the introductions.” He turned to his mother. “Mother, we’re both ravenous. Please ask the kitchen to prepare somethin’.”

At once, his mother nodded her noble head. With carefully coiffed hair as black as his, but liberally threaded with silver, she had the bearing of a great lady as well as a genuinely warm and generous heart. “Of course. Baths, too, I presume?”