Bound to the Highlander(13)

“Gaw—Sir Gawain awaits you in the solar, my lady,” Gwen said from just inside the hall. Aileana hadn’t even heard her enter. Was there caution in Gwen’s tone? Or perhaps it was her own trepidation causing cold tentacles of dread to creep up her spine. As she approached the solar, she braced herself for the difficult task of explaining the latest development. She scarce understood it herself.

As she reached for the latch, Gawain swung the door wide. He held a letter in his hand and his whole body seethed. His lips were drawn back revealing uneven teeth and he sneered like a wild cat about to strike. Her throat dried.

She had left the letter on her uncle’s desk. Cheeks burning from her mistake, she opened her mouth to speak, but the words caught in her throat.

“What is this?” Gawain asked.

Aileana straightened her shoulders. What was done was done. “’Tis a document the MacIntosh delivered earlier today. Gawain—”

He stepped towards her so she had to tilt her head up to look into his stormy gray eyes flashing lightning at her.

“How long did you wait after my cousin died to whore yourself to a rich man?”

Her stomach dropped. “What? Gawain. Please. It’s not like that.” How could he think she’d arranged this?

“Then tell me how it is. I’m surprised you’d cast me aside with so little regard. All this time, you waited to find an opportunity to be rid of me.” His fists were clenched at his sides and his jaw was rigid. “All your pleasant greetings and your fake smiles. You’re quite the little player, aren’t you?”

Her breath came out in short pants while she wrung her hands. She has so little family left and she couldn’t bear his anger when she was not to blame.

“Gawain, please let me explain.”

“Enough. Your words are like poison.” He emphasized the word by spitting on the hem of her gown. “I hope you rot in hell choking on MacIntosh banners, you spoiled, deceitful little whore!”

She gasped.

His hate-filled eyes scanned her with a look of pure and unmistakable disgust before shoving the letter at her. He then stormed away from her uncle’s solar leaving her with an unspoken apology.

Her blood ran cold. She slipped into the solar and secured the letter inside a hidden compartment in the desk. She had forgotten to put it away earlier and Gawain must think her insensitive enough to leave it lying about on purpose. A cowardice act indeed if it had been true. Her eyes burned. This was far from how she envisioned breaking the news to him.

She should run after him and apologize for his discovery. She should tell him her uncle’s intent was as much a surprise to her as it was to him. If he would only listen, she could salvage some kind of relationship with Gawain. He was family after all. Wouldn’t he commiserate with her? She closed her eyes, spilling tears onto her cheeks.

“M’lady, a visitor,” Colleen said. The maid stood in the doorway, face flushed and wearing a silly grin.

From behind her, the MacIntosh stepped into view. The maid peeped up at him then disappeared around the corner.

For a few heartbeats they stared at one another. She was distraught over what had just happened with Gawain and in no mood to exchange pleasantries with anyone—he of all people.

“My lord, is there something you require?”

“Who was the man I saw leaving just now?” His voice was deep; his words slow and deliberate.

“That was Gawain Chattan,” she said, unable to stop a traitorous tear from spilling.

He frowned. She had neither the strength nor the desire to pretend interest in what could be bothering him. Couldn’t he give her a moment to process?

“My lord, to what do I owe the pleasure of this second visit today? May I offer you a seat or refreshments?” Her patience wore thin, yet he kept on staring at her. Her insides might soon scatter in all direction if he didn’t soon do something.

“There is nothing I require, Lady Aileana,” he said. “Good day to you.”

In the next instant, he too was gone, leaving her alone and too confused to see straight. Why would the MacIntosh return so soon after their previous meeting and then leave with such haste? She now didn’t have time to catch up with Gawain to offer an explanation. Frustration grew inside her like a pestilence.

She paced the room to steady her inner turmoil and formed two conclusions. First, there was nothing she could do about Gawain tonight. Tomorrow, she would track him down and explain everything. She knew he was an early riser, and so was she. She’d await him outside his chamber if that’s what it took and make him listen to her explanation. Second, she would receive the MacIntosh in three days and she must prepare everyone. She could do neither if she did not pull herself together.