Alex stared at old Hugh with kindness in his eyes. He was one of the few that knew the real reason he had not taken a wife yet. Alex thought about the disaster that could have made his life hell.
He had been betrothed to Anna Comming, Niles’ sister, before his parents’ death. He had not known her well, but his father had insisted Alex marry to guarantee heirs to his lands. After much talking to his mother, Alex finally agreed. The Comming came to introduce his sister to Alex. Niles was anxious to commence the wedding, as he always sought ways to expand his holdings and his wealth.
Anna was a dark haired beauty, but Alex never trusted the coldness in her eyes. It had actually been old Hugh that had arranged for Alex to come to the stables in time to catch his betrothed in the act one night. As Alex stepped into the stall, he found Anna in all her splendor being tupped in the hay by her brother’s second in command. They knew he was there, but never tried to stop. Instead, Anna had smiled at him over her lover’s shoulder and beckoned him closer. But what sickened him most was Niles in the corner watching with a smile on his face, brutally twisting the breasts of one of Alex’s servants.
Alex had drawn his sword on Niles but he had been unarmed. All he said was, “You and yours will be off my land by dawn.” He still was not sure why he had not killed them all, but in retrospect, thought it must have been out of respect for his mother.
Old Hugh had known what happened. The servant girl had been so frightened that Alex had escorted her home. He had spoken to her parents and made special arrangements for her to guarantee she would be out of harm’s way.
He had never told anyone about it, not even his father. His father trusted his word that the betrothal was over. The fact the Commings left in such a hurry left many to guess as to what happened, but none questioned it had been the right thing to do.
Madeline was the first woman who had broken through his hard heart since that horrid day. She had been through so much and was such an innocent he was honor bound to protect her. Attempting to restrain his feelings for her to only that of a protector was not working. He couldn’t get her out of his mind. If he could hold her and taste her just once, mayhap his desire would be quenched.
“Hugh, it does not matter what I do, ‘tis always the wrong thing with Madeline. She runs from me like a deer. I don’t think she cares much about me.”
“Aye, mayhap if you stopped bellowing at the gel, she would settle you in closer. Do not doubt her attraction to you, ‘tis there. You have to treat her with kindness, Laird, as I know you are able to do. Stop treating her as you do your men.”
“You know it is not one of my men I see when I look at her. She is so beautiful, she makes me daft.”
Hugh chuckled and patted Alex on the shoulder. “Aye, I can see it. You need to try some soft words on her, Alex, she is a soft creature.”
Alex saddled Midnight and rode out through his gates, a couple of his guards following. Maddie was a mystery to him. He forced himself to admit maybe it was not just a protector he hoped to be to her. She drove him to thoughts and feelings he never had before. What did he really want? With all his other responsibilities, was there time for a woman in his life?
He rode Midnight hard to the loch. It was usually deserted this time of year as the water was cool. After eyeing Maddie in front of the mound of hay, cool water seemed to be exactly what he needed.
Did he dare to allow someone else near his heart? She was nothing like Anna. Her eyes were cold and calculating. Maddie’s eyes were fathomless, compassionate. He didn’t see many similarities between the two women. He hoped he was right about Madeline. She was the only woman able to distract him from his duties as laird. Maybe it wasn’t such a good thing, but he couldn’t stop himself. He enjoyed thinking about Madeline, picturing her in his arms. But his need would not stay in the back of his mind where he tried desperately to push it. But he also recognized she was not ready yet.
He would never last.
CHAPTER TWELVE
As soon as Maddie reached the great hall, she fled up the stairs to her chamber. Brenna’s maid knocked as soon as she closed the door.
“If it would not be too much trouble, Fiona, I would greatly appreciate a hot bath.”
“Of course, my lady,” Fiona curtsied and left to arrange for a tub and hot water.
Madeline dropped into her chair. She was unable to keep the tears inside any longer. Laird Grant wanted to keep her prisoner. What was she to do? She would lose her wits if she was to be kept inside. Thanks to her stepbrother, most men made her anxious now. Thus, she did not relish the idea of various strange men escorting her wherever she went. How could she trust them? Being from clan Grant did not guarantee they would treat her with respect. And even if they did treat her kindly, they would probably stand entirely too close for her comfort.