To Dream of a Highlander(40)

Not that it would. Finn might not be the most honourable of men, but he would never stoop so low as to ruin a lass’s future with one simple act. Not that it would ever be simple between them. And that sent a chill down his spine more than anything. Already, she’d sucked him in too deep. Who knew what would happen if he lost himself to her body for a while?

Dropping his hand from his face, he drew himself up and pushed away from the wall. A few more days and she’d be gone. A few more days of resisting temptation and he could return home. He smirked inwardly. In truth, nothing kept him now but he needed to see this through. He had to hand her over to Gillean and put her from his mind, not to mention he wanted to offer Lorna support while the laird visited. He’d been a neglectful enough brother as it was. A little more time was a small enough sacrifice to make.

Grip tight on the wooden railing, he descended the stairs into the hall. Ah, good, some ale remained from the midday meal. He strode purposefully over to the rear table, squinting as bright sunlight spilled over the white linen. Ale in hand, he poured himself a large cup and drank it down quickly. Ach, he needed something stronger. Mead, mayhap, but it would do. He helped himself to another cup while servants and men-at-arms continued with their duties. The slight warmth loosened his muscles and he debated the bottom of the earthenware beaker for a moment.

A hand to his shoulder drew him from his thoughts and he spun to see Logan staring him down with a raised eyebrow. “Ye’ll no’ find any answers in the bottom of that.”

Finn contemplated the cup again and released a sharp breath before dropping it to the table. “Yer right.”

“What troubles ye, my friend?”

“Naught more than usual.”

“So our guest doesnae bother ye?”

“Bother me?” He feigned confusion. “Why should she bother me?”

Logan laughed and shook his head. “Dinnae take me for a fool, Finn. Yer sister may not be able to see it, but I know a man on the verge of love when I see one.”

“Love? Logan, have ye been indulging in the devil’s brew?” What on God’s earth made Logan think such a thing. Love? Ach, just the word turned his stomach.

“My role as protector of the keep affords me much time to watch and learn. And I know enough of love.”

Finn narrowed his eyes. As far as he knew, Logan had never been in love or even close. The man rarely did anything but work. Yet he spoke as if he understood the crippling agony that captured his own heart. Not that he would concede such a thing to love. “Do ye?”

Logan’s jaw stiffened, a grim smile coming across it. “Aye, plenty.”

Finn dragged a hand through his hair and let it rest on the back of his neck. If Logan noticed his behaviour, surely others had, including Katelyn. He needed to find a way to regain his composure, remind himself why he avoided women. Strange how the memories of Alice’s death—the cries of pain, the pale skin, the tiny bundle beside her, so quiet and still—was muted in Katelyn’s presence. These recollections no longer shadowed him.

But only with her.

Now they were fresh and raw, and stabbing his fragile heart.

He did what he did best. He flicked on a grin and slapped a hand to Logan’s back. “Have no fear, friend, ye’ll no’ catch me falling in love any time soon. And certainly not with the bride of Laird Gillean.”

***

The faery stomped her feet against the wooden railing of the gallery and huffed. By the stars, it was all going wrong. Hurt swam in Catriona’s eyes as Finn’s declaration rang out through the hall, no doubt made louder by those two beakers of ale he’d consumed.

Now Catriona had to be convinced there was no future for them. And at this rate there really wouldn’t be. Laird Gillean was on his way. She could delay him with yet more weather spells or ask for help from the nymphs but she was meant to do this alone and keep her magic to a minimum. What if she messed with fate again? She’d never return home.

Catriona spun and hid herself in her room. Tèile tapped her foot, crossing her arms. Two days? It wasn’t enough. Three days and they were destined to come together properly. How much could a faery do with such limited powers?

Her wings sagged. This was all going to be for nothing. And the idea that maybe she wouldn’t get to return home wasn’t the only thing that bothered her. She scowled. These two people might miss their chance at happiness and for some reason that really anguished her.





Chapter Six

With one day before Laird Gillean’s anticipated arrival, the need for escape struck. Despair beat heavily in Catriona’s chest as she hurried out of the castle walls and onto the surrounding peaks. She paused and glanced at the keep, nestled so perfectly in the dips between the yellow-green hills, and sucked in a breath. Releasing her skirts, she dropped to sit, closed her eyes, tilted her head to the sky and enjoyed the pricking warmth of the sun on her skin. She needed a few moments of freedom. A little time not having to play a part. Of not suffering heartache every time Finn came near.