To Dream of a Highlander(55)

Finn urged her across the hall and up the stairs to the gallery. Still clasping her hand, he led her to her chamber. Just as he put a hand to the door handle, footsteps made her lift her head. Finn dropped her hand and took a step back as Gillean strode along the balcony from his chambers.

“Lady Katelyn,” he greeted, fastening his hands behind and studying her. “What are ye doing out of yer chambers dressed in so little?”

Gillean’s eyes narrowed and he licked his lips. He dropped his gaze to her breasts and she clamped her robe around her, sure he had seen her nipples dark against the linen. The thought twisted her stomach.

“I-I...”

“Lady Katelyn thought she heard a noise and was looking for aid. I happened to already be awake,” Finn interjected smoothly.

“Really?” Gillean mused and brought a hand up to stroke his beard. “How fortunate for ye, my lady, that Finn should be awake at this early hour.”

She smiled tightly. “Indeed. But it seems I was mistaken. All is well.”

“That is good news indeed.” Gillean’s expression lightened and he smiled. “I hope ye are well rested. We have the wedding plans to finalise this day.”

“Aye, my laird. I hope we shall have word from my father soon, so that he may join us.”

“We can but hope, but I must return to my lands soon,” he warned before sending an indulgent smile to Finn. “These women are sentimental creatures. Ye have done well not to have married again.”

Finn nodded, his expression tight. Katelyn noticed he had curled both fists at his side.

“Of course, they forget that marriage is a business transaction for men,” Gillean continued. “But I have done well to secure such a prize, do ye no’ think Finn?”

Surely he saw Finn’s tense stance? Did Gillean intend to rile him? What did he want? Mayhap he suspected there was more to their presence on the gallery than they’d said. The laird was certainly a shrewd man. But if he anticipated sparking a reaction from Finn, he’d have little chance. Even her making love to him had not breached his barriers.

Catriona fought the temptation to protest such a description but the fight had left her, sapped by Finn’s dismissal.

Finn squared his shoulders. “I would know naught of prizes, Gillean, but ye have yerself a fine woman. Now, if ye’ll excuse me, I have much to see to.” He bowed to Katelyn. “Good day, my lady.”

She did not respond—did not trust herself to. He stormed down the stairs, running a hand through his dishevelled hair as he went. The memory of how his fair hair had felt under her fingers made them tingle. The desire to curl up and shut away the world grew stronger but she kept her spine straight and met Gillean’s perceptive gaze.

“I should dress.”

“Ye should, my lady. Ye shouldnae be out of yer chambers dressed so.” She caught the reprimand in his tone. “No matter how enticing ye might look.”

Catriona gripped her silk robe until her fingers grew tingly.

“I have high hopes the priest shall arrive this day,” he informed her.

“That… that is good news.”

“It is.” His voice dropped. “Then I shall be able to enjoy such a sight every morn.”

Eyes wide, Catriona fell against her door. The lascivious shade to his expression made his already cold eyes, darker, more dangerous. She gulped and fumbled for the door handle.

“I… I… good day, my laird.” She twisted the handle and slipped into her chamber, slamming the door shut and leaning against it. A chuckle resonated through the wood. She cringed.

Did he know? Lord, what had she done? It would be well enough if it was only her future on the line but she held the fate of her friends and father in her hands. Appeasing Laird Gillean and finding a way to delay the wedding until the messenger reached Bute had to be her priority—not Finn. She slapped her hands to her hot cheeks. What had she done?

***

He danced back away from the blade as it swept close to his neck. Too close. Logan was a strong fighter but Finn was off his game. His body ached from sleeping in the straw and images of Katelyn played through his mind.

He’d behaved a fool.

Finn swung in retaliation and their blades crashed together sending shudders up his arm. Dust from the mud of the bailey kicked up around them. When he might have been able to take a second slice at Logan, he missed his chance by being too slow and Logan came at him again, pushing his blade to the ground.

No other man practiced, only them. Boots scraping the dirt and his pounding heart throbbed in his ears. Jumping back, Finn lunged once more only for Logan to sidestep him, grab his pommel and draw him close enough to nearly run him through. The two men faced one another, heavy breaths blowing between them.