Strictly Taboo(114)
“You represent an opportunity to us Mai,” Angus spoke carefully. “We think our sister may be kept in your village against her will. If you can give us shelter for a day or two, we can see for ourselves.”
Her eyes cast a suspicious gaze on Angus. “You are asking me to harbor a spy. How will I explain you to my Father who is not well? He spends his days in my small stone house, confined to a chair, as he’s unable to use his legs.”
“You’re a clever woman. I’m sure you can come up with something.”
“Hmm. What do I get in return for my kindness?”
Mai was proving to be a shrewd negotiator. Angus liked the challenge. He knew little of this woman with a mind of her own.
“I will have to confer with my brother Buff about what we have to offer.”
“I will step out for a moment as you two discuss what I get in return for allowing you to seek shelter under my roof.” She confidently strode out to the ledge. If she slipped she would plunge to her death. Mai wasn’t worried about the terrifying height as most men would be. Fearlessness was another quality Mai had and Angus noticed.”
Angus looked to make sure the lass was out of earshot before speaking to Rufus. “How many silver pieces did you bring from the manor?”
Rufus reached into his pocket and Angus heard a clinking sound, which he took to be a good sign. Rufus pulled out his spindly hand revealing a few baubles and a key.
“What is that crap man? I asked how many silver pieces you brought for our journey. I didn’t ask to see your luck charms.”
“We were to appear as paupers and as such I brought no silver.” Rufus had all the wrong answers.
“You clod. I would ask what you were thinking but I see that you weren’t thinking at all!” Angus wanted to clock Rufus but he had said he was his brother and it was important to uphold the charade. As the men argued, Mai came back into the cave and threw her hands in the air.
“It doesn’t matter how much you pay me; none of us is having shelter other than this cave tonight. A storm is approaching and by the time it passes, it will be nightfall. We will have to sleep here together tonight.”
Angus looked disappointed but the prospect of being alone in a tight space with Mai was welcome news. The fierce winds and pelting sleet were a blessing.
Chapter Three
Icicles formed over the entrance to the cave and there was only shelter from the wind in a tiny corner of the den. When it was time to choose someone to stand guard Angus nudged Rufus.
“I am wide awake as I slept well last night.” Rufus looked to Mai. “Why don’t you and Angus shield yourselves from the gusts in the far side of the den and I’ll be the lookout.”
Mai’s head whipped around causing her raven locks to follow. “You said Angus when he said his name was Ewan. I am about to spend the night with my body next to yours.” She pointed at Angus. “Did you lie about something as simple as your name?”
“Buff spoke wrong which is not the first time.” He leaned in and whispered to Mai. “He’s slightly dimwitted but we don’t usually correct his blunders. I am Ewan as I said.”
“Do you and Buff come with a sur name?” Mai asked pointedly.
“You mean a family name?” Sweat began to form beneath Angus’ leather tunic.
“Yes, the one passed down by your mum and dad. I’m certain we all have one if we are humans. Dogs or other animals usually don’t have one unless their owners are the peculiar type.”
“Cobb. We are the Cobbs from Dunfermline.”
“Oh!” Mai exclaimed. “My Dad knows the Cobbs from Dunfermline. If you make it that far he will talk your ear off with stories of yore. He may even know your Dad. Imagine that.”
Angus sensed that Mai knew he and Rufus were liars. The story of her Father knowing Cobb’s might have been meant to cause them worry. It worked because Rufus was twitching as he did when he was nervous. Angus walked to the far corner of the shelter.
“I will give you my coat Mai. A head as lovey as yours should not rest on stone.” Angus took off his coat and started to wad up the garment to make a pillow.
“I don’t feel like waking up next to a corpse and you will surely freeze to death without your coat. Chivalry in cases such as this are unnecessary but I thank you for the gesture.”
Mai took her long blue and yellow plaid cloak and wrapped it around her body. Her curves were accentuated when she laid down to rest. Angus had never seen a woman so perfect fully clothed and knew that naked, she would astound him.
“I shall do the same and wrap myself in my coat. May I be so bold as to say we lie close together to share body heat?” Angus barely got the words out, when Rufus appeared next to them he appeared more flustered than normal.