Ignoring Iain, Angus turned his charms and attention on Cat. “I hope you don’t mind my joining ye. It’s just that Iain so rarely brings around his dates, and when he does, they seldom have much of interest to say.”
“And what makes you think I’m any different?” Her eyes sparked alight, a teasing smile dancing on those full kissable lips.
“Even a blind man could see you’ve got plenty to say, and it’d be nothing but interesting. Is that not right, Iain?” Angus’s smiling face turned towards him, making Iain want to curse.
“Aye, though I don’t know what has you so interested in my love life, when you should be concerned about your own. Can’t remember the last time you brought around a lass.”
Angus turned back to Cat, ignoring Iain. “So will you be staying with us long? Iain will have to show you the standing stones. They’re not far from here.”
“I’m here for at least another week or two, though I’ll have to return to Cambridge before long.” Cat reached out and took Iain’s hand with a smile that lit up her face. “We haven’t gotten to the stones yet, but I’ve enjoyed myself thoroughly. I’ll be sorry to go when the time comes.”
Iain could see his friend was starting to wonder if he’d been mistaken about them not being a couple. He hated keeping the truth from him, but telling Angus about the jewels would only complicate matters. Iain would just have to tell him everything once it was over with.
Cat squeezed his hand, her smile fading. Iain followed her gaze, already knowing whom he’d find. Anger rose within him like a loosened beast. “Move, Angus.”
His friend looked at him in question, but got to his feet, as Cat held onto his hand, her grip tightening.
“Iain, it’s not worth it.”
But he was already gone, riding a wave of fury.
Chapter Nine
Cat couldn’t get to Iain fast enough to stop him. Blood was pouring from James’s nose, and Iain was getting ready to throw another punch, when Angus grabbed hold of him and wrestled him away.
“I’ll fucking kill ye if ye threaten Cat again. Do ye hear me? I’ll tear ye limb from limb.” Iain still struggled to get free, but Angus was strong enough to keep hold of him.
Angus turned Iain away from James, waiting for him to stop struggling. “I’m going to let ye go now, aye? Don’t make me regret it, Iain.”
Iain shrugged free as Angus let him go, and Cat rushed to his side. “Are you ok?”
Iain nodded while glaring at James, who didn’t have enough sense to stay away.
“I’m calling the authorities. You can’t get away with this.” James was furious, his nose yet to stop bleeding.
“Go ahead. Call. Then maybe while we’re at it, you can explain to them how you broke into my home and threatened my girlfriend.”
Angus’s eyes narrowed in question as he took a step closer to James. “Is it true? Cause I like Cat, and if I find out you’re mistreating her in any way, I won’t be happy. Might have to let my friend have another go at ye. Are we clear?”
Picking on the only one there smaller than him, James turned his attention on her. “I’ll be sure you pay for this, Cat. This isn’t over.”
“I think it is. And if you bother me again, I’ll make sure your nose never sets properly.”
Cat watched James leave but knew the matter was far from done. He was prideful, and his ego had been wounded in a very public way.
Iain pulled her into his arms protectively. “Are you all right?”
She looked up at him, feeling emotional now that the adrenaline was starting to wear off. “Me? You’re the one who’s probably busted half your fingers.”
He brushed her cheek, and kissed her. “And I’ll do it again if he even looks at you the wrong way. I won’t have him threatening you, Cat.”
Angus looked at the two of them, and then sat down, letting her and Iain slide in across from him. The pub had gone quiet during the fight, and was now returning to normal.
Angus shook his head. “Let me see yer hand. Cat’s probably right. I’ve ne’er seen you hit anyone so hard. Hand.”
Iain’s knuckles were scraped and already swelling. Angus carefully worked his way down each finger, his lips pursed in annoyance. “So are ye going to tell me what the hell is going on around here? I know something’s up. I’m not an idiot, Iain.”
“No, you’re the most brilliant man I know. And if there was something going on and I could tell you, I would.”
“But you can’t tell me.” Angus looked from Iain to Cat. “Well, I’m here if you need me. You lucked out on that hand. At the most, you have a hairline fracture. I’d tell you to ice it and have it checked, but I know you won’t.”