Page 57 of Wedded to the Devilish Highlander
“Nay,Ineed to worry about me clan,” Archer corrected out of the corner of his mouth. “Ye’ll be long gone and willnae need to worry.”
“Aye, but I’ll still think about it.”
“Think about gettin’ yer braither back and how doin’ this contributes to that,” he reminded her.
“That’s all I’ve been thinkin’ about, but are ye nae concerned about yer clan once we break the engagement?”
“Sounds like ye’re tryin’ to convince me that we should marry proper,” Archer jibed.
“I’m doin’ nay such thing,” Eileen replied quickly. “We are ill-suited for each other.”
“Aye, we are,” Archer agreed. “I’ll admit that ye surprised me with yer presence at the funeral this mornin’, and the clan has certainly taken to ye, but it’s nothin’ personal. I willnae wed anyone, so ye can stop yer beggin’.”
“Och, ye give me honey with one hand and vinegar with the other,” Eileen complained. “I’ve nay intention of marryin’ ye.” She folded her arms across her chest.
Archer furrowed his brow. It wouldn’t appear good if the guests saw Eileen looking annoyed on the day they were supposed to be celebrating their union, especially if they wanted to make it believable.
“How can I… smooth that crease formin’ between yer eyebrows?” Archer reached up and pressed the pad of his thumb to her forehead, gently sliding it down her nose.
He felt her attitude change then, and a Cheshire smile crept onto her lips. “Ye can ask me to dance.”
“Aye, Me Lady,” he obliged, nodding just over her shoulder to the band leader.
Archer took a step back from her and offered her his hand, which she took gracefully.
The crowd around them stopped to watch.
Smiling faces.
Raised goblets.
False loyalty.
He ground his teeth together.
Enjoy yer drink while ye can.Because soon, I’ll ken which of ye is rotten.
“Ye look nice tonight,” he complimented, his eyes traveling the length of her as he led her in a wide spin.
“It’s for show,” Eileen said simply as their faces got closer.
Archer tightened his hold on her hand as he continued twirling her around the Great Hall, realizing only then that he had misspoken.
“So, what is this really about?” she asked, her jaw set like stone.
“I suspect someone in this room is behind the murder in me chambers and the explosion at the forge.”
Her round eyes widened slightly with understanding. “Why didnae ye tell me?”
“Because I didnae wish to worry ye, and the goings-on in me castle are none of yer concern. Ye said it yerself—ye’ll soon begone from here.” He paused briefly and then turned her again, his eyes fixed on the entryway.
“Aye, I will. But while I’m in yer castle, I care about the people in it, too. I care about yer clan. And ye’ve helped me stop beggin’ ye to marry me,” she said sarcastically. “Here I thought ye put all of this on me, but it’s another ruse—this time to try and flush out a traitor.”
“And here I thought all ye cared about was seeing yer braither return safely.” Archer raised an eyebrow.
“Then maybe we dinnae ken each other very well,” Eileen retorted.
“I ken ye enough,” Archer stated.
