Page 29 of Ruined By the Ruthless Highlander
Her soft, bare hands caught his biceps as she tried to steady herself, and he stilled, his grip tightening on her. A muscle ticked in his jaw.
Women did not unsettle him, not like this.
Lachlan forced himself to let go of her waist, and she staggered backward, her face turning red under the light of his torch.
His brow furrowed slightly as his gaze swept over her entire figure, lingering on the ripped part of her skirt and her exposed ankle.
What in God’s name is she doin’ here?
Marian cleared her throat, and he immediately looked up at her.
“There is something in this castle,” she said quickly, glancing into the corridor behind him as if he were hindering her.
This again…
He raised an eyebrow. “Aye?”
“Yes,” she huffed. “It stole my bannocks.”
Lachlan stared at her for a moment, a slow grin tugging at the corners of his mouth.
She’s serious.
“Yer bannocks?” he repeated, wondering how she even knew what those were.
“Yes, my Laird.” Marian heaved an exasperated sigh. “You do not have to believe me, but you must let me through. I am sure of it this time.”
Lachlan folded his arms, his broad shoulders filling the corridor. His expression turned serious.
“It sounds dangerous… this spirit,” he said somberly.
Marian nodded, oblivious to the sarcasm in his words. “Indeed, my Laird.” Her eyebrows drew together in a serious expression. “Now, if I may, I have to continue my search before it escapes me.”
“Of course,” Lachlan replied, his expression settling into something far more composed than the amusement that lingered in his eyes.
Marian moved closer, trying to pass through the space beside him.
“Nae so fast, lass,” he murmured, blocking her path with his shoulder. “If there’s indeed a dangerous spirit wandering me castle, I cannae leave ye to catch it alone.”
Marian frowned, folding her arms. “You intend to help me find it?” she asked, her voice filled with disbelief.
Lachlan nodded, though he couldn’t believe it either.
He turned around and walked into the corridor while holding up his torch before she could say something else, as though the matter required no further discussion.
She did not move.
What is she doin’?
His brow furrowed slightly.
Marian mumbled something under her breath that he couldn’t hear, then she took a few steps into the corridor to join him. He smirked, slowing his steps slightly so she could catch up.
They walked through the corridor in silence until she spoke again.
“I assure you, my Laird,” she whispered. “It is quite real.”
“I’m sure it is,” Lachlan whispered back, the corners of his mouth twitching slightly. He glanced at her and caught her frowning.
