Page 67 of Dark Seduction

“Then do so,” she said, thrilled. She cupped his face. “I don’t understand why you want me to avoid Awe?”

His expression hardened. “We spent the night pleasin’one another, but that does nay give ye the rights to ken my life.”

Claire flinched. That hurt deeply. “Well, I’m glad we cleared that up,” she inhaled. “In my time, lovers are also friends. Clearly, you do not want me as a friend. But you’re right. That’s for the best. That way, when I leave no one gets hurt.” But it was too late and she knew it. She had crossed that emotional line yesterday on Iona.

His jaw flexed and he reached for her. Claire meant to dodge but failed, and he reeled her into his arms. “I be sorry,” he said. “An’ yer right. ’Tis Awe. I swore on Brogan’s grave I would never go there. I swore I would never give that bastard the time o’ day or even a passing nod, I swore that, fer as long as I live, he wouldna exist.”

Claire’s eyes were wide. “Who? Aidan? Why?”

A ripple of tension went through Malcolm and he released her. “Because he’s nay just my enemy. He be my brother.”

CHAPTER ELEVEN

CLAIRE HAD SPENT the morning in shock. Strong southwesterly winds had meant a swift sea voyage up the Firth of Lorn, but Claire had barely paid attention to the incredible scenery—the sapphire sea and jewel-toned forests, the white beaches, the stark mountains against the robin’s-egg-blue sky. They had disembarked near present-day Oban, having transported their horses with them, mounting there. The sun was high, indicating it was midday, as Claire grappled with the fact that Malcolm’s half brother was the son of one of the most evil men in Scotland. She recalled Aidan’s shocking beauty and the mischievous light in his eyes when he had smiled at her. If he was as twisted as his father, she hadn’t felt it. She prayed he had somehow escaped such a genetic fate.

Claire nudged her mount forward, trotting toward Malcolm as the column continued, leaving the bay behind, a sparkling loch below on her right. In every direction except behind her, there were forested mountains. She caught up to Malcolm. “Where are we?”

He smiled at her. “Ahead is the pass that will take us through the mountains and t’ Awe. ’Tis nay far now. Another half day, nay more.” He was clad in his mail, as were all of the men.

Claire managed a smile in return, but her gaze was searching.

His face changed. “Ye dinna need worry as if I be a child.”

“Of course I am worried. Malcolm, what do you plan? In my time, we have a saying. You get a lot more with honey than vinegar.”

He glanced at her as they rode up the narrowing trail. “I willna beg fer the page.”

“I didn’t suggest that you beg. I think you should ask nicely.”

His face hardened so much Claire thought it might crack. “If I wish fer yer opinion, I’ll ask.” He jabbed his stallion forward, setting a more rapid pace and leaving her behind.

Claire understood his touchiness, but his rude rejection hurt. Her worry escalated. Was he going to barge into Aidan’s castle with his sword drawn, demanding the page? Was that why everyone wore chain mail and plate? That was going to engender another terrible sword fight. And no matter how skilled and powerful Malcolm was, if Aidan was Moray’s son, then his powers were far greater than Malcolm’s. Claire pulled her mount aside so she could fall into place with Royce. “May I ride with you? My champion is in a foul humor.”

Royce smiled, a gleam in his eyes. “I canna think why. I hope ye’ll fergive me nephew fer bein’ such a foolish man.”

Claire knew exactly what he meant. She had received enough knowing glances that day to assume that everyone realized she was now sharing Malcolm’s bed. “It’s my fault, not his. I pried. I know about Aidan, Royce.”

“He told ye his privy affairs?” He seemed stunned.

Claire nodded.

Royce stared, unsmiling. “An’ what else did he tell ye while ye shared his bed?”

Claire tensed. Had Royce become hostile? “I sensed he was very distressed, and I guessed it was about Awe. As it turns out, I was right. I want to help, Royce.”

Royce finally nodded. “O’ course. ’Tis a terrible fate fer both brothers.”

Claire remained somewhat taken aback by Royce’s initial hostility. Until that morning, he had been nothing but pleasant, and at times flirtatious. “Why is it terrible for Aidan? He seems to hate Malcolm as much as Malcolm hates him. He wanted to kill Malcolm in my store.”

“Aidan has no wish t’ see Malcolm dead. Dinna think otherwise—ye be wrong. I dinna think Aidan would be so hateful if Malcolm accepted him,” Royce said bluntly. “Aidan dinna choose this life. He has no family except Moray. He has never done more than glimpse his mother. She wanted nothing t’ do with him once he was birthed. Yet he chooses good, not evil. Aidan needs his brother an’ Malcolm needs him.”

Claire was surprised that Royce would defend Aidan. Considering they were not related at all, it meant a lot. She wasn’t sure she should have any sympathy for Aidan, but she did. “Have you said as much to Malcolm?”

“A thousand times.”

Claire thought about that. “He is the most pigheaded and stubborn man I have ever met,” she said softly, but she had to smile.

“His will makes him a powerful man,” Royce said firmly. “An’ one day, a great Master.”