Page 109 of Highland Ruse

She beamed and extended her arm to him, which he grasped as he would any man he respected.

“Percy, we will have a clan meeting at sunset with her. Will ye be able to have her prepared in time?” Kaid asked as he made his way toward the door. He would need to act quickly to gather everyone, and did not wish to put off the announcement until the following day.

Percy looked to Torra for confirmation, received it and nodded to Kaid. “That will not be a problem.”

It was all he needed. He pushed through the door from Torra’s chamber, victorious, and all but ran into Delilah.

Elation glowed through him and a smile pulled at his lips. The only thing better than having accomplished so wonderful a goal was having Delilah there to celebrate with him.

He caught her by the waist and spun her around. “She agreed.”

The happy confusion on Delilah’s face gave way to joy. “Oh, Kaid, that’s wonderful.”

He set her down and gently pressed her back against the wall, capturing her mouth in a kiss. Desire surged through his body, demanding to be sated.

If only he had more time.

“I need to gather the men,” he said between kisses. “For a clan meeting.”

It was more a reminder to himself. He pulled back and found a worried expression on her face.

His elation waned. “What is it?”

“Claire is missing.”

Kaid cupped Delilah’s face. Her skin was like warm silk against his palm. “She’s a lass who has gotten used to roaming the castle of her own accord. I’m sure she’s fine.” He swept his thumb over her lips to smooth away her frown.

It remained. “I sent Sylvi to find her since I cannot be seen around the castle yet.” Her gaze surveyed the empty hall.

“She’s fine,” Kaid said reassuringly.

“I know how much she had missed me. I don’t think—”

Kaid pressed another kiss to her mouth. “She’ll turn up, Delilah.”

Delilah did not kiss him back. “Kaid—”

“I must get the word spread about the clan meeting,” he said. “Once we announce to them all ye’re no’ Elizabeth, ye will be free to roam the castle. Everyone will know who ye are and everyone will know Torra to be the rightful laird of the MacKenzies.” He caught her by the arms and looked deep into her worried gaze. “This will all be over soon. Finally. And because of ye.”

The concern did not leave her brow, but she nodded.

He released her reluctantly. “I’ll look for Claire while I’m assembling the clan.”

Her shoulders relaxed somewhat and again she nodded.

Kaid took her hand in his and raised it to his lips like a grand courtier. Surely he felt like one, almost giddy.

His people were going to be safe. This would all finally be over.

And with that, he left to gather his men for the most important clan meeting of his life, where finally he was going to be the laird they all wished him to be. The kind of laird who would have made his father proud.

• • •

Claire was still missing.

Delilah gathered in the main courtyard with the rest of the MacLeods, though she stood at the front near Kaid’s side, waiting to be introduced to the clan for who she truly was. The position afforded her the opportunity to search the sea of faces for one sweet, blonde child in a blue gown.

Kaid spoke in a voice loud enough for all to hear, and the clan listened with rapt attention. Perhaps she ought to be listening as well, and focusing on him. Certainly enough faces had turned to look upon her. Had he said her name? People smiled with appreciation and clapped.