Page 83 of A Fearless Rebel

Ava had to know, which was why she’d reacted the way she had. After all, she’d been the one to help heal her father. How much more did his poor wife have to endure? Not only did Esme cause her brother’s death, but now the man who killed her father lived in the same house.

“We will not know for sure unless we ask him,” Keithen said. “Why would he kill Laird Mackenzie? It makes little sense. Ewan just recently moved to this region. As far as I know, Clan Ross had no qualms with the Mackenzie.”

Broden gave him a knowing look. “There are circumstances that make a man do dangerous things.” His friend motioned toward Ewan.

While accepting congratulations from his father and uncle for winning, Ewan kept turning in Catriona’s direction, his gaze lingering on her before turning back to the laird.

“He’d only just arrived when Laird Mackenzie died. I doubt he’d even met Catriona then.”

“It could be,” Broden said, “there is another reason. Ye may want to speak to him and find out if what we suppose is true.”

Someone called out for those competing to gather and Broden left. Keithen wasn’t sure what to think. Even if Ewan was the man that shot the laird, whatever his reason, it didn’t matter at this point.

A new laird was in place and life had continued. Perhaps Ava suspected that Ewan may have killed her father, however, there was no proof, other than him being an extraordinarily fast archer.

Just as he headed to the house, Ava emerged. She looked to him with a soft expression.

“The distance competition is about to begin,” Keithen told her and held out a hand. “I am curious to see if Broden will beat Esme.”

Ava took his hand and they headed toward the tent. “I am quite impressed by Esme. She is better than most of the men.”

Her color had returned, and she seemed normal. As much as Keithen wanted to ask how she felt, it was best to wait until they were alone. “Esme has always been an outstanding archer. Her vision is clear and her hold is quite steady.”

His wife nodded and then scanned the target practice area. There was a flicker, a slight narrowing of her eyes when looking to where Ewan took his place.

All was not well. Just as he’d thought, Ava was suspicious of Ewan.

*

After a day of competition and feasting, Keithen was more than glad to have time alone with Ava in their bedchamber. He undressed and slipped into bed next to her and pulled his wife onto his chest.

“Did ye enjoy the day?”

She nodded. “I did. It was a good change. I believe we all needed a day outdoors.”

“True. What about the competition?”

“It was very interesting. I am quite impressed with yer sister’s skills. I wonder if she allowed Broden to win the distance exchange.”

Keithen laughed. “No. Esme would not do that. He actually beat her.”

They were silent for a moment and he continued forward. “Ewan’s speed was very surprising. I was not aware he could do that.”

“I do not think anyone did. It made the day more exciting.”

Her lips pressed against his throat. “Ye know what else would make this day memorable?” She nibbled at his earlobe.

All thought evaporated when her hand slid down his stomach to between his legs and Keithen was immediately hard. “I am more than willing to make memories with ye.”

“I want no clothing to come between us,” Ava murmured, pulling her nightshift up and over her head.

Keithen quickly removed his long tunic and allowed her to push him back onto the bed.

The weight of her body over his was perfection. Under his palms, the silkiness of her skin made him clutch her against him, needing to feel every inch pressed together.

“Mmmm,” Ava murmured against his ear as he cupped her bottom and lifted his hips to rub his shaft down the center of her sex.

Her apex was warmth and wetness, demanding to be taken, devoured by him. Keithen flipped Ava onto her back and moved down so he could taste her. Ava gasped when his mouth covered her sex, his tongue flicking the tiny engorged nub.