Page 14 of Lady and the Scot

Moments later she took a fortifying breath and entered the study. Aiden stood near the window. Wearing his tartan over his britches, he looked more handsome than she remembered. His auburn hair was pulled back into a queue with a thin leather strap. His broadsword on his side, he looked every inch a Highland warrior. "Hello, Breena."

His deep voice washed over her like a soothing rain.

She gave a short bow of her head. "Laird. I see you are well after the fighting. I trust you were not injured."

The two-toned gaze met with hers and the corner of his lips lifted. She swallowed at remembering his lips on her skin. "Not a scratch anywhere on my body."

She refused to think of his bare skin. Instead, she let out a breath and narrowed her gaze at him. "You turned me into Robertson that day. Why?"

A brow lift was her only reply. A maid entered with a tray and two glasses upon it. "Mead, milady?" The girl brought her a glass and Breena took it.

After the maid left, Breena took a sip of the sweet liquid and lifted her eyes to Aiden. "Why?"

He moved closer until she thought he'd touch her. The distance was so close between them, his heated breath caressed her cheek. "It was stupid of me to leave you alone. I should have taken you with me. When I returned for you, Robertson's men were already there."

"I don't believe you." She took a step away, and turned, her eyes burning with unshed tears. "I am so very tired of being taken for a fool."

He walked around her until coming face to face again. "What will you do? The McNeil is prepared to send you back to your clan. With escort, of course."

"Of course." When she lifted her gaze to his, she was shocked by the hurt in his expression. He blinked and looked away.

"I suppose it’s best. You will be glad to be amongst those you love."

"If I had a choice I would remain here." Her voice trembled with a mixture of anger, hurt, and confusion. "I do not wish to return to the lowlands. I doubt my family will welcome me back, as they were glad to be rid of me."

He neared and lifted her chin to him. "Why do you say this?"

Breena could not remain distant from him any longer, needed his touch. She placed her palm flat against the hardness of his chest. "I do not know where to start. Without a choice, it matters not either way."

"I came to give you a choice." Aiden covered her hand with his. "Live with me."

A part of her wanted to leap with excitement at considering a life not only away from her family, but with him as well. Her heart however was crushed that he'd not offered marriage. "Do you ask out of honor? Because of what happened between us."

He nodded. "Yes. I am duty bound to protect you. And...I do not wish you to go."

"You are an honest man. Thank you for giving me a choice. I accept your offer." He pulled her against him and took her mouth with his. She didn't hold back how much she hungered for the taste of him, to feel the security of his strength.

Like cold water falling over her, she realized that as his lover, she had no say if he took a wife. There was the possibility he'd send her away once he married to have heirs or to join with a neighboring clan. She wasn't sure she trusted him fully as yet.

His arms were so secure surrounding her, she wished to remain there forever. On this day, for the present, she'd not worry about what came after. Today would be about her first step toward a new future.

Aiden's keep was not as large at the McNeil's, but it was still impressive. She'd come from the lowlands where homes were smaller and she had to admit, his dwarfed hers. Once inside the courtyard, he assisted her from her horse and introduced her to an older woman who by the keys hanging from her apron was the headmistress. The woman gave her a quick assessing look before turning to her laird. "Which room should I prepare for the lady?"

Both she and the woman looked at him waiting a reply. Aiden cleared his throat. "She will be in the chamber adjoining mine. Please send Glenda to come and assist Lady Breena as she is without a lady’s maid."

A fast rush of heat climbed up her throat to her face. Aiden did not waste time acknowledging to his household she was to be his leman. A lover.

"I am here, Laird," a tiny young woman came forward and bowed to her. "Come with me, milady, I'll get you settled with a cup of tea until your chamber is ready."

Before following the maid, Breena looked to thank Aiden, but he'd already gone.

Life in Aiden's keep was much simpler than at her family’s or the McNeil's. With only ten guardsmen and a staff of about the same, she found herself at a long table with only Aiden for dinner company the first evening. His mood seemed sullen while they ate. She refused to have a silent partner for the meal.

"You lead a quiet life." She lifted a slice of meat to her mouth.

Her mismatched eyes met his. "Especially now that my sister is married and living at the Gordon's"

"What do you do to pass the time?"