Page 60 of An Enchanted Knight

She frowned at him. “No. He must have snuck in here while I slept. I don’t think it was an accident, but I also don’t think he would have forced himself on me.”

Dragging his gaze away from her, he looked over to the rumpled bed. “I’m not so sure about that. I don’t think he would have succeeded. It seems you were defending yourself in a manner that would dissuade any man from forcing himself upon you.”

He pressed his lips together to keep from laughing, recalling the scene he’d walked into. She frowned up at him.

“You think it’s funny. Augh! Get out.”

“Do you really wish me to?” He asked her, moving closer.

“Yes?” She went to turn away. He held her arm. “You don’t sound sure.”

When her dark-brown eyes met his, the room seemed to tilt. If he didn’t leave her bedroom, he might suffer the same fate as Derrick. Before she could protest, he kissed her lightly and turned.

“Why did you return so early?” Gwen stopped him.

“Your sister arrives today, does she not?”

She nodded.

“I am anxious to begin the work of freeing the men. I must go speak to Derrick. I wish to speak with you before your sister arrives.”

When he entered the study, Derrick visibly tensed. Good, he wanted the young McRainey to feel intimidated. He, on the other hand, felt like the father about to punish an unruly child. Keeping his eyes flat, he stood, his hands relaxed at his side.

“I don’t owe you anything, Derrick. Everything you have, the privileges you enjoy, are all because of the hard work of me, my Da, and his father before him. You will leave this house and not return until you accept that I am the rightful owner—Laird McRainey, rightful owner of Dunimarle Castle.”

“It’s just that…” Derrick began, but stopped talking when Tristan glared at him.

“If I had not left, been enchanted, I would have sired children. This entire debacle would not be an issue. You would have no claim whatsoever to my title or my lands.” He crossed the room standing directly in front of Derrick. “You will leave this home now. Let everything you touch and come across remind you where it came from. Return only when you accept me as the laird.”

Derrick met his eyes, defiance still there. Tristan almost smiled. “You are brash and impulsive—remind me of my younger brother, Geale. He grew up to become a strong leader, so I suspect you will too.”

With one last questioning look, Derrick didn’t reply, walking around Tristan, he left.

Chapter Thirty-Six

After returning from her afternoon jog, Gwen went to her room to shower.

Rinsing shampoo from her hair, she closed her eyes. The image of Tristan came to mind. The morning prior, she’d been struck speechless, barely able to eat, when he’d walked into the dining room for breakfast before leaving for Edinburgh with Edith.

Emanating so much power, she understood how he’d once been head of an entire clan and led warriors into battle. His wide shoulders were showcased in the beautifully tailored black Armani jacket. Hair brushed back from his face served only to enhance the man’s handsome face and masculine jawline, the color of his eyes brought out by his matching green tie. What surprised Gwen the most was how at ease he moved in the modern clothing, as he crossed the room to greet her.

The picture of him storming into her room this morning had been totally different. In untucked pullover and slacks, he’d looked more the medieval man, especially with the added element of the angry scowl.

Tightening the towel around her, Gwen walked out of the bathroom and straight into the chest of the man who occupied all her thoughts. Startled, she gasped, jumping back.

“Ye have been avoiding me,” Tristan told her, seemingly oblivious to her state of undress. “Why?”

If she ever saw Prince Sterling again, she’d tell him how much his words affected her. The truth. Fine. She’d be totally honest, and hope for the best.

“It hurts to see you,” she began. “It hurts not to see you. When I am near you, I can’t help but think of how much it will hurt when I’m going to be away from you forever. I think that perhaps the more I avoid you, the easier it will be when I leave, only to find it hurts too. I am hoping that by spending time with you, only when others are around, it won’t be as bad. Understand me, Tristan, I’ve never felt as strongly about any man. I have never been in love, before. I’m trying to deal with everything the best I can.”

His face softened as he reached and caressed the side of her face. “I am not well trained in the ways of courting a woman. But if ye would allow me, I will tell ye what I think on the matter.”

She swallowed the lump that had formed in her throat and nodded.

He looked directly into her eyes, then away, seeming to gather his thoughts. “I can’t breathe.”

“What?”