he said before he raised his eyes to Alasdair MacDonald and his men. “I thank you fer seein’ to Aileanna’s wel bein’ and bringin’ her home.”
An emotion that Rory didn’t recognize flickered in the man’s cerulean gaze, but quickly disappeared. “’Twas my pleasure.”
They hadn’t seen each other since they’d laid Brianna to rest at Armadale—an al owance Rory had made to the other man’s grief. The MacDonald was thinner than he remembered, but there was a lightness about him now, and Rory hoped he had found peace.
No matter that they might soon face each other on the battlefield, he didn’t begrudge him that. The man had lost more than most, and Rory owed him for not using Aileanna as a pawn. Alasdair MacDonald was an honor able man, and although he’d never let the old goat know it, he had a great deal of respect for him.
“Wil you sup with us before you leave?”
Aileanna frowned. She took Alasdair’s hand and tugged him to her side. “He’s not leaving, Rory. Not until this ridiculous feud is settled.”
Chapter 23
The old goat had the nerve to grin at Aileanna’s pronouncement, and Rory was forced to fol ow in their wake like a minion in their service. He stifled a growl as his brother and Fergus took her in their arms as he longed to, and cooled his heels while Mrs. Mac and Mari happily welcomed her home.
Their greeting of the MacDonald was more subdued, but politely made. Al except Fergus, who genuinely liked the man. The two had developed something of a friendship upon Rory’s marriage to Brianna, and it was obvious it stil endured as they clapped each other on the back on the way into the keep. Rory nudged his cousin, who’d been watching the pro
ceedings with an amused eye. “It looks like ye’l be doin’
some negotiatin’ after al .” Aidan grinned.
“Aye, and it would be best if I kent just what Aileanna’s been sayin’ before sittin’ down with the mon. I ken he’s no’
anxious to let her out of his sight so I’l need yer help. Chal enge him to a game of chess. He’l no’ be able to resist and ’twil give me time to speak to Aileanna alone.”
Aidan raised a brow. “Aye, I’l do it fer ye, cousin, to give ye and yer lady a chance to
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The smal contingent that accompanied the MacDonald had entered the hal before Rory caught up to Aileanna and Alasdair. “Why doona’ we retire to the upper salon, Alas
dair, and yer men can take their leisure in the hal . We’l rejoin them at the evenin’ meal.”
“I’m in the mood fer a game of chess. Would anyone care to join me?” his cousin asked. Alasdair’s gaze flickered over Rory, and then back to Aileanna. A slight smile caused his mustache to twitch.
“I’d be up fer a game. Fergus?”
“Aye, I ken the last time we played you beat me, so ’tis time for a rematch.” As soon as the words were out of Fergus’s mouth, Rory knew he regretted them. The last time they’d played it was a means to distract themselves on the long days leading up to Brianna’s death.
“Wil ye be joinin’ us, my pet?” Alasdair asked Aileanna, his gaze softening.
“If you don’t mind, I’d like to freshen up first.”
“Aye.” He patted her cheek. “And have a wee rest while yer at it. A ride like that takes a lot out of a person, espe cial y one as delicate as yerself.”
Rory managed to stifle his shout of laughter, but Iain, Aidan, and Fergus were not as successful. Aileanna glared at them before she reached up to give the old goat a kiss on the cheek. “Make sure you beat them, Alasdair, for me. I’l see you at dinner.”
“Aye, my pet, I wil . Rory, wil you no’ be joinin’ us?”
Alasdair gave him an intent look.
Rory clenched his teeth. The arrogant old fool would be the death of him, especial y if he continued to fawn over Aileanna as though he had the right. “Aye, but first I have a couple of matters that require my attention. Aileanna.”
He offered her his arm. “I’l see you to yer chambers.”
She took his arm, making an obvious effort not to smile.
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“Am I one of those matters you have to see to?” she asked when they were wel out of earshot at the top of the stairs.
“Aye, the only matter I wish to see to,” he growled. Tug
ging her into his arms, he lowered his mouth to hers. Desire flared within him as once more he held her lush curves next to him. At her eager response, he deepened the kiss. She moaned, parting her lips to al ow his tongue to tangle with hers. Her arms wound around his neck, and he gripped the round firmness of her behind. Lifting her off her feet, he backed her against the wal . He ground his cock into the soft curve of her bel y. At the sound of footfal s on the staircase, Rory cursed under his breath and broke their kiss. Mrs. Mac approached with a handful of fresh linens.
