“Let’s just make our own rules.” He nudged me again, expression tender. “And considering I’ve known Lachlan a very long time, I can promise you there’s nothing going on between him and Lucy. If Lachlan wanted her, he’d never have broken off their affair.”
“Maybe her attack has made him realize how he feels about her.” That’s how it seemed, anyway. I knew Lucy had almost died, and I was so thankful she hadn’t, but Lachlan was hovering like a husband who was beside himself with worry.
“I think you need to stop thinking and just ask him. Be honest with him.”
“Honest with him.” My stomach erupted into butterflies at the thought. “Sure. Sounds easy enough.”
* * *
Security met me at the estate gates. For several days, the paparazzi had blocked the entrance with their cars, making it hard to get in and out. The extra security created a perimeter to allow estate staff through.
When the paps queried who I was, Jock informed them I was an estate housekeeper and that had shaken the bastards off my back. But I got a sudden inkling into what life as a famous person might be like, and it was disturbingly claustrophobic.
It was a relief to watch the gates swing closed behind me and the armed security take up position in front of it again. I worried for Lachlan. I didn’t know if members were demanding a return of fee payments, but I did know he was paying staff not to work as well as a shit ton of money for extra security.
I wanted him to talk to me.
He wouldn’t.
Following Mac’s advice, I didn’t lock myself in my bedroom that night as I had the past seven nights. The estate had mostly cleared out, and Lachlan furloughed a number of staff members while the situation remained uncertain. Mac wanted to move back into his cottage but realized, given what had happened to McHugh and Lucy, he and I were safer in the castle. Especially now there were more men and women on the grounds patrolling and manning the security room.
Lachlan was determined no one would get in or out without his team being aware of it this time. Mac told me he’d even demanded Thane, the kids, and Arrochar move onto the estate, but his siblings refused to be sequestered with the rest of us. They accepted the security guards Lachlan put on them, not just for protection against the killer but against the paparazzi who were hounding them too. However, that was as far as they were willing to change their lives during all this.
I stood outside Lachlan’s bedroom door, those butterflies back in my belly, and lifted my fist to knock. What was the worst that could happen?
He’d reject me.
As horrible as the thought was, I’d survive it.
I knocked.
The door swung open a few seconds later, and I could feel my skin turn hot at the sight of Lachlan. I’d missed him. Not just the sex (although I could’ve used some wild sex to dissolve some stress and tension this past week) but just being with him. I enjoyed making him laugh, the way he grinned at me with that boyish, wicked twinkle in his eyes that caused women all over the world to swoon in movie theaters. I missed lying in bed listening to him talk in his cultured Scottish brogue about his family, the tragedy, the joy, the strange but often wonderful life he’d led.
“Hey, Robyn.”
I started at the voice and glanced beyond Lachlan into the room.
Lucy was lying on Lachlan’s bed in a silk robe and nightgown, her impressive cleavage on display.
The intimate sight was a punch to the gut.
Feeling a little blindsided, it took me a minute to say hey back.
Lachlan moved away from the door and gestured for me to come in. He studied my face, but he didn’t speak.
I took only a few steps inside and turned my attention to Lucy who showed no traces of having been through hell. In fact, she looked as glamorous as always. Like a ’50s pinup, sprawled elegantly across Lachlan’s bed. That’s when I finally noted the TV was on. She had a tray of snacks on the bed in front of her.
They were hanging out. Watching a movie together.
Just like they’d been hanging out every second of every day since her attack.
I knew there was no reason to be jealous. This was Lucy. I was glad she had Lachlan to take care of her. And I suspected the brother she had actual feelings for was Thane.
But maybe that had changed.
Maybe, like I’d said to Mac, her attack prompted her and Lachlan to realize what they felt for each other was more than friendship.
“You okay?” She sat up a little straighter, her brows creased in concern. “You look a little tired, gorgeous.”
At her endearment, I felt stupidly emotional. Lucy deserved someone like Lachlan. Who was I to stand in the way? They had history. I was a casual fuck. “I’m fine. I just wanted to make sure you were too?”
“I’m good.” She grinned and gestured to the food in front of her. “I’m indulging. Do you want to hang out? There’s plenty. And we’re watching reruns of old British comedy shows.”
I forced a smile at her offer but no way did I want to be a third wheel in this scenario. “Thanks, but I think I’m going to get a workout in before bed.”
“Great, make me feel even more guilty,” she teased.
I was pretty sure my smile was more of a grimace, but I didn’t care. I just wanted out of there. Lachlan hadn’t said a word. Not a surprise. I’d barely gotten a word out of him all week.
It occurred to me that I might have imagined his tender looks. Was I just a warm body after all?
My sudden insecurities riled me.
How dare a man make me feel this way?
I refused to allow it.
He didn’t want me anymore. Fine! I didn’t need him.
“Have a
