Page 78 of The Winter Laird

“I believe my wife has had enough of your dancing,” Nioclas replied, unruffled, as he held out his hand to Brianagh.

She took it without thinking. “I think I’ve had enough dancing in general,” she said. “I need a drink!”

“Then a drink you shall have,” Nioclas replied, his own smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “Come, my lady, and let us get you some wine.”

“Wine makes me hot.”

He pulled her close so he could whisper in her ear. “I believe I have something in the cellars that may cool you…or make you burn even more. I’ll leave the decision to you.”

Brianagh stared at him, open-mouthed. Just when she convinced herself to stop with all the feelings, he whispered things to her. Things that no one could hear, for her ears only.

She didn’t understand what he was doing, and just like that, she was twisted up again.

“But,” Nioclas continued slowly, unaware of her inner turmoil, “not until later, perhaps. For now, you should sit, and I’ll ensure you have refreshment brought over.” He thoughtfully rolled his lip between his thumb and forefinger.

“O-okay,” she stuttered, distracted by what his thumb was doing to his lip. Back, forth, back, forth, back—

“Brianagh,” Nioclas said, dipping his head to capture her eyes with his. “Go. Sit.”

“Oh! Right.” She gave her head a little shake, and while walking back to the high table, she realized he’d done the lip thing on purpose and found herself cursing him again. If he was playing the game for his clansmen, he was winning at it.

Bri wasn’t competitive by nature, but she didn’t like to lose. And, being as though she certainly wasn’t on the winning team at the moment…

She cast a glance over her shoulder and caught the smoldering look Nioclas was casting her. She bit her lip seductively, winked at him, then basked in his surprise.

Two were supposed to play at this game.

* * *

Brianagh dragged herself upstairs,congratulating herself on a night well done. Keela had the time of her life, and even her mother, who sat and watched from the side, had herself a good time. Although Aiofe couldn’t dance, Kane MacWilliam paid much attention to her. He flirted with the old woman, made her laugh, and fetched her drinks as though she were a queen.

Impressive. Kane was observant enough of Keela to notice her life revolved around her mother, and that earned bonus points in Bri’s book. And it was a clever move. By paying attention to her mother, he was guaranteed Keela’s attention without having to fight for it. Double points for him.

Bri latched the door shut, then turned—and nearly jumped out of her skin when she saw Nioclas sitting by the hearth.

“That was a very long night,” he said by way of greeting.

She let out a breath, then smiled proudly. “It was, wasn’t it? In the very best way, though. I think Kane will be wonderful for Keela.”

“He is one of my most loyal guardsmen,” Nioclas agreed, “and he is one of our best warriors. It will make it easier for them, as they both live on castle grounds now.”

Bri wrinkled her forehead. “I didn’t think of where they’re going to live.”

Nioclas laughed. “Brianagh, must you be the one to figure it all out?”

She shrugged and joined him in front of the fire. “Usually, yes.”

“Not this time,” Nioclas promised. “As it’s my castle, I’ll find a place for Keela and her husband, whoever he turns out to be. After reading those”—he pointed to the sheaves of parchment by the alcove—“I am more inclined to lean toward your matching all my men!”

“Why do you say that?” Bri asked, not bothering to fight her smile.

“Donovan said something quite interesting tonight while we were listening to that poor soul attempt to sing.”

Bri winced in memory. “He was terrible, wasn’t he? I felt so badly for him. He wanted to make such a good impression on you.”

“He should have started with the lute,” Nioclas said, rubbing his ear absently.

“And stayed with it,” Bri laughed.

---