“It is a possibility.”
“Then what if I give him what he wants? Give him Brenna to wed,” Ryland said as if it was easily solved.
“I don’t think that would solve the problem.” She shrugged. “But you never know. However, there is more we need to consider.”
She shared all her thoughts with him and when she finished, his first words were, “Bloody hell, I’m truly hated.”
“Torrance not you, huge distinction, which is why you must let everyone know who you are before it is too late.”
“Not until I can prove who I am and make sure I take rightful ownership of Clan Glencairn. I’ll not chance someone getting what rightfully belongs to me and making right what was done to Clan Purdom and whatever sacrifice my mother made separating Torrance and me, and my sister wherever she may be.”
“Then finding the proof takes priority over everything,” Esme insisted.
“Aye, now that I have the keep and village secure, though I’m going to reach out to clans that have been loyal to Torrance for years—and hopefully they still are—to send some troops for added protection, then we can continue our search. Hopefully, Verna is still alive, and she knows who the woman is who delivered the twins.”
“I was thinking,” Esme said and gasped lightly when Ryland’s hand found its way under her garments and slowly up her leg.
He grinned. “I was thinking as well.”
“When I finish,” she said, swatting at his hand.
“You better hurry. I can’t help myself. You are just too irresistible.” He nuzzled her neck with a playful growl.
His teasing sent gooseflesh rushing over her as well as igniting her passion.
She spoke as fast as she could. “If Verna was so loyal to your mum to leave her life behind at Purdom and go with her to Clan Glencairn, then?—”
Ryland raised his head. “Then she no doubt was present for my birth.”
“I would think so.”
“We’ll find out tomorrow if she’s still with the clan,” Ryland said and stood bringing Esme to her feet. “Now off with your garments,” he ordered as he striped his off. “I intend to please the woman I love more than once tonight.”
Esme smiled as she hastily shed her garments. “That is a promise I intend to see you keep.”
The night sentinelswere finishing the morning meal, some having already left eager to get some sleep. Brenna had been summoned to tend one of the warriors who had suffered an injury to his ankle and Brack sat at the table on the dais discussing the day’s duties with Ryland.
Ryland decided to test what Esme had confided in him about Brack and Brenna.
“Brenna.”
His shout startled everyone at the dais and had Brenna dropping the cloth in her hand.
She stooped, picked it up, and before standing straight, he caught the way her eyes darted quickly and briefly to Brack and how his eyes held hers for a mere moment and his body stiffened.
“How may I help you, my lord?” Brenna said with a slight quiver in her voice.
Ryland tapped the side of his head. “I was thinking. You are a good healer. I am pleased with your work.” He saw Brenna’s shoulders lose their tension and Brack reached for his tankard asif needing a drink. “It is time I reward you. I have decided to find you a husband.”
The ale spewed from Brack’s mouth, and he coughed so badly that Brenna hurried to his side.
Esme jabbed Ryland in the side and turned a stern look on him.
He leaned down to whisper. “A little fun.”
“Little,” she repeated and jabbed him in the side again.
“I’m… all right. Don’t… fuss,” Brack said, brushing Brenna away while he continued to cough until he was finally able to speak without gasping for a breath. “It went down the wrong way. I have no need for your help. Be gone with you,” he ordered when she hadn’t left his side.