Page 53 of The Trials of Neilina MacKai
She shrugged and nibbled at her husband’s jaw.“So, speak.Then go away.You are not wanted here.”
A gasp sounded at her words.
“I’m sorry,” Eibhlin said.“I’ve brought your ale.”
Beyond her, nearer the fire, Raeb sat on an empty bench.“Please fetch another tankard.”
Seona scowled at him.“My maid is busy.Go get your own tankard, brother.”
“Nay, my lady, ’twill take but a moment to fetch ale for Laird MacKai,” Eibhlin said helpfully before she dashed off.
Seona clenched her teeth.
I need to teach that young woman something about discretion and understanding nuance.
Raeb grinned, and Rhuad frowned.
Seona sat back, breaking the embrace shared with her husband.
“What do you need to say to us, brother?”She spoke harshly with the intent to convey she was not happy with Raeb’s intrusion.
“I need say nothing to you, sister.I wish a private moment with Lord MacFearann.”
It wasn’t like Raeb to be so formal.Only when he was angry did he use formality to try to rein in his temper....
Oh dear.He doesn’t understand.
“Brother, you cannot be upset that we wish to make our vows permanent.”She shook her index finger at him.
His brows rose.“Do you?”He looked not at Seona but Rhuad.
“Ah...uhm...”
Why does he hesitate?Did I misunderstand his kiss?Doesn’t he know I’d not invite him to my bed were we not to become truly husband and wife?
“That is, I would like nothing more.”
“Truly?”Raeb lowered one brow and leaned forward.
“Here, Lord MacKai.”Eibhlin had returned and thrust a tankard before Raeb’s face.
“Thank you Eiblin,” Seona said.“You may go about your other duties, now.”
The maid studied their faces.“Ahm, I could stay if...”
A blind man would have felt the tension between Seona, Rhuad, and Raeb.
“You are dismissed, Eibhlin.”
“Yes, my lady.I’ll be in your chamber if you need me.”She curtsied and left.
“You’ve frightened my maid, brother.”
“Pah.You need a more stalwart maid then.”
“I’ll not have you insult my servants, MacKai,” Rhuad growled.
“I am not a frightening man.”
