Page 16 of Kilty By Association
Her lips formed a little “oh” of surprise, but no sound emerged. She was watching him from under lowered lids, and he liked that he’d surprisedherfor a change.
“Second of all, Elspeth, I said nay to ye that night because I was on a mission. As a Hunter.”
Now her brows rose, and that combined with the surprise on her lips made her look positively adorable. He found himself grinning, despite his attempts to stay serious. “Andfourthly—wait, what number was I on?” He waved a hand. “It doesnae matter. I was going to apologize toye. For kissing ye without yer permission.”
“’Twas for a mission?” she breathed, eyes twinkling. “That’s what ye meant when ye said ‘twas a matter of national security?”
Chuckling, he realized there was no reason not to explain the whole thing to her. “Aye. I’d spent a fortnight spreading the word that I was a cutthroat, looking to be hired by Barthold the Bald. We—the Hunters, no’ me, I couldnae come up with a plan to save my life—had a plan in place to trap him.”
“So ye were pretending to be like him, in order to trap him!” Her grin grew, and to his surprise, she leaned sideways in her saddle to smack his arm. He hadn’t realized they were riding so close. “Ikennedit! Ikennedye didnae admire the man!”
Craig made a show of rubbing his arm, which drew a chuckle from her.
“I couldnae have agreed to yer terms, Elspeth, even if I was for hire, truly. I swore an oath to the King.”
“Aye, I ken thatnow. Imagine my surprise to see ye with the other Hunter.”
He snorted. “Imagine my surprise learning whoyewere.”
She sent him a rueful smile, which soon faded into excitement. “Yer mission was a success? Ye caught Barthold?”
Wincing, Craig shook his head. “Someone else did. The morning I was assigned to yer son, the bastard was found dead. The whole mess is Drummond’s problem now—he’s in charge of the Hunters and is far smarter than I am.”
She was studying him, and now shrugged. “I dinnae ken about that. But I’m glad ye were available to be assigned to Robbie. I trust ye’ll protect him. I trusted ye that night, although I had nae reason to. I was right.”
“Again, I am sorry—”
“Dinnae apologize for kissing me, Craig. I dinnae regret it.” Her warm gaze turned wicked once more. “And I was doing it for national security, remember.”
He chuckled. “A pair of the palace guards came in, and they’d definitely recognize me. All I could think was that if they hailed me, then all of my work to ingratiate myself with the criminal scum would be for naught, so I panicked.”
This time, she leaned sideways and patted his arm. Actuallypattedit, as if he was one of her children, or a pet which had performed a trick. And while he should be appalled, instead, a warmth rather likeprideclimbed up his limb.
He was glad the others were far enough away not to notice.
“I think ‘twas a fine plan, Craig. It meant ye werenae recognized, even if ‘twas for naught later. Have faith in yerself.”
‘Twas what Drum had told him.
Craig felt himself sitting a little higher, grinning a little broader.
“And it all worked out, aye?” Elspeth was saying. “That is, assuming ye dinnae mind being with us, guarding Robbie. I ken Sinclair land is remote—”
“I dinnae mind,” he was quick to assure her. “I grew up there. The Oliphants and Sinclairs are neighbors, and I love the land. And yer bairns are good company.”
She laughed then, without a trace of self-consciousness, and he found himself grinning along.
“Ye dinnae ken them. They can be handfuls.”
He shrugged. “I look forward to kenning them.”
“Ye do?” Elspeth was peering at him, obviously surprised, laughter missing from her expression now.
“Aye, of course. Robbie is a good lad—I spent some time this morning talking with him. I noticed he was flagging, but couldnae figure out how to suggest he go rest. Yer move was brilliant.”
Now her chuckle returned, although it seemed less exuberant. “The privileges of parenthood, I suppose.” Then she sighed, suddenly looking pensive. “Heisa good lad. I just hope I can raise him to be a good Earl of Dungotit. He learned much while at court, but there is no replacement for being with his people.”
“That is why we are returning now?”
