Page 12 of Kilty Until Proven Innocent
“This is it,” she finally said, tugging him to a stop. “The tripwire was there.” She pointed to an empty spot in the corridor. “It ran up that wall, and the crossbow was tucked in there.”
He dropped her hand, leaving her holding the bolt, and stepped closer to examine the location in silence. The distant sounds of the palace—servants bustling,calls by the guards out in the courtyard—faded, as Drummond’s focus narrowed.
“It would’ve been dark,” he murmured, twisting his head to peer up into the niche above one of the sconces. “Difficult to see, assuming this torch wasnae lit. The shadows fromthere…” He twisted to peer along the corridor, checking the sightlines. “No’ impossible, no’ for someone trained to look for danger; but the average person just walking along?”
Cursing quietly, he shook his head and stepped back, peering down at the floor. “This is where the line was attached?” Dropping into a crouch, he studied the wall. “There would’ve needed to be a hook or eye or something to turn the direction of the force upward, along the wall.” He tipped his head back, staring up at the niche. “I dinnae see how such a thing would work, otherwise.”
Suddenly, Brigit was beside him, falling to her knees on the stones. “I believe the evidence was all collected shortly after the attack.”
He was in no hurry to stand, to leave her. Crouched here with her in the dim afternoon light, he felt a sort of companionship. As if they were working together on a mission.
Nay! Ye ken ye’ve always refused to work with another woman!
But Brigit made his heart lighter…
“I’m glad,” he finally said. “But it’d be helpful to ken how far off the ground the tripwire had been. I dinnae see any evidence of anchors, but even that information…”
She bit her lip, studying the mortar between the stones. One hand reached out in hesitation and tapped the wall about six inches off the ground.
“Christ’s ballocks,” he groaned, rocking back on his heels. “That high? ‘Twas a guaranteed trigger, then, and the bastard got lucky ‘twas the King who tripped it.Anyonecoming along could have stepped on it.”
“Which means ‘twas set up shortly before he passed by.”
“Whichmeans‘twas someone who kenned his schedule,” Drummond growled, scrubbing his hand over his face. “Thankfookhe was pushed out of the way and nae one else tripped the bloody thing. Who was it who saved him?”
She hesitated, watching him with that uncertain expression again. “A—one of the Queen’s ladies. She was passing along the corridor on her way to the chapel, is what I heard.”
“Aye, I heard similar gossip.” He sighed, then scooped up her hand in his. “Well, I suppose we all have a reason to pray tonight, to thank God for sending her along. If she hadnae noticed the trap, or if she hadtriggeredthe trap, we’d be in mourning right now.”
Slowly, her fingers twined through his again. “Aye,” she finally said. “Is there aught else ye’d find helpful to see?”
Drummond stood and used his hold on her to tug her to her feet as well. She stumbled slightly, and he instinctively wrapped one arm around her waist, pulling her safely against him.
Brigit fit against his chest as if she belonged there. The hand holding the bolt was trapped between them, but she’d angled it last minute so neither of them would be hurt. Now she tipped her head back to present him with those plump lips and that freckled nose.
His chest tightened.
“Thank ye, lass,” he managed, even as she pressed closer, rising on her toes. “This was helpful.”
“I can be more helpful,” she whispered, inching closer.
“Aye, I ken it.” Unconsciously, his lips lowered toward hers. “But I think allowing ye tohelpin that manner will only distract me. Mayhap ‘tis yer intention?”
When she smiled, he had a flash of the real Brigit, the one he’d fallen for all those months ago. The lass she was when she came to his bed.
“Ye dinnae sound as if ye’re fighting my offer too hard, Drum,” she breathed.
“Ye ken it,” he growled a moment before his lips claimed hers.
Brigit had always been an enthusiastic lover, and this kiss was no different. But today, after the uncertainties of the last sennight, having her in his arms felt more important, somehow.
She met him head-on, her fingers working free of his so she could clutch at his belt, pulling him closer and rocking her hips forward, cradling him…right where he wanted to be cradled. Drum didn’t bother stopping his little groan of need as his cock jumped.
Her lips curled under his, and he stepped forward, forcing her back against the stones. She didn’t object,but pulled her hand from between them so she could reach up and wrap her fingers through the too-long hair at his nape as her teeth caught his lower lip.
Aye, he wanted to growl, but she’d stolen his breath.
He wanted this. Heneededthis.
