Page 48 of The Wrong Bride
Glancing up, she saw Dermot leave one of the workshops and stride with purpose toward the upper courtyard. She hurried to catch up with him.
HUGHresisted the need to turn around and watch Riona. He’d certainly seen more of her last night, and he was trying not to let the memory intrude onthe day’s work, but it was difficult. Their argument had been stimulating in more ways than one, and now he could barely remember what they’d been arguing about, since images of her drenched in his bath, her clothing translucent, her nipples hard, would override every other thought in his head—if he allowed it. And he must not. He had to pretend to be a new bridegroom, putting aside the nights with his wife until they’d retired. Every night of their journey to marriage, he learned more about her, grew a little closer, touched a little more. Soon, she wouldn’t be able to resist him.
Hugh found Samuel in the armory, inspecting the castle’s supply of weapons. An increase in arms was one of the things Hugh had planned when he received the dowry. He’d been waiting to hear from the earl, but nothing had come yet of his first move to negotiate. He was confident that word would come eventually. The earl wouldn’t want it known he’d backed out on a signed marriage contract.
Samuel finished talking to the armorer and stepped out into the sun. “Ye needed me, Hugh?”
“Walk with me.” When he was certain no one overheard them, he said coolly, “Why did ye not tell me the lass left the castle yesterday?”
Samuel continued to walk with his hands behind his back, his expression rueful but not terribly concerned. Hugh didn’t know whether to be irritated or amused.
“So the lass confessed?” Samuel asked.
“Nay, not at first. But ye put yourself in a bad light, Samuel. Ye’ve been with me all these years, and people here don’t know ye. When ye were seen talking to my lady by the loch, rumors spread and Alasdair heard them.”
“So ye confronted her, did ye?”
“Of course I did. And she admitted the truth readily rather than see ye suffer for her mistakes. I’m not sure how ye’ve befriended her when ye helped me kidnap her.”
Samuel shrugged. “’Tis easy for her to absolve me—I’m only one of your men, following your orders. And she and I did nothing improper down by the loch. We talked for but a few minutes, then I returned her to the castle. Of course people are talking about her—she’s not yet your wife, though it looks like ’tis a trial marriage ye’re after, since she’s installed in your rooms.”
“Are ye commenting on my private business, Samuel?” Hugh asked, wearing a frown.
“Course not. Ye have my loyalty—ye ken ye always have. But I’ve been a part of this private business from the moment I drove your coach beneath her balcony and helped ye steal her away. Ye had your reasons, and I’m not arguing with ye. But I sympathize with the lass’s fear and frustration, and so I thought ’twas no harm done to keep secret that she’d made a mistake. Now she understandsthat she’s being watched all the time. She had to test that—wouldn’t ye in her place?”
“Whatever I might do matters naught. I need your word ye’ll tell me what she’s up to from now on. I’m protecting her, too, can ye not see that?”
“Aye,” Samuel said slowly. “I do—now,” he added.
Hugh rolled his eyes. “Ye’ll accompany me to the village in an hour’s time. See to three horses and provisions for an afternoon ride.”
“Aye, sir,” Samuel said, before walking away.
Damn the man for the smile he barely bothered to hide.
As Hugh entered the upper courtyard, he was surprised to see Riona talking alone with Dermot, but he didn’t interrupt them. She was already upset enough with having guards watch over her—she didn’t need to think he was following her.
But he was curious. Perhaps she was finally attempting to get to know people, to become a part of life at Larig Castle.
A quarter hour later, when Riona entered the great hall, Hugh called her over to the hearth. “I’ve sent Mary up to your chambers to find your cloak and sturdier boots.”
“It’s not raining,” she said with confusion.
“But it might, and we’ll be gone for the day.”
That perked up her interest. “Where are we going?”
“Into the village—if ye can promise to be good.”
“Oh, I can be good. I’d enjoy getting out of here for a day.”
“Without having to sneak off?”
She only lifted her chin rather than respond.
“Sula is the nearest village of the many that are part of Clan McCallum,” he continued.
“Will I get to see more?”
