Page 43 of To Wed a Witch
Sìne realized she couldn't hide anything from him.Bhaltair was so in tune with her needs it was strangely disturbing yet comforting at the same time.She sighed."Ada mentioned something yesterday.About the MacNeils, about why ye were supposed to meet with them."
"What about the MacNeils?"
"She said..."Sìne took a breath, feeling foolish even as she spoke."She said ye and Lady MacNeil have become friends.That she's been helping ye plan improvements to the Keep, offering advice on the design."
Understanding dawned in Bhaltair's dark eyes."Ye mean Lileas MacNeil?"
"Aye, the woman ye tried to kidnap before we were wed," Sìne replied quietly, finally voicing the fear that had been gnawing at her heart.
"Ah."Bhaltair moved to sit on the edge of the bed, his expression thoughtful."I wondered when that would come up."
"Ada says she's very clever.That she has a good head for inventing things.That the two of ye have exchanged many letters about the Keep's restoration and crops in the field."Each word felt like swallowing glass, but Sìne forced herself to continue."I can't help but wonder..."
"Wonder what, Sìne?"
"If ye regret not being able to marry her instead of me."The words came out in a rush, and Sìne immediately felt heat flood her cheeks."I ken 'tis foolish, but—"
"Sìne."Bhaltair's voice was gentle but firm."Look at me."
Reluctantly, she raised her eyes to meet his.
"Lileas MacNeil is a friend.Nothing more, nothing less."He reached out to cup her cheek tenderly."Aye, she's very sharp, and she's been generous with advice about the Keep.But I dinnae feel anything for her other than friendship.I dinnae feel the way I do about ye.Besides, she's also happily wed to a man who'd gut me like a fish if I so much as looked at her sideways."
Despite her worries, Sìne couldn't help but smile at that."Is he so fearsome?"
"Ewan MacNeil once fought off six men to protect her.He treats her like gold and worships the ground she walks on."Bhaltair's thumb brushed over her cheekbone."The way I worship ye."
"But she helped ye when things were at their worst.She was there when ye needed support—"
"She offered practical advice and friendship when I was desperate enough to accept help from anyone," Bhaltair interrupted."But she was never what I needed, Sìne.She was never ye."
The simple words calmed her."Bhaltair—"
He cut her off."When I first laid eyes on ye in yer father's hall, covered in mud and fury, defending yerself against a mob with nothing but courage...that's when I knew what I'd been missing all my life."He leaned down to press his forehead against hers."I fell in love with ye at that moment, Sìne.Because I saw strength, fire, purpose.A woman who'd fight the world to protect what is right, to protect those she loves."
Tears pricked Sìne's eyes."I love ye too, Bhaltair.So much it frightens me sometimes."
"Good," he replied fiercely."Because I love ye the exact same way.And nothing Sutherland does, nothing my clan believes, nothing in this world will change that."
"Perhaps, husband, ye could show me just how much ye love me, once we get ye out of these travel clothes..."Sìne gave him a sultry smile.
Bhaltair returned a wicked grin."Aye, wife.Perhaps I'll remove my travel clothes after I've stripped ye bare and had my way with ye!"He lunged for her then and made good on his word...repeatedly.
***
ONE WEEK LATER.
Urgent voices in the courtyard drew Sìne's attention to the window.A party of riders was approaching the Keep's gates, their banners snapping in the cold wind.
"The MacNeils," Bhaltair observed with surprise."What are they doing here?"
Sìne felt her stomach lurch."Perhaps they think ye've been bewitched and are here to free ye."
"'Tis more than likely Lady Lileas's curiosity has gotten the better of her."Bhaltair's expression grew thoughtful."Well, this should be interesting."
***
LADY LILEAS MACNEILwas not what Sìne had expected.
